Genesis 18:21 kjv

I will go down now, and see whether they have done altogether according to the cry of it, which is come unto me; and if not, I will know.

Genesis 18:21 nkjv

I will go down now and see whether they have done altogether according to the outcry against it that has come to Me; and if not, I will know."

Genesis 18:21 niv

that I will go down and see if what they have done is as bad as the outcry that has reached me. If not, I will know."

Genesis 18:21 esv

I will go down to see whether they have done altogether according to the outcry that has come to me. And if not, I will know."

Genesis 18:21 nlt

I am going down to see if their actions are as wicked as I have heard. If not, I want to know."

Genesis 18 verses

Genesis 18 21 Meaning

Genesis 18:21 conveys the Lord's determination to personally ascertain the extent of the grievous sin in Sodom and Gomorrah before enacting judgment. The "cry" mentioned is the loud appeal of those oppressed or the very magnitude of the cities' wickedness reaching God's ears. God declares His intention to "go down" and "see" the reality of their actions, confirming if their depravity merits "altogether" complete destruction or ultimate punishment. The phrase "I will know" does not imply a lack of omniscience on God's part, but rather a perfect, certain, and demonstrable understanding for a just and publicly verified judgment. It highlights God's thoroughness and righteousness in dealing with evil.

Genesis 18 21 Context

Genesis chapter 18 details a significant encounter between the Lord, accompanied by two angels, and Abraham. This visit occurs immediately after Abraham has received the covenant of circumcision and has been promised a son through Sarah (Gen 17). The purpose of the divine visit in chapter 18 is twofold: to reaffirm the promise of Isaac's birth (Gen 18:9-15) and to disclose the impending judgment on Sodom and Gomorrah due to their grave wickedness (Gen 18:16-21). Verse 21, specifically, acts as the climax of God's revelation concerning Sodom before Abraham begins his intercessory prayer for the cities in the subsequent verses. Historically and culturally, the narrative contrasts with pagan views of arbitrary gods; here, Yahweh's justice is shown to be meticulous, based on comprehensive knowledge and direct verification, even if expressed in anthropomorphic terms for human understanding. The "cry" represents the accumulation of injustice and abominable practices, calling out for divine intervention in a period where justice systems were often corrupt or non-existent for the common person.

Genesis 18 21 Word analysis

• I will go down (וְאֵרְדָה־נָּא - və'eredah-na): The verb "go down" (יָרַד - yarad) is anthropomorphic language, portraying God taking personal, active steps. It indicates God's physical manifestation or concentrated divine presence for a specific purpose. It emphasizes divine attention and action. It also signifies the act of judgment coming upon something, from a higher (heavenly) place to a lower (earthly) one. The particle na adds emphasis, conveying urgency or resolution.
• now (na): This particle (נָּא) isn't explicitly a temporal "now" in the sense of time passing, but rather an intensifier or a plea. Here, it conveys an immediate resolution or a solemn declaration of intent for divine action, emphasizing the certainty and firmness of the resolve.
• and see (וְאֶרְאֶה - və'ereh): From the Hebrew verb רָאָה (ra'ah), "to see, behold, perceive." This also uses anthropomorphic language. It's not about God gaining information (as He is omniscient), but about establishing the facts clearly and demonstrating His justice. It's a judicial or investigative process for humanity's benefit, assuring a righteous verdict. It implies direct observation and thorough verification.
• whether (הַ - ha, the interrogative prefix): Introduces a question or an investigation. God is essentially stating He will investigate to confirm if the reported outcry corresponds to the actual situation.
• they have done (עָשׂוּ - asu): Refers to the inhabitants of Sodom and Gomorrah. The verb עָשָׂה (asah), "to do, make," signifies their active and consistent perpetration of evil.
• altogether (כָּלָה - kalah): This crucial word means "completeness," "termination," or "fullness." It implies that the measure of their sin is full, ripe for judgment, or that their deeds entirely correspond to the outcry for destruction. It can also refer to utter consumption or annihilation. This highlights the severity and pervasive nature of the cities' wickedness, reaching a tipping point where ultimate judgment is justified.
• according to the cry of it (הַכְּצַעֲקָתָהּ - hakke'tsa'akatah): The "cry" (צַעֲקָה - tsa'aqah) refers to a shout of distress, outcry, or clamor. It's a vivid depiction of accumulated suffering, injustice, or gross iniquity that demands divine attention and retribution. It is the evidence of moral degradation. The preposition "according to" means it matches the severity and truth of the complaint.
• which is come unto me (הַבָּאָה אֵלַי - habba'ah elai): Indicates that the "cry" or report has reached God directly. This personification implies God's personal attention and awareness of the severity of the situation. It underscores the divine concern for justice.
• and if not (וְאִם־לֹא - və'im-lo): Introduces a conditional clause. It states that if the severity of the reported evil does not entirely align with the cry, then another outcome would occur. This clause highlights God's fairness and precision, demonstrating that His judgment is never arbitrary.
• I will know (אֵדָעָה - eda'ah): From יָדַע (yada'), "to know, perceive, understand." Again, God's omniscience means He already knows everything. Here, "I will know" emphasizes a judicial or public confirmation of the facts. It is about God demonstrating His full and verifiable understanding of the situation to mankind, showing His judgment is based on established truth, not mere report or speculation. It seals the divine certainty.

