Genesis 18:26

KJV

And the LORD said, If I find in Sodom fifty righteous within the city, then I will spare all the place for their sakes.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the LORD {H3068} said {H559}, If I find {H4672} in Sodom {H5467} fifty {H2572} righteous {H6662} within {H8432} the city {H5892}, then I will spare {H5375} all the place {H4725} for their sakes.

Complete Jewish Bible

ADONAI said, "If I find in S'dom fifty who are righteous, then I will forgive the whole place for their sake."

Berean Standard Bible

So the LORD replied, “If I find fifty righteous ones within the city of Sodom, on their account I will spare the whole place.”

American Standard Version

And Jehovah said, If I find in Sodom fifty righteous within the city, then I will spare all the place for their sake.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 18:26 records the LORD's initial declaration to Abraham during their profound intercessory dialogue concerning the impending judgment on Sodom. This pivotal statement reveals God's willingness to avert the city's destruction if a mere fifty righteous individuals could be found within its walls, thereby showcasing His profound mercy, His commitment to justice, and the immense redemptive value He places on the presence of the upright, setting the stage for Abraham's subsequent, daring negotiations.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a deeply personal and revelatory encounter between the LORD, accompanied by two angels, and Abraham at the oaks of Mamre. Following a demonstration of Abraham's renowned hospitality and the reaffirmation of the promise of Isaac's birth, the narrative shifts dramatically. The LORD, in an act of intimate disclosure, reveals His intention to investigate the "great outcry" and severe sin of Sodom and Gomorrah, signaling impending divine judgment. Abraham, understanding the gravity of this revelation and perhaps concerned for his nephew Lot, immediately initiates a bold intercessory dialogue, beginning in [Genesis 18:23](/genesis/18-23 "Abraham's Plea for Sodom"). Verse 26 marks the LORD's first direct response, establishing the divine terms for the city's potential preservation and initiating the remarkable negotiation that underscores God's relational character and Abraham's role as a mediator.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Sodom and Gomorrah were cities notorious in the ancient Near East for their extreme wickedness, particularly their lack of hospitality, pride, and sexual perversion, as later elaborated in passages like [Ezekiel 16:49-50](/ezekiel/16-49-50 "Sodom's Sins: Pride, Fullness of Bread, Abundance of Idleness, and Not Strengthening the Hand of the Poor and Needy"). Divine judgment for such widespread iniquity was a recognized concept in the ancient world, often manifest through natural disasters or military conquest. The idea of a righteous remnant or the presence of a few just individuals serving as a preserving force for an entire community, though not universally explicit, resonates with the concept of collective responsibility and the impact of moral leadership or spiritual purity within a society. God's willingness to engage in dialogue with Abraham also highlights the unique covenantal relationship He had established with His chosen patriarch, a departure from typical divine-human interactions in other ancient mythologies.

* **Key Themes:** Genesis 18:26 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Genesis and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it profoundly illustrates the **Divine Justice and Mercy** of God, demonstrating His righteous indignation against sin while simultaneously revealing His deep desire to extend mercy and avert judgment if a basis for it exists. Secondly, it highlights the **Value and Preserving Power of the Righteous**, showing that God places immense worth on those who live in alignment with His standards, to the extent that their presence can influence the fate of an entire community. This foreshadows later biblical concepts of believers as the "salt of the earth" found in [Matthew 5:13](/matthew/5-13 "Believers as the Salt of the Earth"). Thirdly, the passage emphasizes the **Power and Importance of Intercession**, as Abraham's bold yet humble dialogue with God serves as a model for pleading on behalf of others, a theme continued throughout Scripture, notably in [1 Timothy 2:1-2](/1_timothy/2-1-2 "Prayers for All People and Authorities"). Finally, it underscores God's **Relational Character**, portraying Him not as a distant deity but as one who engages in intimate conversation with His chosen servants, revealing His plans and allowing for human petition.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
The LORD's declaration in Genesis 18:26, "And the LORD said, If I find in Sodom fifty righteous within the city, then I will spare all the place for their sakes," is a foundational statement that illuminates God's character and the dynamics of His justice and mercy.

