Genesis 18:27 kjv

And Abraham answered and said, Behold now, I have taken upon me to speak unto the LORD, which am but dust and ashes:

Genesis 18:27 nkjv

Then Abraham answered and said, "Indeed now, I who am but dust and ashes have taken it upon myself to speak to the Lord:

Genesis 18:27 niv

Then Abraham spoke up again: "Now that I have been so bold as to speak to the Lord, though I am nothing but dust and ashes,

Genesis 18:27 esv

Abraham answered and said, "Behold, I have undertaken to speak to the Lord, I who am but dust and ashes.

Genesis 18:27 nlt

Then Abraham spoke again. "Since I have begun, let me speak further to my Lord, even though I am but dust and ashes.

Genesis 18 verses

Genesis 18 27 Meaning

Genesis 18:27 records Abraham's humble yet courageous address to God during his intercession for Sodom. He acknowledges his own utter insignificance and mortality ("dust and ashes") in comparison to the majestic Lord, before daring to speak further on behalf of others. This declaration of unworthiness undergirds his bold and persistent plea for divine mercy and justice, revealing a deep reverence alongside intimate relational access.

Genesis 18 27 Context

Genesis chapter 18 details a significant divine visitation to Abraham, where the Lord, accompanied by two angels, appears to him in the form of men at the Oaks of Mamre. After the promise of Isaac's birth, the Lord discloses His intention to destroy Sodom and Gomorrah due to their great wickedness. This revelation leads to Abraham's remarkable intercession. Verse 27 is a pivotal moment within this dialogue, expressing Abraham's deep sense of personal inadequacy and humility ("dust and ashes") even as he bravely ventures to negotiate with the Almighty. He stands as a prime example of a prophet-intercessor, appealing to God's justice and mercy for the sake of the potentially righteous within the wicked cities. His "bargaining" with God reveals both Abraham's intimacy with God and his deep understanding of God's righteous character, contrasting with human hubris or a presumptuous approach to the Divine.

Genesis 18 27 Word analysis

• And Abraham answered and said: This phrase introduces Abraham's verbal response, highlighting that his subsequent words are not an uninvited outburst but a deliberate answer, framed within the divine conversation initiated by God revealing His purpose for Sodom.
• Behold now: Transliteration from Hebrew: hinneh-na. Hinneh is an emphatic particle meaning "behold," "look," or "indeed," drawing immediate attention. Na is a particle of entreaty or request, often translated as "please." Together, they convey a respectful yet urgent plea, akin to "Please, consider now" or "Look, I pray thee." It signifies Abraham's desire for permission and gracious hearing, acknowledging God's right to silence him.
• I have taken upon me to speak: Transliteration from Hebrew: ho'ilti ledabber. The verb ho'il (from ya'al) can mean "to consent," "to be pleased," "to be willing," or "to dare." Here, it expresses Abraham's bold initiative and ventured willingness, despite his sense of unworthiness, to continue a difficult conversation with God. It implies an acknowledgement that such speech is a great privilege and even a presumptuous act if not allowed by God.
• unto the Lord: Transliteration from Hebrew: el Adonai. Adonai is one of the most common titles for God in the Old Testament, meaning "my Lord" or "my Master." It emphasizes God's sovereign authority and Abraham's submissive reverence. This direct address underscores the profound personal nature of the dialogue and Abraham's deep relationship with God, allowing for such daring yet humble discourse.
• which am but dust and ashes: Transliteration from Hebrew: ve'anokhi afar va'efer. This is a profound statement of humility and self-abasement.
  • dust (עָפָר, afar): Refers to the earth or dry earth. Biblically, it frequently signifies humanity's origin (Gen 2:7) and mortal destiny (Gen 3:19, Psa 103:14). It underscores physical fragility, transient nature, and dependence on God's sustaining power.
  • ashes (וָאֵפֶר, va'efer): Leftover residue after destruction by fire; also associated with mourning, repentance, and utter worthlessness (Job 30:19, 42:6). Paired with "dust," it amplifies the sense of nothingness, mortality, and complete unworthiness before the Divine. It stands in stark contrast to God's eternality, power, and glory, possibly subtly polemical against contemporary deification of powerful human rulers or self-sufficient pagan deities by highlighting man's intrinsic fragility.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "Behold now, I have taken upon me to speak": This phrase captures the tension of the moment – Abraham's awareness of God's majesty balanced with his fervent desire to intercede. It’s a prayer of approach, acknowledging that speaking directly to the divine is a profound privilege and an act of audacity, yet one undertaken out of genuine concern and a unique intimacy with God.
• "unto the Lord, which am but dust and ashes": This juxtaposes the infinite glory and sovereignty of God with the utter lowliness and perishability of humanity. This contrast highlights Abraham's humility and theological understanding of God's transcendent nature and human dependence. It is the proper posture of creature before Creator, enabling, rather than hindering, authentic communication and bold petition rooted in God's mercy rather than human merit.

Genesis 18 27 Bonus section

• Paradox of Access: Abraham, known as "God's friend" (Isa 41:8, Jas 2:23), remarkably uses language of extreme self-abasement ("dust and ashes"). This paradox illustrates that true access and boldness before God are not born from human pride or inherent worthiness, but from a profound understanding of one's absolute dependence on God, coupled with faith in God's grace and covenant relationship.
• Precedent for Intercession: This verse and the broader narrative of Genesis 18:23-33 serve as a foundational example of intercessory prayer in the Old Testament. Abraham, through his humble boldness, effectively argues with God for justice tempered by mercy, demonstrating God's responsiveness to the fervent prayer of a righteous person (Jas 5:16).
• Counter-cultural Humility: In a world where rulers and divinities were often equated, and human achievement was glorified, Abraham's confession of "dust and ashes" presented a radical counter-cultural perspective on human identity and worship, grounding true piety in absolute submission to and reverence for the one true God, distinct from any human being or idol.

Genesis 18 27 Commentary

Genesis 18:27 unveils the core of Abraham’s character as an intercessor: profound humility coupled with unwavering boldness rooted in his relationship with God. By declaring himself "dust and ashes," Abraham expresses his awareness of human mortality, insignificance, and unworthiness before the infinitely majestic God. This isn't merely self-deprecation but a theological truth acknowledging the vast chasm between creature and Creator. Yet, this very humility is the foundation of his confidence. Knowing his place, he can boldly appeal to God's own character of righteousness and mercy. His address, "Behold now, I have taken upon me to speak unto the Lord," reflects a sense of venturing or daring to engage in such intimate discourse, recognizing the immense privilege. This verse provides a timeless model for prayer: approach God with deep reverence and recognition of His sovereignty, yet with the earnest boldness that springs from a loving relationship and trust in His just and compassionate nature. Abraham's willingness to identify with fallen humanity, while standing before God as His friend, demonstrates the powerful paradox of humility leading to unparalleled access to the divine throne.