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.

And he spake {H1696} unto him yet again {H3254}, and said {H559}, Peradventure there shall be forty {H705} found {H4672} there. And he said {H559}, I will not do {H6213} it for forty's {H705} sake.

He spoke to him yet again: "What if forty are found there?" He said, "For the sake of the forty I won't do it."

Once again Abraham spoke to the LORD, โ€œSuppose forty are found there?โ€ He answered, โ€œOn account of the forty, I will not do it.โ€

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 the fortyโ€™s sake.

Commentary

Genesis 18:29 is a pivotal moment in Abraham's intercession for the city of Sodom. Following God's revelation of His intent to destroy the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah due to their grievous sin, Abraham begins a remarkable dialogue with the Lord, pleading for the inhabitants. This verse captures the continuation of that negotiation, specifically moving the number of righteous people for whom God would spare the city down from forty-five to forty.

Context of Abraham's Intercession

The scene unfolds after the Lord, accompanied by two angels, visits Abraham in Mamre. After confirming the promise of Isaac's birth, the Lord shares His plan concerning Sodom and Gomorrah (Genesis 18:20-21). Abraham, concerned for his nephew Lot and the innocent within the city, boldly approaches God, initiating a series of appeals. He starts by asking if God would spare the city for fifty righteous individuals, and in this verse, he cautiously lowers the number to forty, to which God readily agrees, demonstrating His immense patience and willingness to hear the prayers of His servant.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Intercessory Prayer: This passage powerfully illustrates the nature and power of intercessory prayer. Abraham's persistence and boldness in pleading for others serve as a model for believers. His prayer is not demanding but humble and respectful, yet unwavering.
  • God's Justice and Mercy: The dialogue reveals the perfect balance of God's attributes. While He is a just God who must judge sin, He is also infinitely merciful, willing to spare a multitude for the sake of a few righteous individuals. This highlights the profound value God places on righteousness.
  • Divine Accessibility and Patience: God's willingness to engage in this extended conversation with Abraham underscores His accessibility to His people and His divine patience. He listens and responds to Abraham's every request, showing His desire for mercy to prevail where possible.
  • The Value of the Righteous: The repeated agreement of God to spare the city based on a decreasing number of righteous people emphasizes the significant impact and value of righteous individuals within a community.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "Peradventure there shall be forty found there" reflects Abraham's hesitant yet hopeful tone. The word "peradventure" (from the Hebrew ืื•ืœื™, 'ulay) suggests a humble suggestion or possibility, indicating Abraham's respectful approach in his negotiation with the Almighty.

Practical Application and Reflection

Genesis 18:29 encourages us to embrace the discipline of intercessory prayer, praying not only for ourselves but for our communities, nations, and those in need. It reminds us that God hears and responds to the earnest prayers of the righteous (James 5:16). Furthermore, it offers comfort in knowing that while God is just, He is also merciful, always seeking avenues for grace and redemption. The presence of even a few who live righteously can have a profound impact, acting as a preserving salt and light in a fallen world, as Jesus taught in Matthew 5:13-16.

Note: If the commentary doesnโ€™t appear instantly, please allow 2โ€“5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Hebrews 4:16

    Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

  • Ephesians 6:18

    Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;
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