Words-group analysis:

• "I will go down now, and see": This phrase highlights divine engagement. It emphasizes God's direct, personal, and decisive involvement in human affairs, specifically concerning sin and judgment. It portrays an investigative or judicial aspect of God, ensuring fairness and full understanding from a human perspective.
• "whether they have done altogether according to the cry of it": This links human action (sin) to its consequences ("cry") and to divine justice ("altogether"). It stresses that God's actions are not random, but proportionate to the established transgression. The "cry" is the accumulated testimony against their wickedness.
• "and if not, I will know": This crucial qualifying statement emphasizes God's absolute justice and mercy. It underlines that His judgment will be perfectly aligned with the facts. It is a guarantee of divine accuracy, showing that any lesser degree of sin would result in a different divine response, validating the future destruction if it comes.

Genesis 18 21 Bonus section

• The "descent" motif of God in Genesis often prefaces significant divine action, either for judgment (Babel, Sodom) or for deliverance (Egypt). This establishes a consistent pattern of God's direct engagement with humanity.
• The anthropomorphic language bridges the gap between divine infinitude and human finitude, allowing humans to comprehend God's attributes and actions in relatable terms without diminishing His omnipotence or omniscience. It communicates divine earnestness.
• This verse undergirds the concept of the "Book of Remembrance" (Mal 3:16) or the "books" from which people are judged (Rev 20:12) – everything is known and recorded, and God acts based on that perfect knowledge.
• The concept of a sin's "cry" highlights that sin is not just an internal state but has real-world effects, causing suffering and a moral outcry that attracts divine attention. It's a cosmic alarm signal.

Genesis 18 21 Commentary

Genesis 18:21 is a powerful demonstration of God's character as the righteous judge of all the earth. The seemingly anthropomorphic language of "going down" and "seeing" should not be misinterpreted as God needing to gather information. Rather, it serves a profound theological purpose: to reveal to Abraham, and to us, that divine judgment is always just, meticulously verified, and utterly certain. The "cry" ascending to God is a potent metaphor for pervasive iniquity—be it injustice, sexual depravity, or spiritual rebellion—that so offends divine holiness that it demands intervention. The phrase "altogether" speaks to the overwhelming measure of their sin, signaling that the cities had crossed a definitive threshold into utter depravity, meriting a final, destructive response. God's declaration "I will know" confirms the indisputable truth of the verdict, leaving no room for question about His righteousness. This verse thus lays the foundation for Abraham's intercession by showing that God operates not on impulse, but on a perfectly informed and righteous basis, ensuring that His mercy (as sought by Abraham) is applied justly and His judgment (as seen in Sodom) is enacted with unwavering truth.