Genesis 18:17

King James Version:

(The Lord speaking is red text)

And the LORD said, Shall I hide from Abraham that thing which I do;

Complete Jewish Bible:

ADONAI said, "Should I hide from Avraham what I am about to do,

Berean Standard Bible:

And the LORD said, “Shall I hide from Abraham what I am about to do?

American Standard Version:

And Jehovah said, Shall I hide from Abraham that which I do;

KJV with Strong’s Numbers:

And the LORD^{H3068} said^{H559}, Shall I hide^{H3680} from Abraham^{H85} that thing which^{H834} I do^{H6213};

Cross-References (KJV):

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Commentary for Genesis 18:17

Genesis 18:17 is part of the narrative in the Book of Genesis where three visitors come to Abraham by the oaks of Mamre. These visitors are eventually understood to be the Lord and two angels. The verse captures a pivotal moment where the Lord is considering whether to reveal His plans to judge Sodom and Gomorrah to Abraham.

The themes present in this verse include divine judgment and the sovereignty of God, as well as the concept of divine-human communication. Historically, this passage reflects the ancient Near Eastern context where hospitality was paramount, and divine beings could appear in human form to interact with people. Abraham's role as the father of faith is highlighted as God contemplates sharing His intentions with him, indicating a special relationship between God and Abraham. This relationship is foundational to the covenantal theology that runs throughout the Bible, where God chooses to reveal His purposes to His people.

The verse also hints at the forthcoming destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, an event that becomes a stark example of God's justice and righteousness in the face of pervasive sin. It sets the stage for Abraham's intercession in the following verses, where he famously negotiates with God to spare the cities if a certain number of righteous individuals can be found within them. This intercession is a demonstration of Abraham's faith and his understanding of God's character as both just and merciful.

In summary, Genesis 18:17 is a significant verse that underscores the themes of divine revelation, judgment, and mercy. It reflects the historical context of hospitality and divine visitation, while also establishing the unique relationship between God and Abraham, which is central to the unfolding narrative of God's covenant with His people.

*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model

Strong's Numbers and Definitions:

Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)

1. Strong's Number: H3068
   There are 5521 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: יְהֹוָה
   Transliteration: Yᵉhôvâh
   Pronunciation: yeh-ho-vaw'
   Description: from הָיָה; (the) self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God; Jehovah, the Lord. Compare יָהּ, יְהֹוִה.
   
2. Strong's Number: H559
   There are 4434 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: אָמַר
   Transliteration: ʼâmar
   Pronunciation: aw-mar'
   Description: a primitive root; to say (used with great latitude); answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet.
   
3. Strong's Number: H3680
   There are 149 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: כָּסָה
   Transliteration: kâçâh
   Pronunciation: kaw-saw'
   Description: a primitive root; properly, to plump, i.e. fill up hollows; by implication, to cover (for clothing or secrecy); clad self, close, clothe, conceal, cover (self), (flee to) hide, overwhelm. Compare כָּשָׂה.
   
4. Strong's Number: H85
   There are 1159 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: אַבְרָהָם
   Transliteration: ʼAbrâhâm
   Pronunciation: ab-raw-hawm'
   Description: contracted from אָב and an unused root (probably meaning to be populous); father of a multitude; Abraham, the later name of Abram; Abraham.
   
5. Strong's Number: H834
   There are 220 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: אֲשֶׁר
   Transliteration: ʼăsher
   Pronunciation: ash-er'
   Description: a primitive relative pronoun (of every gender and number); who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc.; [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection.
   
6. Strong's Number: H6213
   There are 2286 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: עָשָׂה
   Transliteration: ʻâsâh
   Pronunciation: aw-saw'
   Description: a primitive root; to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application; accomplish, advance, appoint, apt, be at, become, bear, bestow, bring forth, bruise, be busy, [idiom] certainly, have the charge of, commit, deal (with), deck, [phrase] displease, do, (ready) dress(-ed), (put in) execute(-ion), exercise, fashion, [phrase] feast, (fight-) ing man, [phrase] finish, fit, fly, follow, fulfill, furnish, gather, get, go about, govern, grant, great, [phrase] hinder, hold (a feast), [idiom] indeed, [phrase] be industrious, [phrase] journey, keep, labour, maintain, make, be meet, observe, be occupied, offer, [phrase] officer, pare, bring (come) to pass, perform, pracise, prepare, procure, provide, put, requite, [idiom] sacrifice, serve, set, shew, [idiom] sin, spend, [idiom] surely, take, [idiom] thoroughly, trim, [idiom] very, [phrase] vex, be (warr-) ior, work(-man), yield, use.