Genesis 18:31
Genesis 18:31 Meaning and Explanation
“And he said, Behold now, I have taken upon me to speak unto the LORD: Peradventure there shall be twenty found there. And he said, I will not destroy it for twenty's sake.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Abraham asks if twenty righteous people would be enough to spare the city, and the LORD agrees.
The Context of Genesis 18:31
Abraham negotiates down to twenty righteous.
What Does Genesis 18:31 Mean?
Abraham repeats his humble disclaimer—'I have taken upon me to speak unto the LORD'—but continues his intercession without hesitation. His confidence has grown with each agreement from the LORD.
At twenty righteous out of a city's population, the proportion of the righteous is even smaller. Yet the LORD continues to affirm that a minority of faithful people can preserve an entire community.
Frequently Asked Questions About Genesis 18:31
What does Genesis 18:31 mean?
Abraham asks if twenty righteous people would be enough to spare the city, and the LORD agrees.
What is the context of Genesis 18:31?
Abraham negotiates down to twenty righteous.