Genesis 18:24

KJV

Peradventure there be fifty righteous within the city: wilt thou also destroy and not spare the place for the fifty righteous that [are] therein?

KJV (with Strong's)

Peradventure there be {H3426} fifty {H2572} righteous {H6662} within {H8432} the city {H5892}: wilt thou also destroy {H5595} and not spare {H5375} the place {H4725} for {H4616} the fifty {H2572} righteous {H6662} that are therein {H7130}?

Complete Jewish Bible

Maybe there are fifty righteous people in the city; will you actually sweep the place away, and not forgive it for the sake of the fifty righteous who are there?

Berean Standard Bible

What if there are fifty righteous ones in the city? Will You really sweep it away and not spare the place for the sake of the fifty righteous ones who are there?

American Standard Version

Peradventure there are fifty righteous within the city: wilt thou consume and not spare the place for the fifty righteous that are therein?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 18:24 marks the pivotal moment in Abraham's intercession for Sodom, as he boldly yet humbly questions the Lord's impending judgment. Abraham appeals to God's character, proposing that the presence of fifty righteous individuals within the city should be sufficient grounds to avert its destruction. This verse initiates a profound dialogue that explores the intricate balance between divine justice and mercy, underscoring the immense value God places on the righteous and His willingness to engage with humanity's pleas.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a deeply personal and revelatory encounter between Abraham and the Lord, who appears with two angels near the oaks of Mamre. Immediately prior, God has disclosed His intention to investigate the outcry against Sodom and Gomorrah, signaling impending judgment due to their grave sin ([Genesis 18:20-21](/genesis/18-20-21 "God's Declaration on Sodom and Gomorrah")). As the divine visitors turn towards Sodom, Abraham, moved by compassion and likely concern for his nephew Lot, draws near to the Lord. His question in [Genesis 18:24](/genesis/18-24 "Abraham's First Appeal for Sodom") is the very first step in a remarkable series of appeals, where he progressively lowers the number of righteous individuals that might spare the city, testing the bounds of God's mercy and revealing his own spiritual maturity as an intercessor.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, the destruction of cities was often a consequence of divine judgment, as seen in various Mesopotamian and Canaanite narratives. However, the concept of a deity engaging in a direct, deliberative dialogue with a human intercessor over such a judgment was highly unique to the Israelite understanding of God. Cities like Sodom and Gomorrah were likely thriving urban centers in the fertile plain of the Jordan, known for their wealth but also, as the biblical narrative suggests, for their profound moral corruption. Abraham's role as a patriarch and a "friend of God" ([Isaiah 41:8](/isaiah/41-8 "Israel, My Servant, Abraham My Friend")) granted him an unparalleled intimacy and boldness in approaching the divine, a privilege not typically afforded to ordinary individuals in ancient religious contexts.
* **Key Themes:** Genesis 18:24 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within Genesis and the broader biblical narrative. It highlights the theme of **divine justice and mercy**, showcasing God's righteous character that judges sin but also seeks to spare the innocent. It powerfully illustrates **the power and importance of intercessory prayer**, as Abraham boldly stands in the gap for others, even for a city known for its wickedness. Furthermore, the dialogue underscores **the value and influence of the righteous**, suggesting that their presence can have a profound impact on the fate of an entire community, a principle echoed in later wisdom literature like [Proverbs 11:10-11](/proverbs/11-10-11 "The Blessing of the Upright"). Finally, it foreshadows the **covenant faithfulness of God**, as He patiently engages with Abraham, demonstrating His commitment to His chosen servant and His willingness to reveal His ways.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Genesis 18:24 records Abraham's opening gambit in his profound intercession: "Peradventure there be fifty righteous within the city: wilt thou also destroy and not spare the place for the fifty righteous that [are] therein?"

