Genesis 18:23

KJV

¶ And Abraham drew near, and said, Wilt thou also destroy the righteous with the wicked?

KJV (with Strong's)

And Abraham {H85} drew near {H5066}, and said {H559}, Wilt thou also destroy {H5595} the righteous {H6662} with {H5973} the wicked {H7563}?

Complete Jewish Bible

Avraham approached and said, "Will you actually sweep away the righteous with the wicked?

Berean Standard Bible

Abraham stepped forward and said, “Will You really sweep away the righteous with the wicked?

American Standard Version

And Abraham drew near, and said, Wilt thou consume the righteous with the wicked?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 18:23 marks the dramatic commencement of Abraham's bold intercession for the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah, as he courageously approaches the Lord with a direct and challenging question concerning the very nature of divine justice. His query, "Wilt thou also destroy the righteous with the wicked?", is not a challenge to God's authority but a profound appeal to His inherent righteousness and a testament to Abraham's deep concern for human life, setting the spiritual stage for his persistent and remarkable negotiation on behalf of the inhabitants of the condemned cities.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a highly significant narrative in [Genesis 18](/genesis/18 "Genesis 18 - Abraham's Visitors and Intercession"), immediately following the Lord's revelation to Abraham regarding the impending judgment upon Sodom and Gomorrah. After the divine visitors reaffirm the promise of Isaac's birth in [Genesis 18:10](/genesis/18-10 "The promise of Isaac's birth") and Sarah's subsequent laughter, the focus shifts dramatically. The Lord, recognizing Abraham's unique status as His friend and the progenitor of a great nation, chooses to confide in him His intentions concerning the cities whose sin had become "very grievous" ([Genesis 18:20](/genesis/18-20 "The outcry against Sodom and Gomorrah")). As two of the visitors depart towards Sodom, Abraham "drew near" to the remaining divine figure, initiating this extraordinary dialogue of intercession. This moment highlights Abraham's intimate relationship with God and his emerging role as a spiritual advocate, bridging the gap between divine judgment and human plight.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is the patriarchal period, characterized by nomadic or semi-nomadic life, tribal structures, and a strong emphasis on hospitality, family lineage, and covenant relationships. Abraham is at the oaks of Mamre, a familiar encampment. The cities of Sodom and Gomorrah, located in the fertile plain of the Jordan (likely near the southern end of the Dead Sea), were renowned for their prosperity but also for their extreme moral depravity, as indicated by the "outcry" against them. In the ancient Near East, divine judgment on cities was not uncommon, often linked to severe moral corruption or defiance against a deity. Abraham's intercession, however, stands out as a unique act of bold negotiation with the divine, reflecting a deep-seated belief in a God who operates by principles of justice and righteousness, unlike the capricious deities of surrounding pagan cultures.
* **Key Themes:** Genesis 18:23 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the book of Genesis and beyond. It powerfully illustrates God's **justice and righteousness**, demonstrating that His judgment is not arbitrary but based on moral accountability. Simultaneously, it reveals God's **mercy and willingness to hear intercession**, as He patiently engages with Abraham's plea. The passage also develops the theme of **Abraham's unique relationship with God**, solidifying his role as a "friend of God" ([James 2:23](/james/2-23 "Abraham called the friend of God")) and a prototype of the **intercessor**. Furthermore, it implicitly introduces the concept of the **righteous remnant**, foreshadowing how the presence of even a few righteous individuals can influence divine action and potentially avert widespread destruction, a theme that resonates throughout biblical history (e.g., [Isaiah 1:9](/isaiah/1-9 "Unless the Lord had left us a remnant")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **drew near (Hebrew, _nâgash'_):** This primitive root (H5066) signifies a purposeful and intentional approach, often implying a respectful yet determined posture before a superior for direct address or prayer. It conveys Abraham's courage and spiritual intimacy, enabling him to engage in such a direct and challenging dialogue with the Almighty. It can also imply an adversarial approach, but in this context, it is one of reverent petition.
* **destroy (Hebrew, _çâphâh'_):** This primitive root (H5595) primarily means to scrape together or away, leading to meanings like to accumulate, increase, scatter, remove, or ruin. In this context, it specifically means to "perish" or "consume," indicating a complete and utter annihilation. Abraham's question directly addresses the finality and scope of this destruction.
* **righteous (Hebrew, _tsaddîyq'_):** Derived from the root meaning "to be just," this term (H6662) denotes someone who is morally upright, just, and lawful, aligning with God's covenant and ethical standards. Abraham's appeal hinges on God's distinction between such individuals and the wicked.
* **wicked (Hebrew, _râshâʻ'_):** This term (H7563) describes someone who is morally wrong, an actively bad person, often characterized by guilt and ungodliness. It stands in stark contrast to the "righteous" and represents those who defy God's law and will.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Abraham drew near, and said,"**: This opening clause highlights Abraham's intentional and courageous action. The verb "drew near" (nâgash) suggests a deliberate, perhaps even bold, approach, signifying his unique relationship with God that allowed for such direct engagement. It sets the stage for a dialogue of profound spiritual intimacy and theological wrestling.
* **"Wilt thou also destroy the righteous with the wicked?"**: This is the core of Abraham's intercession, framed as a rhetorical question that implicitly appeals to God's known character. It is not a challenge to God's authority but an appeal to His inherent justice and righteousness. Abraham trusts that God, who is perfectly just, would not indiscriminately punish the innocent alongside the guilty. This question lays the moral and theological foundation for his subsequent negotiation, demonstrating his profound understanding of God's nature and his role as an advocate.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. **Rhetorical Question** is central, as Abraham's query is not seeking information but rather making a forceful appeal to a self-evident truth about God's character. He assumes God's justice and uses the question to affirm it, setting the premise for his intercession. **Juxtaposition** is evident in the stark contrast between "the righteous" and "the wicked," highlighting the moral categories that are fundamental to biblical ethics and divine judgment. This contrast underscores the perceived injustice of a blanket destruction. Furthermore, the scene is rich in **Dramatic Irony** and **Foreshadowing**, as the reader knows the ultimate fate of Sodom and Gomorrah, yet Abraham's plea, driven by faith, will reveal the extent of God's patience and the profound impact of even a few righteous individuals.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This passage profoundly illuminates the tension between God's perfect justice, which demands judgment for sin, and His profound mercy, which seeks to spare the innocent and even the guilty for the sake of the righteous. It underscores the biblical principle that God desires not the death of the wicked but that they turn from their way and live, revealing a God who is both holy and compassionate. Abraham's role as an intercessor becomes a model for believers, demonstrating the power and importance of prayer for others, even for those who seem beyond hope. This narrative also implicitly introduces the concept of a righteous remnant, suggesting that the presence of even a few faithful individuals can have a profound impact on the fate of a community or nation, potentially averting divine wrath.