#### Key Word Analysis
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** This is the covenant name of God, often rendered "Yahweh," signifying "He who is" or "The Self-Existent One." Its use here emphasizes God's unchanging, eternal nature and His personal, relational commitment to Abraham and His covenant people. It underscores that the one speaking is the sovereign, all-powerful God who is also intimately involved in human affairs and moral governance.
* **find (Hebrew, _mâtsâʼ'_):** This verb means "to come forth to," "to appear," "to attain," or "to acquire." In this context, it implies a divine search or discovery. God is not merely hoping for the righteous to exist, but actively seeking them out, indicating that His judgment is not arbitrary but contingent on a verifiable reality. It suggests a thorough assessment rather than a superficial glance.
* **righteous (Hebrew, _tsaddîyq'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to be just" or "to be right," this term describes someone who is morally upright, just, and in right standing with God according to His covenantal standards. It denotes integrity, adherence to divine law, and a life characterized by justice and equity. The presence of such individuals is a moral anchor and a spiritual leaven within a community.
* **spare (Hebrew, _nâsâʼ'_):** This versatile root means "to lift," "to bear," "to carry away," or "to forgive." In this context, it signifies the lifting or removal of impending judgment. God's willingness to "lift away" the destruction for the sake of the _tsaddîyqim_ reveals His profound mercy and His preference for preservation over annihilation, demonstrating that the righteous can indeed be a preserving force.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the LORD said,"**: This opening phrase immediately establishes the divine speaker and the authoritative nature of the ensuing declaration. It highlights God's initiative in the dialogue, even as He responds to Abraham's intercession. The use of "the LORD" (Yahweh) emphasizes His covenant faithfulness and sovereign authority in matters of justice and judgment.
* **"If I find in Sodom fifty righteous within the city,"**: This clause presents the explicit condition upon which God's mercy is contingent. The numerical threshold of "fifty righteous" is significant; it represents a substantial, though not overwhelming, portion of the population that could potentially serve as a moral and spiritual leaven. The phrase "within the city" specifies the location of this righteous remnant, directly linking their presence to the fate of Sodom itself. This underscores God's commitment to justice, where judgment is not indiscriminate but based on the moral state of the inhabitants.
* **"then I will spare all the place for their sakes."**: This is the divine promise, the consequence of the condition being met. "Spare" (Hebrew _nâsâʼ_) implies the lifting or removal of the impending judgment and destruction. The phrase "all the place" signifies that the entire city, despite its pervasive wickedness, would be preserved. Crucially, this preservation is "for their sakes," meaning for the sake of the righteous individuals. This reveals God's profound mercy and His principle that the presence of the faithful can serve as a redemptive buffer against divine wrath, demonstrating the immense value God places on His upright servants.

#### Literary Devices
The dialogue in Genesis 18:26 employs several significant literary devices. The primary device is **Dialogue**, which serves to humanize God's interaction with Abraham, portraying a personal and relational deity rather than an aloof one. This intimate conversation allows for the unfolding of God's character (justice and mercy) and Abraham's role as an intercessor. The verse also features a **Conditional Statement** ("If I find... then I will spare..."), which is central to the negotiation. This structure clearly lays out the terms of divine action, emphasizing that God's judgment is not arbitrary but operates according to established principles. Furthermore, the very act of **Negotiation** itself, as Abraham progressively lowers the number, can be seen as a literary technique that highlights God's patience and willingness to listen to His servant's pleas, while simultaneously underscoring the scarcity of righteousness in Sodom. This dynamic interplay builds suspense and reveals the profound implications of even a small number of righteous individuals.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Genesis 18:26 provides a profound glimpse into the interwoven nature of God's justice and mercy, revealing that His righteous judgment is always tempered by a desire for preservation and a deep value for those who walk in His ways. This divine principle, where the presence of a faithful remnant can influence the destiny of an entire community, resonates throughout the biblical narrative, underscoring the redemptive and preservative role of God's people in a fallen world.

