Genesis 18:7 kjv

And Abraham ran unto the herd, and fetched a calf tender and good, and gave it unto a young man; and he hasted to dress it.

Genesis 18:7 nkjv

And Abraham ran to the herd, took a tender and good calf, gave it to a young man, and he hastened to prepare it.

Genesis 18:7 niv

Then he ran to the herd and selected a choice, tender calf and gave it to a servant, who hurried to prepare it.

Genesis 18:7 esv

And Abraham ran to the herd and took a calf, tender and good, and gave it to a young man, who prepared it quickly.

Genesis 18:7 nlt

Then Abraham ran out to the herd and chose a tender calf and gave it to his servant, who quickly prepared it.

Genesis 18 verses

Genesis 18 7 Meaning

Genesis 18:7 describes Abraham's diligent and eager hospitality towards his divine visitors. It illustrates his swift personal involvement in preparing a lavish meal, running to select the best, youngest calf from his herd, and quickly delegating its preparation to a servant, emphasizing the speed and generosity with which he honored his guests.

Genesis 18 7 Context

Genesis 18 begins with Abraham, now an old man, resting by the oaks of Mamre during the heat of the day. Suddenly, three men appear. Though Abraham doesn't immediately recognize their true identity, his deeply ingrained nomadic culture and faith prompt an immediate, extravagant display of hospitality. The entire chapter highlights Abraham's righteous character, his intimate relationship with God (manifested by God revealing His plan to Abraham), and his intercession for Sodom and Gomorrah. Verse 7 specifically depicts the practical, tangible expression of his immense respect and eager service towards these unexpected guests, setting the stage for their revelation of God's covenant promise. The historical context reflects a Near Eastern society where hospitality to strangers was a profound social and moral obligation, often linked with sacred duty, as visitors could be messengers, or even deities in disguise. Abraham, a prosperous chieftain, demonstrates that genuine faith is expressed through tangible acts of self-sacrificial service, valuing others above himself and giving his very best without hesitation. This stands in contrast to common pagan beliefs where offerings were made to appease gods; here, Abraham generously gives from a posture of honor and reverence for his guests, demonstrating the proactive and giving nature exemplified by God.

Genesis 18 7 Word analysis

• And Abraham ran to the herd:

  • וְאֶל־הַבָּקָר רָץ אַבְרָהָם (v'el-ha-bakár ráts Avráhám) - "And to the herd ran Abraham."
  • "רָץ" (ráts): "ran." This verb indicates vigorous, eager, and quick movement. At 99 years old, Abraham's act of running underscores his immense zeal and commitment to serving his guests, despite his age. It signifies that this hospitality was not a reluctant duty but an enthusiastic privilege.
  • "הַבָּקָר" (ha-bakár): "the herd" or "the cattle." Refers to larger domesticated animals, signifying his wealth and resources from which he readily drew.

• and took a tender and good calf:

  • וַיִּקַּח בֶּן־בָּקָר רַךְ וָטוֹב (vayyiqqách ben-bakár rakh v'tov) - "and he took a son of an ox, tender and good."
  • "וַיִּקַּח" (vayyiqqách): "and he took." This is a strong verb, indicating immediate, decisive action. He didn't send a servant to choose; he went himself to select.
  • "בֶּן־בָּקָר" (ben-bakár): "son of a cattle," meaning a calf. This specifically designates a young animal.
  • "רַךְ" (rakh): "tender." Implies youthfulness, succulence, and optimal eating quality. It indicates a deliberate choice for superior meat.
  • "וָטוֹב" (v'tov): "and good." Conveys excellence, perfection, and health. The combination of "tender" and "good" means it was of the highest quality, choice meat, demonstrating the magnitude of his gift to the visitors. This choice of a premium, young, and unblemished animal subtly parallels future sacrificial requirements.

• and gave it to the young man:

  • וַיִּתֵּן אֶל־הַנַּעַר (vayyittén el-han-na'ár) - "and he gave to the young man/servant."
  • "וַיִּתֵּן" (vayyittén): "and he gave." Abraham delegates the physical preparation but retains overall responsibility and initiative.
  • "הַנַּעַר" (han-na'ár): "the young man" or "the servant." This generic term could refer to one of his numerous trained servants, perhaps even Eliezer or Ishmael (though this is speculation). It highlights Abraham's status as a leader of a large household.

