Genesis 18:17

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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

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;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 18:17 captures a pivotal moment of divine deliberation where the LORD, on the cusp of executing judgment upon Sodom and Gomorrah, rhetorically questions whether to conceal His intentions from Abraham. This profound inquiry underscores the unique, intimate, and covenantal relationship God shared with Abraham, whom He regarded not merely as a servant but as a trusted friend and partner in His unfolding redemptive purposes, thereby setting the stage for Abraham's subsequent intercession.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows a remarkable divine encounter at the oaks of Mamre, where the LORD, appearing as one of three men, visited Abraham and Sarah, reaffirming the miraculous promise of a son within the year. As the divine visitors prepare to depart towards Sodom, the narrative shifts from the personal promise to a broader, impending divine judgment. [Genesis 18:16](/genesis/18-16) notes the men's departure, and then [Genesis 18:17](/genesis/18-17) presents a divine soliloquy, a pause in the narrative where God deliberates aloud concerning His relationship with Abraham and the revelation of His plans. This internal monologue serves as a narrative bridge, connecting the intimate domestic scene with the weighty matter of cosmic justice, and crucially, it sets the stage for Abraham's bold intercession that follows in [Genesis 18:23-33](/genesis/18-23-33 "Genesis 18:23-33 - Abraham's Intercession").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Near Eastern cultures, a king or deity might consult with trusted advisors or close confidants before making significant decisions, especially those involving justice or warfare. While God is sovereign and needs no counsel, His rhetorical question in [Genesis 18:17](/genesis/18-17) reflects a divine condescension to human relational norms, elevating Abraham to a status akin to a trusted friend or even a prophet. The cities of Sodom and Gomorrah were located in the fertile plain of the Jordan, likely near the Dead Sea, and were notorious for their wickedness, as indicated by the "great cry" that had reached God ([Genesis 18:20](/genesis/18-20 "Genesis 18:20 - The Cry of Sodom and Gomorrah")). The impending judgment reflects God's justice in response to persistent and pervasive sin, a theme common in ancient narratives of divine retribution.

* **Key Themes:** [Genesis 18:17](/genesis/18-17) contributes significantly to several overarching themes within Genesis and the broader biblical narrative. It highlights the theme of **Divine Revelation and Intimacy**, showcasing God's desire to share His purposes with His chosen ones, particularly those in covenant with Him, as seen in His relationship with Abraham, the father of faith ([Genesis 12:1-3](/genesis/12-1-3 "Genesis 12:1-3 - The Abrahamic Covenant")). It also underscores **God's Justice and Righteousness**, as He prepares to deal with the profound sin of Sodom and Gomorrah, demonstrating that His character demands a response to wickedness. Furthermore, the verse implicitly introduces the theme of **Intercession**, as God's revelation to Abraham is not merely for information but to invite Abraham's engagement and prayer on behalf of others, a role that becomes prominent in the subsequent verses ([Genesis 18:23](/genesis/18-23 "Genesis 18:23 - Abraham's Plea")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** From H3068, this is the covenant name of God, often transliterated as Jehovah or Yahweh. It emphasizes God's self-existence, eternal nature, and His personal, relational commitment to His people. The use of this name here highlights that it is the faithful, covenant-keeping God who is deliberating, underscoring the depth of His bond with Abraham.
* **hide (Hebrew, _kâçâh'_):** From H3680, meaning "to cover (for clothing or secrecy)," "conceal," or "overwhelm." In this context, it signifies a deliberate act of withholding information or keeping a secret. The rhetorical question "Shall I hide...?" emphasizes that God *could* hide His plans, but chooses not to, revealing His willingness to be transparent with Abraham.
* **do (Hebrew, _ʻâsâh'_):** From H6213, a broad term meaning "to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application." Here, it refers to God's impending action of judgment upon Sodom and Gomorrah. The phrase "that thing which I do" refers to the specific, momentous divine act that God is about to undertake, highlighting its significance and the weight of the revelation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the LORD said,"**: This opening phrase introduces a divine soliloquy, a moment where God speaks to Himself, revealing His inner thoughts and intentions. It emphasizes the personal nature of God's engagement with His creation and His chosen servant, Abraham.
* **"Shall I hide from Abraham"**: This is the core rhetorical question. It implies that God has a choice to conceal or reveal His plans. The very act of posing the question, despite God's omnipotence and omniscience, highlights the extraordinary status Abraham holds in God's eyes—a friend and confidant, not merely a servant to whom commands are given.
* **"that thing which I do;"**: This refers to God's imminent judgment upon Sodom and Gomorrah. The phrase signifies a decisive, significant action that God is about to perform. The revelation of this "thing" to Abraham is an invitation into God's divine counsel and a prelude to Abraham's intercession.