* [Matthew 5:13](/matthew/5-13 "Believers as the Salt of the Earth"): Jesus declares His followers to be the "salt of the earth," signifying their preservative and purifying influence on society, echoing the concept that the righteous prevent decay and invite God's favor.
* [Ezekiel 22:30](/ezekiel/22-30 "God Seeks a Man to Stand in the Gap"): God laments that He "sought for a man among them who would make a wall, and stand in the gap before Me for the land, that I should not destroy it; but I found no one," tragically illustrating the absence of the righteous intercessor that could have averted judgment.
* [1 Timothy 2:1-2](/1_timothy/2-1-2 "Prayers for All People and Authorities"): Believers are exhorted to pray for all people, including kings and those in authority, so that they may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and reverence, highlighting the ongoing importance of intercession for societal well-being.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 18:26 offers profound insights for contemporary believers, compelling us to recognize the far-reaching implications of our righteous walk with God. It reminds us that our individual faithfulness is not isolated but can profoundly influence the spiritual climate and even the physical well-being of our communities and nations. Like Abraham, we are called to be vigilant intercessors, praying earnestly for our cities, leaders, and those lost in sin, believing that our prayers, offered in faith and aligned with God's heart, can indeed move the hand of God and potentially avert judgment. Furthermore, this verse provides immense hope, reminding us that even in times of widespread unrighteousness and moral decay, the presence of a faithful remnant can be a powerful source of God's continued patience, mercy, and potential for societal preservation. It challenges us to live lives of integrity, knowing that our very existence as righteous individuals can be a blessing and a preserving force for the world around us.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the concept of a "righteous remnant" in Genesis 18:26 challenge or affirm my understanding of God's justice and mercy in today's world?**
* **In what ways can I, as an individual believer, actively contribute to being "salt" and a preserving influence in my community, aligning with the spirit of this passage?**
* **What specific areas of my city or nation am I called to intercede for, and how can Abraham's example encourage my persistence in prayer?**

### FAQ
**Does God's willingness to spare Sodom for the righteous imply He is swayed by human negotiation?**

Answer: God is not swayed in the sense of His character or ultimate purposes changing. Rather, His willingness to engage Abraham's intercession reveals His inherent mercy and His desire to find a reason to withhold judgment. It demonstrates that He values the righteous and hears the prayers of His people, operating within His own divine principles of justice and grace. Abraham's persistent pleas did not change God's mind about His nature, but rather revealed His nature more fully and provided an opportunity for His mercy to be extended on specific conditions. This dialogue showcases God's relational nature and His delight in responding to the faithful prayers of His children.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Genesis 18:26 profoundly foreshadows the ultimate act of divine mercy and the true "righteous one" through whom all are spared: Jesus Christ. While God was willing to spare Sodom for the sake of fifty, or even ten, righteous individuals, the tragic reality was that none were found. Humanity, in its fallen state, could not produce enough _tsaddîyqim_ to avert God's just wrath, highlighting the universal need for a perfectly righteous one. Christ is the singularly righteous one, the only one who perfectly fulfilled God's standards, whose presence and sacrifice did not just spare a city, but offered salvation to all who believe. His intercession, unlike Abraham's limited plea, is eternal and perfectly effective, making it possible for God to be both just and the justifier of those who have faith in Jesus, as beautifully articulated in [Romans 3:26](/romans/3-26 "God is Just and the Justifier"). Through Christ, the ultimate "righteous one," God's mercy is extended to the whole world, not just for the sake of a few, but for the sake of the one perfect sacrifice, the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). His work on the cross is the ultimate fulfillment of God's desire to spare "all the place" for the sake of the perfectly righteous one.

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.

Matthew 24:22

And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect's sake those days shall be shortened.

Ezekiel 22:30

And I sought for a man among them, that should make up the hedge, and stand in the gap before me for the land, that I should not destroy it: but I found none.

Isaiah 65:8

¶ Thus saith the LORD, As the new wine is found in the cluster, and [one] saith, Destroy it not; for a blessing [is] in it: so will I do for my servants' sakes, that I may not destroy them all.

Isaiah 10:22

For though thy people Israel be as the sand of the sea, [yet] a remnant of them shall return: the consumption decreed shall overflow with righteousness.

Isaiah 19:24

In that day shall Israel be the third with Egypt and with Assyria, [even] a blessing in the midst of the land:

Isaiah 6:13

But yet in it [shall be] a tenth, and [it] shall return, and shall be eaten: as a teil tree, and as an oak, whose substance [is] in them, when they cast [their leaves: so] the holy seed [shall be] the substance thereof.