Genesis 18:28

KJV

Peradventure there shall lack five of the fifty righteous: wilt thou destroy all the city for [lack of] five? And he said, If I find there forty and five, I will not destroy [it].

KJV (with Strong's)

Peradventure there shall lack {H2637} five {H2568} of the fifty {H2572} righteous {H6662}: wilt thou destroy {H7843} all the city {H5892} for lack of five {H2568}? And he said {H559}, If I find {H4672} there forty {H705} and five {H2568}, I will not destroy {H7843} it.

Complete Jewish Bible

What if there are five less than fifty righteous?"He said, "I won't destroy it if I find forty-five there."

Berean Standard Bible

suppose the fifty righteous ones lack five. Will You destroy the whole city for the lack of five?” He replied, “If I find forty-five there, I will not destroy it.”

American Standard Version

peradventure there shall lack five of the fifty righteous: wilt thou destroy all the city for lack of five? And he said, I will not destroy it, if I find there forty and five.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 18:28 captures a pivotal moment in Abraham's persistent intercession for Sodom, revealing his deep concern for human life and God's profound mercy. In this exchange, Abraham negotiates with the Lord, incrementally lowering his plea from fifty to forty-five righteous individuals, demonstrating God's willingness to engage relationally with His servant's pleas and His desire to find a reason to spare, even in the face of impending judgment.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is deeply embedded within the dramatic dialogue between Abraham and the Lord, who, along with two angels, appeared to Abraham in human form at the oaks of Mamre ([Genesis 18:1-8](/genesis/18-1-8 "The Lord appears to Abraham at Mamre")). Following the announcement of Isaac's birth and Sarah's incredulity ([Genesis 18:9-15](/genesis/18-9-15 "The promise of Isaac's birth")), the Lord reveals His intention to investigate the grievous outcry against Sodom and Gomorrah ([Genesis 18:16-21](/genesis/18-16-21 "The Lord's intention to investigate Sodom")). Abraham, aware that his nephew Lot resides in Sodom, boldly steps forward as an intercessor, beginning a remarkable negotiation that starts with the premise that God, as the "Judge of all the earth," would not destroy the righteous with the wicked ([Genesis 18:22-25](/genesis/18-22-25 "Abraham's initial plea for Sodom")). Genesis 18:28 marks the second stage of this intercession, where Abraham lowers his initial plea from fifty to forty-five righteous individuals, continuing his persistent appeal for divine mercy. This entire dialogue sets the stage for the subsequent destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah in [Genesis 19](/genesis/19 "The Destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah"), highlighting God's justice balanced with His patience.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, divine judgment upon cities was often understood as a response to widespread corporate sin, particularly violations of hospitality and justice, which Sodom was notoriously guilty of. The concept of a righteous remnant, whose presence might avert divine wrath, was also present in various ancient cultures, though nowhere as profoundly articulated as in the biblical narrative. Abraham's role as an intercessor reflects the unique covenant relationship God established with him, granting him access to God's counsel and the privilege of pleading on behalf of others. The Lord's condescension to engage in such a prolonged dialogue with Abraham underscores the personal and relational nature of the God of Israel, contrasting sharply with the often capricious and distant deities of surrounding cultures. The "city" (`ʻîyr`) in this context refers to a fortified settlement, a center of population and culture, making its destruction a significant event.
* **Key Themes:** Genesis 18:28 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Genesis and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates the theme of **divine justice and mercy**, showcasing God's perfect righteousness in judging sin alongside His profound reluctance to punish, always seeking a reason to extend grace. Secondly, it highlights the **power and importance of intercessory prayer**, portraying Abraham as a model of bold and persistent advocacy before God, even for the unrighteous. Thirdly, the dialogue underscores the **relational character of God**, who condescends to converse with His servant, revealing His plans and listening to His pleas. Finally, it introduces the concept of the **righteous remnant**, suggesting that the presence of even a small number of righteous individuals can have a preserving effect, a theme that reverberates throughout prophetic literature concerning Israel's future (e.g., [Isaiah 1:9](/isaiah/1-9 "A small remnant saved") or [Romans 11:5](/romans/11-5 "God's gracious remnant")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **lack (Hebrew, _châçêr'_):** This word (H2637) signifies a deficiency or absence, implying a shortfall from a desired or expected amount. In Abraham's plea, it highlights the hypothetical situation where the number of righteous individuals falls just short of the previously agreed-upon fifty, prompting his question about whether such a small deficit would still necessitate total destruction. It conveys the idea of something being "abated" or "wanting."
* **righteous (Hebrew, _tsaddîyq'_):** Derived from the root meaning "to be just," this term (H6662) describes individuals who are upright, just, and in right standing with God. It refers to those whose character and conduct align with God's standards. Abraham's entire argument rests on God's nature as a just judge who would not destroy the "righteous" alongside the wicked, emphasizing the moral distinction God makes between people.