#### Key Word Analysis
* **righteous (Hebrew, _tsaddîyq'_):** From the root _tsadaq_, meaning "to be just" or "to be righteous." A _tsaddîyq_ is one who is just, upright, and in right relationship with God, adhering to divine standards of conduct and character. Abraham's premise is that the presence of even this number of such individuals should be sufficient grounds to spare an entire city, appealing to God's inherent nature as a righteous judge who distinguishes between the innocent and the guilty.
* **destroy (Hebrew, _çâphâh'_):** A primitive root meaning "to scrape away," "to consume," or "to perish." In this context, it refers to the complete annihilation of the city and its inhabitants. Abraham's use of this word emphasizes the totality of the impending judgment and his hope that it might be averted.
* **spare (Hebrew, _nâsâʼ'_):** A primitive root meaning "to lift," "to bear," or "to carry away." In this specific context, it signifies "to pardon," "to forgive," or "to hold up" from destruction. Abraham's plea is for God to "lift away" the judgment, to "bear" with the city, and to "pardon" it for the sake of the righteous.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Peradventure there be fifty righteous within the city:"** Abraham initiates his intercession with a hopeful, almost pleading, rhetorical question. The phrase "Peradventure there be" (KJV) conveys a sense of "What if there are...?" or "Surely there are...?" rather than a simple statement. It expresses a hopeful possibility or a humble proposition to God, appealing to His character. The number "fifty" is Abraham's initial, ambitious starting point for negotiation, setting the stage for a remarkable dialogue that reveals God's willingness to listen and Abraham's compassionate boldness.
* **"wilt thou also destroy and not spare the place"** This clause presents a direct challenge to the perceived implications of God's justice. Abraham questions whether God, in His righteousness, would indiscriminately destroy an entire locality, including any innocent individuals within it. The pairing of "destroy" and "not spare" emphasizes the totality of the judgment Abraham seeks to avert, highlighting his concern for the preservation of life.
* **"for the fifty righteous that [are] therein?"** This final part of the verse explicitly states the condition upon which Abraham bases his appeal: the presence of the righteous. It underscores Abraham's understanding that God values righteousness and might be persuaded to act differently based on the moral character of a portion of the population. The repetition of "fifty righteous" reinforces the core of his argument and the specific grounds for his plea.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. **Rhetorical Question** is central, as Abraham's questions are not posed for information but to make a forceful appeal and to prompt God to consider an alternative. The use of **Intercession** is the primary dramatic action, showcasing Abraham's role as a mediator between God and humanity. There is also **Repetition** of the phrase "fifty righteous," which serves to emphasize the specific condition Abraham is proposing and highlights its significance in his argument. Finally, the entire passage is framed as a **Dialogue**, a unique and profound exchange between the Creator and His chosen servant, demonstrating God's accessibility and willingness to engage with human concerns.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Genesis 18:24 is a profound theological statement on the nature of God and the power of human intercession. It reveals a God who, while perfectly just in His judgment of sin, is also abundantly merciful and responsive to the prayers of His people. Abraham's bold appeal for Sodom, based on the potential presence of the righteous, underscores the immense value God places on those who walk in uprightness. This dialogue sets a precedent for understanding God's willingness to "relent" from judgment when a righteous basis for mercy is presented, demonstrating His relational character rather than a rigid, unyielding decree. It teaches us that God's justice is never arbitrary but always discerning, distinguishing between the innocent and the guilty.

* [Exodus 32:11-14](/exodus/32-11-14 "Moses Intercedes for Israel")
* [Psalm 85:10](/psalms/85-10 "Righteousness and Peace Kiss")
* [Proverbs 11:11](/proverbs/11-11 "The Blessing of the Upright")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 18:24 serves as a powerful and enduring model for intercessory prayer. It encourages believers to approach God with both boldness and humility, passionately pleading for their communities, even those steeped in sin and facing divine judgment. Abraham's persistence reminds us that our prayers are not merely formalities but can genuinely influence outcomes in accordance with God's sovereign will and merciful character. This passage also offers profound reassurance regarding God's justice; He is not a God who indiscriminately punishes the righteous with the wicked. Instead, He meticulously distinguishes, ensuring that His judgments are always perfectly just and tempered with mercy. We are called to emulate Abraham's compassionate concern for others, trusting in God's character and recognizing the profound impact that the presence and prayers of the righteous can have on the world around them.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Abraham's boldness in interceding for Sodom challenge or encourage your own prayer life for your community or nation?**
* **In what ways does this passage affirm God's character as both just and merciful, and how does that understanding impact your trust in Him?**
* **What does the concept of "the righteous" mean in this context, and how might you strive to embody that righteousness in your daily life to be a positive influence?**

