Genesis 19:27 kjv

And Abraham gat up early in the morning to the place where he stood before the LORD:

Genesis 19:27 nkjv

And Abraham went early in the morning to the place where he had stood before the LORD.

Genesis 19:27 niv

Early the next morning Abraham got up and returned to the place where he had stood before the LORD.

Genesis 19:27 esv

And Abraham went early in the morning to the place where he had stood before the LORD.

Genesis 19:27 nlt

Abraham got up early that morning and hurried out to the place where he had stood in the LORD's presence.

Genesis 19 verses

Genesis 19 27 Meaning

Gen 19:27 depicts Abraham's expectant and prompt return to the exact place where he previously interceded with God concerning Sodom. This act signifies his profound faith, earnest anticipation of divine revelation, and concern over the fate of Lot and the cities of the plain, demonstrating his watchful dependence on the LORD following the preceding night's destruction.

Genesis 19 27 Context

Genesis 19:27 follows the climactic destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, recounted in verses 24-26. Abraham had previously engaged in a profound intercessory dialogue with the LORD (Gen 18:22-33), pleading for the cities to be spared if a diminishing number of righteous people could be found there. This verse portrays Abraham's immediate return to his point of spiritual communion and observation, demonstrating his deep anxiety and watchfulness regarding the outcome of his prayers and God's justice. The context highlights Abraham's intimate relationship with God, his role as an intercessor, and God's readiness to reveal His plans and actions to His faithful servant. Historically, Abraham lived in a patriarchal society where direct divine encounters were foundational to the nascent covenant community.

Genesis 19 27 Word analysis

• And (וַיַּשְׁכֵּם - vayyashkēm): A Hebrew waw consecutive construction, indicating an immediate sequence of action from the previous narrative, directly linking Abraham's return to the events of Sodom's destruction. It highlights the promptness of his action.
• Abraham (אַבְרָהָם - Avrāhām): The covenant patriarch, whose character is central. His actions here reflect his faith, humility, and ongoing spiritual pursuit.
• went early (וַיַּשְׁכֵּם - vayyashkēm): From the verb שָׁכַם (shakam), "to rise early, be diligent." More than a simple time notation, it implies intentionality, urgency, eagerness, and an expectant heart. Abraham was not merely waking up; he was making a conscious and determined effort to go quickly. This action often denotes a significant undertaking or spiritual resolve in biblical texts.
• in the morning (בַּבֹּקֶר - babbōqer): Literally "in the morning." Reinforces the "early" aspect. Daybreak is often a time of new beginnings, prayer, divine revelation, or judgment in biblical narratives (e.g., God raining sulfur at dawn in Gen 19:24).
• to the place (אֶל-הַמָּקוֹם - ’el-hammāqōm): "The place" implies a specific, significant location known to both Abraham and the narrative's audience (cf. Gen 18:22). It was likely an elevated position providing a clear view towards the Jordan plain, functioning as a personal "high place" or altar for Abraham's communion with God. This usage of māqōm often indicates a sacred or divinely appointed space.
• where he had stood (אֲשֶׁר עָמַד שָׁם - ’ăšer ‘āmadsām): The verb עָמַד (‘āmad) means "to stand." The perfect tense ("had stood") refers to a previously completed action, specifically the encounter in Gen 18 where Abraham interceded. "Standing" before God is a posture of respect, readiness to serve, and spiritual reception, akin to a servant awaiting his master's instruction or a worshipper in awe.
• before the LORD (לִפְנֵי יְהוָה - lifnê YHVH): Literally "before the face of Yahweh" or "in the presence of Yahweh." This phrase emphasizes a direct, personal, and solemn encounter with the covenant God, YHVH. It signifies a place and posture of profound reverence, accountability, and intimate communion. Abraham's regular standing "before the LORD" marked him as one chosen for unique relationship and revelation.

Genesis 19 27 Bonus section

Abraham's posture of "standing before the LORD" foreshadows the later biblical concept of priestly and prophetic ministry, where individuals would stand in God's presence to intercede on behalf of the people or receive divine revelation (cf. Num 16:9; Jer 15:1). This implies Abraham was acting in a proto-priestly role. Furthermore, this scene underscores the powerful intercession for others that can take place between humanity and the Almighty, even if ultimately limited by God's perfect justice. It sets up a poignant contrast: the faithful, watching Abraham versus the swift and irreversible destruction God unleashed, demonstrating the gravity of divine judgment against unrepentant sin despite fervent pleading.

Genesis 19 27 Commentary

Genesis 19:27 encapsulates Abraham's deep spiritual engagement and profound anticipation following his earnest intercession for Sodom. His early morning journey to the familiar vantage point where he had previously communed with the LORD underscores his personal burden, vigilant hope, and absolute reliance on God's judgment and faithfulness. It reveals a man intimately involved in God's divine plan, awaiting not just information, but revelation—a physical and spiritual act of watching for the unfolding of divine will. This verse highlights that genuine faith is often accompanied by watchful expectation, and that deep communion with God compels one to remain attuned to His actions and responses, particularly concerning matters of justice and mercy that weigh heavily on the heart. It provides a timeless example of a righteous man actively observing and seeking to understand the divine operations in the world, serving as a reminder that sincere prayer is often followed by earnest looking for God's reply.