Genesis 18 3

Genesis 18:3 kjv

And said, My LORD, if now I have found favor in thy sight, pass not away, I pray thee, from thy servant:

Genesis 18:3 nkjv

and said, "My Lord, if I have now found favor in Your sight, do not pass on by Your servant.

Genesis 18:3 niv

He said, "If I have found favor in your eyes, my lord, do not pass your servant by.

Genesis 18:3 esv

and said, "O Lord, if I have found favor in your sight, do not pass by your servant.

Genesis 18:3 nlt

"My lord," he said, "if it pleases you, stop here for a while.

Genesis 18 verses

Genesis 18 3 meaning

Genesis 18:3 records Abraham's humble and urgent plea to one of the three mysterious visitors who appeared to him. He addresses one as "My Lord," seeking their continued presence and favor, requesting them not to depart from his tent. This verse establishes Abraham's immediate hospitality and respectful deference towards the guests, intuitively recognizing their significant presence. It sets the stage for a profound divine encounter.

Genesis 18 3 Context

Genesis chapter 18 follows Abraham's establishment of the covenant of circumcision in chapter 17 and precedes the significant events of God's promise regarding Isaac's birth and the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. Abraham is residing by the oaks of Mamre. The appearance of three men, identified as the LORD and two angels (implicitly through later chapters and interpretive traditions), comes during "the heat of the day," a time when most would rest, but Abraham is sitting at his tent door, perhaps observant or anticipating. His immediate reaction to strangers is one of profound and urgent hospitality, consistent with the high value placed on welcoming travelers in ancient Near Eastern culture. This verse is the first direct address Abraham makes to these mysterious visitors, expressing his desire for them to pause their journey and accept his hospitality, implicitly acknowledging their importance.

Genesis 18 3 Word analysis

• And said: This phrase introduces Abraham's direct verbal interaction, highlighting the immediate and spontaneous nature of his response to the sight of the three men.
• My Lord: The Hebrew word is ʼăḏōnāy (אֲדֹנָי). This is a crucial term.
  • When spelled with the plural ending but typically used with a singular suffix (as here), it can mean "my lords" (referring to multiple individuals politely) or "my Lord" (a highly respectful singular address, similar to "sir").
  • The same spelling is often used as a direct substitution for the unutterable divine name YHWH (יהוה), in which case it is capitalized as "LORD" in many translations, signifying deity.
  • In this context, Abraham initially uses it in a manner fitting a high-status visitor (or visitors). However, the subsequent narrative reveals that one of these visitors is indeed YHWH (the LORD) Himself, making Abraham's initial address profoundly significant, either indicating a perceptive spiritual insight or prophetic intuition on Abraham's part. It's a respectful form of address, whether for exalted humans or divine beings.
• if now I have found favour in thy sight: This is a common Hebrew idiom (מָצָא חֵן, mātsāʼ ḥēn), meaning "to find grace," "to be pleasing," or "to gain approval."
  • Abraham uses this polite and humble phrase to express his desire to serve and gain acceptance.
  • It does not imply that Abraham doubts his standing but rather serves as a culturally appropriate way to make a request, placing himself in a subordinate and petitioner role before his honored guests.
• pass not away: The Hebrew phrase אַל-נָא תַעֲבֹר (’al-nāʼ ta’ăḇōr) conveys an urgent and strong request for the visitors to stop and not continue their journey.
  • אַל- (’al-) is a negative particle for prohibitions or strong negative requests.
  • נָא (nāʼ) is an interjection often translated as "I pray," "please," or "now." It adds urgency, emphasis, or a polite plea to a command or request.
  • תַעֲבֹר (ta’ăḇōr) means "to pass over" or "to pass by."
• I pray thee: This phrase renders the particle נָא (nāʼ), which as noted above, emphasizes the polite, yet earnest nature of Abraham's request. It's not a casual invitation but a sincere entreaty.
• from thy servant: The Hebrew is מֵעַל עַבְדֶּךָ (mē’al ‘aḇděkkā), literally "from over your servant."
  • עַבְדֶּךָ (‘aḇděkkā) means "your servant." This is a standard self-deprecating term in ancient Near Eastern etiquette, expressing humility and respect when addressing a superior.
  • It reinforces Abraham's deferential posture, presenting himself as ready to serve the esteemed visitors.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "My Lord, if now I have found favour in thy sight": This phrase establishes Abraham's immediate recognition of the visitors' dignity and his humble, petitioning posture. He doesn't command or demand, but respectfully requests, using a common idiom of seeking grace and approval before making his appeal. This humility opens the door for divine revelation.
• "pass not away, I pray thee, from thy servant": This part reveals Abraham's deep desire for the presence of his guests. The use of "I pray thee" ("na") indicates the earnestness of his request, bordering on insistence. His self-identification as "thy servant" highlights his willingness to provide hospitality and underscores his perception of their higher status, thus reinforcing the respectful entreaty to remain.

Genesis 18 3 Bonus section

The spontaneous and earnest nature of Abraham's welcome in this verse underscores the importance of being spiritually alert and responsive. Sitting in the heat of the day, when many would retreat indoors, Abraham is outwardly poised, allowing him to perceive the visitors' approach. His immediate prostration (Gen 18:2) and urgent invitation speak to a readiness of spirit to honor and serve, a posture that preceded and facilitated the profound theological revelation that followed concerning Isaac's birth and the judgment of Sodom. This episode serves as a powerful testament to the principle that openness and active pursuit of hospitality can pave the way for extraordinary divine interactions. It demonstrates that God often reveals Himself within the sphere of human engagement and relational responsiveness, honoring those who honor others.

Genesis 18 3 Commentary

Genesis 18:3 encapsulates Abraham's profound character marked by extraordinary hospitality and a discerning spirit. His address "My Lord" (אֲדֹנָי, ʼăḏōnāy) to one of the three unknown visitors suggests more than mere politeness; it foreshadows the divine identity soon to be revealed. Abraham's urgent plea, "pass not away," speaks to his earnest desire to serve and engage, demonstrating a readiness to inconvenience himself for the welfare of strangers. This act of hospitality, a core virtue in the ancient world, here serves as a means through which God initiates further communication with His chosen servant. It reveals a spiritual receptivity in Abraham, who, even before fully understanding the nature of his guests, extended himself wholeheartedly. This verse highlights how humble service and open-heartedness to others can inadvertently lead to encounters with the divine and unlock further blessings and revelations. It serves as a timeless example of how welcoming others can mean welcoming God Himself (Heb 13:2).