* [Jeremiah 5:1](/jeremiah/5-1 "Search the streets of Jerusalem to see if there is one righteous person")
* [Ezekiel 22:30](/ezekiel/22-30 "I sought for a man among them who would build up the wall")
* [Isaiah 53:11](/isaiah/53-11 "By His knowledge My righteous Servant will justify many")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 18:23 offers timeless and profound lessons for believers today, primarily encouraging us to engage in bold, persistent, and faith-filled intercessory prayer for others. Abraham's example reassures us that we can approach God with our deepest concerns, even challenging Him (in a reverent sense) based on His revealed character. We are reminded that God is always just, seeing and knowing the difference between the righteous and the wicked, and His judgments are always perfect and fair; we can rest in His character, knowing that the "Judge of all the earth" will indeed "do right" ([Genesis 18:25](/genesis/18-25 "The Lord will do right")). Furthermore, this narrative highlights the profound impact that even a small number of righteous individuals can have on a community, underscoring the importance of living righteously. Our faithfulness and moral integrity can become a point of grace, preservation, and even salvation for those around us, calling us to be salt and light in a decaying world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life or community do you need to intercede boldly before God, trusting in His justice and mercy?**
* **How does Abraham's willingness to "draw near" to God inspire your own prayer life and relationship with the Almighty?**
* **Considering the impact of the righteous, how might your own commitment to living justly and righteously influence your family, community, or workplace?**