* **destroy (Hebrew, _shâchath'_):** This strong verb (H7843) denotes ruin, corruption, or utter devastation. It is used here to describe the complete annihilation of the city. God's repeated affirmation that He "will not destroy" if the specified number of righteous are found underscores His reluctance to bring about such ruin and His desire for mercy to prevail.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Peradventure there shall lack five of the fifty righteous: wilt thou destroy all the city for [lack of] five?"**: Abraham cautiously and respectfully presses his case, using the word "Peradventure" (Hebrew: *'ulay*) to introduce a hypothetical scenario. Having secured God's agreement to spare the city for fifty righteous individuals ([Genesis 18:26](/genesis/18-26 "The Lord agrees to spare for 50 righteous")), Abraham now considers a slight shortfall. He proposes that if only forty-five righteous individuals are found, would God still destroy the entire city for the sake of just five fewer? This rhetorical question appeals to God's sense of proportion and mercy, subtly suggesting that such a small difference should not warrant complete annihilation. It reveals Abraham's persistent, yet reverent, probing of the limits of divine clemency.
* **"And he said, If I find there forty and five, I will not destroy [it]."**: The Lord's immediate and unequivocal response demonstrates His immense patience and responsiveness to Abraham's intercession. God does not rebuke Abraham's audacity but readily agrees to his revised plea. This affirmation underscores God's desire to find a reason to show mercy rather than to execute judgment. The phrase "If I find there" highlights God's perfect knowledge and His commitment to justice; He would indeed search and know the true number. His repeated willingness to spare the city for the sake of these few righteous individuals highlights the foundational principle that He differentiates between the righteous and the wicked in His judgments, valuing the presence of even a small remnant.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several significant **Literary Devices**. The primary device is **Dialogue**, which frames the entire interaction between Abraham and the Lord. This direct conversation humanizes God's engagement with humanity and allows for the unfolding of Abraham's bold **Intercession**. Abraham's question, "wilt thou destroy all the city for [lack of] five?", functions as a **Rhetorical Question**, not seeking information but rather emphasizing the perceived disproportion of the judgment and appealing to God's character of mercy. The **Repetition** of the phrase "I will not destroy [it]" (or similar variations throughout the dialogue) underscores God's consistent willingness to relent from judgment for the sake of the righteous. Furthermore, the incremental lowering of the number of righteous individuals (from 50 to 45, then further down to 10) creates a sense of **Suspense** and highlights Abraham's persistent faith, while also implicitly revealing God's profound patience and desire for mercy.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This profound dialogue between Abraham and the Lord serves as a foundational text for understanding the dynamics of intercessory prayer and the character of God. It reveals a God who, though sovereign and just, is also deeply relational, patient, and willing to listen to the pleas of His faithful servants. The tension between divine justice, which demands accountability for sin, and divine mercy, which seeks to spare and redeem, is powerfully illustrated. God's repeated concessions underscore His reluctance to punish and His desire to find any basis for showing grace, emphasizing that His judgment is not arbitrary but a measured response to persistent wickedness. This passage also highlights the potential impact of a righteous remnant, whose presence can serve as a preserving force within a corrupt society, influencing God's dealings with an entire community.
* [1 Timothy 2:1](/1_timothy/2-1 "Paul's instruction on praying for all people")
* [Ezekiel 18:23](/ezekiel/18-23 "God's desire for the wicked to turn and live")
* [Matthew 5:13](/matthew/5-13 "Salt of the Earth")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 18:28 offers profound encouragement for believers to embrace a life of fervent and persistent intercessory prayer. Abraham's boldness, rooted in his understanding of God's character, challenges us to pray not only for our immediate circle but also for cities, nations, and individuals steeped in sin and facing the consequences of their choices. This passage reminds us that God is indeed characterized by both unwavering justice and incredible mercy, and that His patience is a gracious call to repentance for all, as articulated in [2 Peter 3:9](/2_peter/3-9 "God's patience leading to repentance"). Furthermore, it underscores the profound impact that righteous individuals can have on their communities, serving as a spiritual leaven or preserving salt. While Sodom was ultimately destroyed because not even ten righteous were found ([Genesis 19:24](/genesis/19-24 "The destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah")), the principle of God's desire to spare for the sake of the righteous remains a powerful testament to His character and a compelling call for believers to live righteously and pray boldly, knowing that their faithfulness can make a difference in God's dealings with the world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Abraham's persistent intercession challenge my own prayer life, particularly for those who seem far from God?**
* **In what ways does this passage deepen my understanding of God's character, balancing His justice with His mercy?**
* **What role do I believe the presence of righteous individuals plays in God's dealings with a community or nation today?**

