Genesis 18:23 kjv

And Abraham drew near, and said, Wilt thou also destroy the righteous with the wicked?

Genesis 18:23 nkjv

And Abraham came near and said, "Would You also destroy the righteous with the wicked?

Genesis 18:23 niv

Then Abraham approached him and said: "Will you sweep away the righteous with the wicked?

Genesis 18:23 esv

Then Abraham drew near and said, "Will you indeed sweep away the righteous with the wicked?

Genesis 18:23 nlt

Abraham approached him and said, "Will you sweep away both the righteous and the wicked?

Genesis 18 verses

Genesis 18 23 Meaning

Genesis 18:23 marks the beginning of Abraham's bold intercessory prayer for Sodom, a dialogue initiated by God's revelation of His intent to judge the wicked cities. Abraham draws near to the Lord, respectfully but firmly questioning the fundamental justice of destroying the righteous along with the wicked. This verse highlights Abraham's intimate relationship with God, his role as an advocate, and his foundational belief in the Lord's unwavering righteousness. He presents a hypothetical but deeply theological challenge, appealing to God's inherent nature of justice to distinguish between the innocent and the guilty in judgment.

Genesis 18 23 Context

This verse is part of a pivotal narrative section where the Lord, accompanied by two angels, visits Abraham near the oaks of Mamre. Following their gracious hospitality, the Lord reveals His plan to Sarah concerning a son (Isaac) and then proceeds to share His purpose concerning the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah due to their great wickedness. This revelation (Gen 18:20-21) provides the immediate backdrop for Abraham's intercession. The phrase "drew near" marks a profound shift from a host-guest interaction to an intimate and urgent plea, initiated by Abraham after God chooses to disclose His intentions, treating Abraham as a trusted confidant (Gen 18:17). Historically and culturally, divine judgment was a common motif in the ancient Near East, but Abraham's God is depicted not as an arbitrary deity, but one who reveals His counsel, is approachable, and whose justice is a moral absolute. This narrative indirectly contrasts with pagan deities who often destroyed indiscriminately; here, Yahweh engages in dialogue and is called upon to uphold His just character.

Genesis 18 23 Word Analysis

• And Abraham (וְאַבְרָהָם - ve'Avraham): Signifies the primary human participant in this profound dialogue. As the covenant recipient and "friend of God" (Isa 41:8, Jas 2:23), Abraham is uniquely positioned to engage in such bold intercession, reflecting a special intimacy and privilege.

• drew near (וַיִּגַּשׁ - va'yiGaSH): From the Hebrew verb nagash (נָגַשׁ), meaning "to approach," often with a specific purpose or in a significant manner. It's used in contexts of warfare (approaching battle), legal proceedings (approaching a judge), worship (approaching the altar), or urgent appeal (Gen 44:18, where Judah "drew near" to Joseph). This suggests Abraham's action was deliberate, respectful yet urgent, assuming the posture of an advocate or petitioner.

• and said (וַיֹּאמֶר - va'yoMeR): Standard Hebrew verb indicating the beginning of speech.

• Wilt thou also (הַאַף - ha'af): This phrase conveys a strong rhetorical question, implying astonishment, indignation, or disbelief at such a prospect.

  • ha- (הַ): The interrogative prefix, introducing a direct question.
  • af (אַף): "Even," "also," or "indeed." It emphasizes the unexpected or morally contradictory nature of the suggested action (destroying the righteous). It carries a sense of "can it be true that you would even do this?"

• destroy (תִּסְפֶּה - tiSFeh): From the verb sapha (סָפָה), meaning "to sweep away," "to consume," "to gather in," or "to finish." It implies comprehensive destruction, leaving no remnant. Here, it signifies the act of divine judgment leading to total annihilation.

• the righteous (צַדִּיק - tzaDDiQ): The singular noun, implying "a righteous person" but functioning here as a collective or a representative instance. From tzedek (צֶדֶק), meaning justice or righteousness. A tzaddiq is one who is morally upright, in right standing with God, living according to His standards, embodying truth and equity (Ps 1:6, Ps 5:12).

• with the wicked? (עִם־רָשָׁע - im-raSha'):

  • im (עִם): "With," denoting association or conjunction.
  • rasha (רָשָׁע): "Wicked," "guilty," "unrighteous." This term describes one who is lawless, violates divine norms, and whose conduct is characterized by evil and rebellion against God (Ps 7:9, Prov 10:27). The direct contrast with tzaddiq highlights the core dilemma Abraham poses.

• Words-group Analysis:

  • "And Abraham drew near, and said": This sequence shows Abraham's shift from receptive listener to active intercessor. His "drawing near" signals the unique, privileged access he had to the Lord, born out of covenant and trust, allowing for direct and intimate address even on profound matters of justice.
  • "Wilt thou also destroy the righteous with the wicked?": This is the heart of Abraham's initial protest. It articulates a fundamental question of divine justice: whether God's judgment would be undifferentiated. Abraham posits that God's very nature (as the "Judge of all the earth" in Gen 18:25) necessitates discrimination and equity in judgment, ensuring that the righteous are not caught in the condemnation meant for the guilty.

Genesis 18 23 Bonus section

The profound interaction between God and Abraham in this passage, starting with verse 23, implicitly establishes the biblical concept of tsedaqah (righteousness/justice) as an intrinsic attribute of God that dictates His actions, especially in judgment. It also foreshadows later divine acts where the righteous are indeed separated from the wicked, such as the deliverance of Noah, Lot himself (who is specifically called "righteous Lot" in 2 Pet 2:7), and the distinction made at the Exodus through the Passover. Furthermore, this narrative offers insight into the character of a true intercessor: one who understands God's character, has the boldness to plead, and has compassion for humanity. The Lord, being omniscient, does not "learn" from Abraham's questions but uses this dialogue to affirm His own justice and to teach Abraham (and through him, us) more deeply about His perfect attributes and willingness to respond to prayer.

Genesis 18 23 Commentary

Genesis 18:23 marks a crucial turning point where Abraham moves from hospitality to fervent intercession, setting the stage for a unique theological dialogue. His "drawing near" signifies a posture of bold yet respectful pleading, reflective of his deep faith and unique relationship with God as a friend and prophet. Abraham doesn't accuse God, but rather challenges the perceived inconsistency of indiscriminate destruction with God's inherent nature of righteousness. His question, "Wilt Thou also destroy the righteous with the wicked?", is a profound appeal to divine character, underscoring the biblical principle that God distinguishes between the two. This passage is foundational for understanding God's justice, which is not arbitrary but ethically precise, separating the blameless from the guilty. It demonstrates God's willingness to engage in dialogue, listen to human pleas, and confirm His righteous ways. This divine-human exchange highlights the power of intercessory prayer and God's patience even in the face of widespread sin. Abraham's query is also a testament to his valuing of human life and his ethical sensitivity, which aligns with God's own justice.