### FAQ
**Did Abraham have the right to question God's judgment?**

Answer: Abraham's interaction with God was not a challenge to God's authority, but rather a humble yet persistent appeal to His known character of justice and mercy. As a "friend of God" ([James 2:23](/james/2-23 "Abraham, Friend of God")), Abraham was granted unique access and a remarkable boldness to intercede. This dialogue demonstrates God's condescension and willingness to engage with His chosen servants, revealing His relational nature.

**Why did Abraham start with "fifty righteous" as his initial number?**

Answer: The text does not explicitly state Abraham's reasoning for choosing fifty, but it likely represented a significant, yet perhaps optimistic, number for a large city like Sodom. It served as a starting point for his negotiation, allowing him to test the limits of God's mercy and reveal God's willingness to spare for the sake of even a few. This initial number sets the stage for the progressive lowering of the threshold, highlighting God's incredible patience and responsiveness.

**Does this passage imply that God's judgment can be swayed by human negotiation?**

Answer: This passage illustrates God's responsiveness to the prayers of His people, particularly intercessory prayer, rather than implying that His ultimate will is altered. God, in His sovereignty, chooses to interact with humanity in a way that allows for appeal and mercy. It demonstrates that God desires to show mercy and that He incorporates the prayers of His righteous ones into His divine plan, revealing His relational and just nature, as seen in passages like [1 John 5:14-15](/1_john/5-14-15 "Confidence in Prayer").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Abraham interceded for Sodom based on the potential presence of fifty righteous individuals, ultimately no such number was found, and the city faced judgment, highlighting humanity's inherent inability to produce sufficient righteousness to avert divine wrath. This tragic outcome foreshadows the universal human condition: "there is none righteous, no, not one" ([Romans 3:10](/romans/3-10 "No One Is Righteous")). However, Christ exquisitely fulfills this longing for a righteous intercessor and a basis for mercy. He is the one truly righteous person ([1 John 2:1](/1_john/2-1 "Jesus Christ, the Righteous")), whose perfect life and atoning death provide the singular and sufficient basis for God's mercy and the justification of sinners. Unlike Sodom, which found no one to spare it, believers are spared from eternal judgment not by their own righteousness or the righteousness of a few, but by the imputed righteousness of Christ ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "Christ became sin for us")) and His continuous, eternal intercession on their behalf before the Father ([Hebrews 7:25](/hebrews/7-25 "Christ's eternal intercession"), [Romans 8:34](/romans/8-34 "Christ intercedes for us")). He is the ultimate "Righteous One" ([Isaiah 53:11](/isaiah/53-11 "By His knowledge, the Righteous One")) whose presence and sacrifice guarantee salvation for all who believe, demonstrating God's ultimate mercy and justice perfectly reconciled 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

Jeremiah 5:1

¶ Run ye to and fro through the streets of Jerusalem, and see now, and know, and seek in the broad places thereof, if ye can find a man, if there be [any] that executeth judgment, that seeketh the truth; and I will pardon it.

Isaiah 1:9

Except the LORD of hosts had left unto us a very small remnant, we should have been as Sodom, [and] we should have been like unto Gomorrah.

Matthew 7:13

Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide [is] the gate, and broad [is] the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat:

Matthew 7:14

Because strait [is] the gate, and narrow [is] the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.

Genesis 18:32

And he said, Oh let not the Lord be angry, and I will speak yet but this once: Peradventure ten shall be found there. And he said, I will not destroy [it] for ten's sake.

Acts 27:24

Saying, Fear not, Paul; thou must be brought before Caesar: and, lo, God hath given thee all them that sail with thee.