### FAQ

**Why does Abraham question God's justice?**

Answer: Abraham's question is not born of doubt in God's power or authority, but rather an earnest appeal to God's known and perfect character of justice and righteousness. He is seeking clarification and appealing to God's own standards, implicitly trusting that the Judge of all the earth would not act unjustly. It represents a bold prayer of faith and a deep understanding of God's moral nature, rather than a challenge of disbelief. This dialogue reveals the intimacy and trust in their relationship, where Abraham feels comfortable wrestling with divine decrees.

**What is the significance of Abraham "drawing near" to the Lord?**

Answer: The Hebrew phrase "drew near" (nâgash) implies an intentional, purposeful, and often reverent approach. In this context, it signifies Abraham's spiritual intimacy and boldness in approaching God directly for intercession. It highlights his unique relationship with God, enabling him to engage in such a profound and challenging dialogue. This act underscores Abraham's role as a mediator and friend of God, demonstrating a level of access and trust rarely seen.

**Does God ever destroy the righteous with the wicked?**

Answer: The biblical principle, as affirmed by Abraham's successful intercession and God's subsequent actions, is that God does not indiscriminately destroy the righteous with the wicked. God's justice always distinguishes between the two. While the righteous may suffer consequences due to the wicked's actions in a fallen world (e.g., in a natural disaster or war), God's ultimate judgment and salvation are always based on individual righteousness, often provided through His grace. The narrative of Sodom and Gomorrah explicitly shows God's willingness to spare the city if even ten righteous individuals were found, underscoring His commitment to justice and His desire to preserve the innocent.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Abraham's intercession in [Genesis 18:23](/genesis/18-23 "Abraham's Intercession for Sodom"), characterized by his bold appeal to divine justice and his plea for the righteous, finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While Abraham stood as an advocate, Christ is the perfect and ultimate Intercessor, who not only pleads for humanity but also perfectly embodies the righteousness that Abraham sought to protect. Unlike Abraham, who could only appeal to God's justice, Christ, the Righteous One ([1 Peter 3:18](/1_peter/3-18 "Christ suffered for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous")), bore the judgment due to the wicked on the cross ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "Christ made sin for us")). Through His atoning sacrifice, He ensures that those who believe in Him are declared righteous, not by their own merit, but by His imputed righteousness ([Romans 3:21-26](/romans/3-21-26 "Righteousness through Faith")). He is the one through whom God's justice is fully satisfied and His mercy abundantly poured out, perfectly reconciling the divine attributes that Abraham wrestled with in his prayer, making a way for the wicked to become righteous through faith in Him.

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

Numbers 16:22

And they fell upon their faces, and said, O God, the God of the spirits of all flesh, shall one man sin, and wilt thou be wroth with all the congregation?

2 Samuel 24:17

And David spake unto the LORD when he saw the angel that smote the people, and said, Lo, I have sinned, and I have done wickedly: but these sheep, what have they done? let thine hand, I pray thee, be against me, and against my father's house.

Genesis 20:4

But Abimelech had not come near her: and he said, Lord, wilt thou slay also a righteous nation?

Job 34:17

Shall even he that hateth right govern? and wilt thou condemn him that is most just?

Hebrews 10:22

Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.

Romans 3:5

But if our unrighteousness commend the righteousness of God, what shall we say? [Is] God unrighteous who taketh vengeance? (I speak as a man)

Romans 3:6

God forbid: for then how shall God judge the world?