### FAQ
**Why did Abraham keep lowering the number of righteous people?**

Answer: Abraham's repeated lowering of the number, from fifty down to ten ([Genesis 18:23-32](/genesis/18-23-32 "Abraham's full intercession for Sodom")), demonstrates his persistent faith, his deep compassion for human life, and his fervent desire to save the city, particularly for the sake of his nephew Lot. It also reveals his growing understanding of God's immense mercy and willingness to listen to His servant's pleas. Each reduction was a hopeful probing of the limits of divine clemency, showing Abraham's boldness and intimacy in prayer, as he appealed to God's just and merciful nature.

**Does God truly negotiate with humans?**

Answer: The dialogue between Abraham and the Lord is not a negotiation in the sense of two equal parties haggling, but rather a profound illustration of God's condescension and willingness to engage relationally with His faithful servants. It highlights God's patience, His desire for mercy, and His responsiveness to the prayers of the righteous. It teaches us about God's character and the power of intercession, demonstrating that God delights in hearing and responding to the prayers of His people, not that humans can manipulate divine will or force God's hand.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Abraham's intercession in [Genesis 18:28](/genesis/18-28 "Abraham's intercession for 45 righteous") and the subsequent dialogue, though ultimately unsuccessful in saving Sodom, profoundly foreshadows the perfect and ultimate intercession of Jesus Christ. While Abraham pleaded for a city based on the *potential* presence of a few righteous individuals, Christ, as the perfectly Righteous One ([1 Peter 3:18](/1_peter/3-18 "Christ suffered for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous")), intercedes for all believers, securing their salvation not based on their own righteousness, but on His finished work on the cross. His sacrifice is the ultimate act of divine mercy, satisfying God's justice and providing the means for humanity to be declared righteous before God ([Romans 5:8-9](/romans/5-8-9 "God demonstrates His love; justified by His blood")). Through Christ, the search for a remnant finds its culmination, as He is the Head of the new covenant community—a people made righteous by faith in Him ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "God made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us")). His perpetual intercession on behalf of His people before the Father ([Hebrews 7:25](/hebrews/7-25 "Christ ever lives to make intercession")) ensures God's continued patience and mercy towards a fallen world, for it is His presence and the presence of His church that serves as the ultimate preserving force until His return.

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

1 Kings 20:32

So they girded sackcloth on their loins, and [put] ropes on their heads, and came to the king of Israel, and said, Thy servant Benhadad saith, I pray thee, let me live. And he said, [Is] he yet alive? he [is] my brother.

1 Kings 20:33

Now the men did diligently observe whether [any thing would come] from him, and did hastily catch [it]: and they said, Thy brother Benhadad. Then he said, Go ye, bring him. Then Benhadad came forth to him; and he caused him to come up into the chariot.

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.

Genesis 18:29

And he spake unto him yet again, and said, Peradventure there shall be forty found there. And he said, I will not do [it] for forty's sake.

Job 23:3

Oh that I knew where I might find him! [that] I might come [even] to his seat!

Job 23:4

I would order [my] cause before him, and fill my mouth with arguments.

Numbers 14:17

And now, I beseech thee, let the power of my Lord be great, according as thou hast spoken, saying,