• and he quickly prepared it:

  • וַיְמַהֵר לַעֲשׂוֹת אֹתוֹ (vaymahér la'asot oto) - "and he hastened to prepare it."
  • "וַיְמַהֵר" (vaymahér): "and he hastened" or "quickly." This echoes Abraham's own speed ("ran"). It shows the household's shared values of swift, diligent service. It implies urgency in bringing comfort and sustenance to the guests, valuing their time and needs.
  • "לַעֲשׂוֹת אֹתוֹ" (la'asot oto): "to prepare it." Refers to the full process of slaughtering, butchering, and cooking, an undertaking that would normally take significant time but was rushed for these special guests.

• Words-group analysis:

  • "Abraham ran to the herd and took": This sequence of actions emphasizes Abraham's active, personal involvement. Despite his wealth and age, he doesn't merely command; he initiates and performs a key task himself, showcasing humble and hands-on service to honor his guests. It sets the tone for the lavishness and speed of the meal's preparation.
  • "a tender and good calf": This phrase highlights the chosen calf's premium quality. It speaks of sacrifice – not just any calf, but the best. This act of giving his absolute finest signifies Abraham's extraordinary respect for the visitors and hints at a deep understanding that his hospitality might be for more than mere strangers, setting a precedent for generosity toward the divine or those who represent the divine.
  • "gave it to the young man, and he quickly prepared it": This shows efficient delegation and prompt execution within Abraham's household. The servant's swift action ("quickly prepared it") mirrors Abraham's eagerness ("ran"), demonstrating a household disciplined in excellent and timely service, indicative of the values upheld by their patriarch. This entire process demonstrates Abraham's earnest desire to make the guests feel supremely honored and provided for without delay.

Genesis 18 7 Bonus section

The seemingly simple act described in Gen 18:7 carries immense theological weight. The sacrifice of a prime animal, typical for major feasts or significant guests, foreshadows the New Testament concept of hospitality as service to Christ himself (Matt 25:35-40). Abraham's spontaneous generosity anticipates the giving nature of God, who gave His only Son, the perfect Lamb. The "calf, tender and good" implicitly resonates with future Old Testament sacrificial requirements, particularly the "male without blemish" offerings, further elevating the perceived quality and intention behind Abraham's hospitality. The patriarchal tradition places immense value on personal involvement in such tasks, highlighting Abraham's humility as a rich and powerful leader who was not above menial service for his guests. This passage underscores that true righteousness is active faith, a belief that finds expression in tangible deeds of love, service, and sacrifice, not just for the visibly divine, but for any stranger, echoing God's character of seeking out and serving His creation.

Genesis 18 7 Commentary

Genesis 18:7 succinctly portrays Abraham's exceptional character through his actions. His readiness to "run" to select a calf, despite his advanced age, powerfully communicates his zealous, self-effacing commitment to hospitality. This was no casual welcome but a passionate outpouring of generosity. The selection of a "tender and good" calf signifies his deliberate choice of the very best from his abundance, reflecting the deep honor he bestowed upon his visitors, echoing the principles of bringing an unblemished offering to God. Such an offering would not just be sustenance but a ceremonial display of reverence. While Abraham himself initiates this profound act of giving, the efficient delegation to a "young man" who "quickly prepared it" underscores the swiftness and organization within Abraham's extensive household, reflecting his influence and their shared commitment to serving. This scene is pivotal as it lays bare Abraham's heart of faith: his righteousness was not merely theoretical but vibrantly expressed through humble, lavish, and diligent service to others, unwittingly ministering to the Lord Himself.

Examples:

• This verse can encourage believers to serve others not grudgingly but with joy and enthusiasm, going beyond minimum expectations.
• It teaches generosity, inspiring us to give our "tender and good" (our best quality) to those in need or to the Lord's work.
• It models diligence in service, encouraging efficiency and attentiveness when ministering to others, whether in ministry or daily life.