#### Literary Devices
The verse primarily employs **Rhetorical Question**, where God asks a question not to elicit an answer, but to make a statement or emphasize a point. In this case, it powerfully affirms God's intention *not* to hide His plans from Abraham, thereby highlighting the unique intimacy of their relationship. There is also an element of **Anthropomorphism**, as God is portrayed as deliberating and speaking to Himself, a human-like action that makes His character and intentions more relatable and comprehensible to the human audience. Furthermore, the verse functions as a **Narrative Hook**, drawing the reader into the divine thought process and building anticipation for the subsequent interaction between God and Abraham regarding Sodom's fate.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse profoundly illustrates the personal and covenantal nature of God's relationship with Abraham, moving beyond a mere legal agreement to a deep, reciprocal trust and communication. It reveals a God who desires intimacy with His chosen ones, inviting them into His divine counsel and purposes. This divine transparency is not a sign of weakness or indecision, but an expression of profound love and trust, setting a precedent for how God interacts with His faithful servants throughout redemptive history.

* [Psalm 25:14](/psalms/25-14 "Psalm 25:14 - God's Secret with the Righteous")
* [Amos 3:7](/amos/3-7 "Amos 3:7 - God Reveals His Secret to Prophets")
* [John 15:15](/john/15-15 "John 15:15 - Jesus Calls Disciples Friends")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
[Genesis 18:17](/genesis/18-17 "Genesis 18:17 - God's Confidence in Abraham") serves as a profound encouragement for believers to pursue a deep, intimate relationship with God. Just as God confided in Abraham, He desires to reveal His heart and purposes to us. This revelation is not always through audible voices, but primarily through diligent engagement with His inspired Word, consistent prayer, and the discerning leading of the Holy Spirit. Cultivating such intimacy empowers us to better understand God's will for our lives and the world, enabling us to participate in His work, including the vital ministry of intercession for others and discerning His divine hand in unfolding events. When we walk closely with God, we are positioned to receive insights into His plans and to respond with faith and obedience, becoming partners in His redemptive mission.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does God's willingness to reveal His plans to Abraham challenge my understanding of His sovereignty and my role in His purposes?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate a deeper intimacy with God, similar to the relationship He shared with Abraham?**
* **In what ways might God be inviting me into His "secret counsel" regarding my community or the world, and how should I respond?**

### FAQ
**Why did God ask a rhetorical question if He already knew what He would do?**

Answer: God's question, "Shall I hide from Abraham that thing which I do," is a rhetorical device used to reveal His character and the unique nature of His relationship with Abraham, rather than indicating genuine indecision. It demonstrates His desire for intimacy, His commitment to His covenant friend, and His intention to invite Abraham into His divine counsel, setting the stage for Abraham's intercession that begins in [Genesis 18:23](/genesis/18-23 "Genesis 18:23 - Abraham's Intercession for Sodom"). It's an expression of divine love and trust, showcasing God's willingness to share His heart with those He calls His own, not a moment of uncertainty about His sovereign plans.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
[Genesis 18:17](/genesis/18-17 "Genesis 18:17 - God's Revelation to Abraham") powerfully foreshadows Christ's role as the ultimate revealer of God's heart and purposes. Just as the LORD chose to reveal His plans to Abraham, His friend, so too does God fully reveal Himself and His ultimate redemptive plan through Jesus Christ. Jesus Himself declared, "All things are delivered unto me of my Father: and no man knoweth the Son, but the Father; neither knoweth any man the Father, save the Son, and he to whomsoever the Son will reveal him" ([Matthew 11:27](/matthew/11-27 "Matthew 11:27 - Jesus, the Revealer of the Father")). He is the "express image of his person" ([Hebrews 1:3](/hebrews/1-3 "Hebrews 1:3 - Christ, the Radiance of God's Glory")), and through Him, "no man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him" ([John 1:18](/john/1-18 "John 1:18 - The Son Declares the Father")). Furthermore, while Abraham interceded for Sodom, Christ is the ultimate and perfect Intercessor, who "ever liveth to make intercession for them" ([Hebrews 7:25](/hebrews/7-25 "Hebrews 7:25 - Christ's Eternal Intercession")). Through Christ, we are no longer merely servants but are called friends ([John 15:15](/john/15-15 "John 15:15 - Jesus Calls His Disciples Friends")), invited into the very heart of God's purposes, just as Abraham was, receiving the Spirit of truth to guide us into all truth ([John 16:13](/john/16-13 "John 16:13 - The Spirit of Truth")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Psalms 25:14

The secret of the LORD [is] with them that fear him; and he will shew them his covenant.

Amos 3:7

Surely the Lord GOD will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets.

John 15:15

Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you.

Genesis 19:24

¶ Then the LORD rained upon Sodom and upon Gomorrah brimstone and fire from the LORD out of heaven;

James 2:23

And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God.

2 Chronicles 20:7

[Art] not thou our God, [who] didst drive out the inhabitants of this land before thy people Israel, and gavest it to the seed of Abraham thy friend for ever?

2 Kings 4:27

And when she came to the man of God to the hill, she caught him by the feet: but Gehazi came near to thrust her away. And the man of God said, Let her alone; for her soul [is] vexed within her: and the LORD hath hid [it] from me, and hath not told me.