Genesis 18:29

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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.

Complete Jewish Bible

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."

Berean Standard Bible

Once again Abraham spoke to the LORD, “Suppose forty are found there?” He answered, “On account of the forty, I will not do it.”

American Standard Version

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 forty’s sake.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 18:29 marks a crucial point in Abraham's persistent and humble intercession for the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah. Following previous concessions from the Lord, Abraham tentatively lowers his plea for the city's preservation from forty-five to forty righteous individuals. In a remarkable display of divine patience and mercy, the Lord readily assents to spare the city for the sake of this lesser number, continuing a profound dialogue that underscores God's willingness to engage with and respond to the earnest prayers of His faithful servant.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is intricately woven into the broader narrative of the Lord's pre-judgment visit to Abraham at the oaks of Mamre, immediately following the confirmation of [Sarah's miraculous pregnancy](/genesis/18-10 "The Promise of Isaac's Birth"). The divine revelation of God's intent to investigate and judge the wickedness of Sodom and Gomorrah ([Genesis 18:20-21](/genesis/18-20-21 "God's Declaration of Judgment on Sodom and Gomorrah")) serves as the direct catalyst for Abraham's intercession. Genesis 18:29 specifically falls within Abraham's escalating series of appeals, where he progressively lowers the number of righteous individuals for whom God would spare the city, moving from fifty down to ten. Each reduction is met with God's patient affirmation, highlighting the unique intimacy of this divine-human dialogue and Abraham's bold yet reverent approach to the Almighty. This specific verse builds upon the previous appeals for fifty and forty-five, demonstrating Abraham's careful and persistent testing of the bounds of God's mercy.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, cities were often seen as corporate entities, and the fate of the city was tied to the righteousness or wickedness of its inhabitants, particularly its leaders. Divine judgment on cities was a recognized concept, often manifesting as destruction or conquest. The "cry" of Sodom and Gomorrah reaching God ([Genesis 18:20](/genesis/18-20 "The Cry of Sodom and Gomorrah")) reflects a legal or judicial metaphor, signifying that their sin was so egregious it demanded divine attention and action. The concept of a righteous remnant, capable of averting judgment, was also present in various ancient traditions, though uniquely expressed in the biblical narrative through God's covenantal relationship with Abraham. Abraham's role as an intercessor aligns with the patriarchal understanding of a family head's responsibility to his kin and community, even extending to those outside his immediate family, such as his nephew Lot residing in Sodom. The hospitality shown to the divine visitors by Abraham ([Genesis 18:1-8](/genesis/18-1-8 "Abraham's Hospitality to the Lord")) stands in stark contrast to the later lack of hospitality and perversion demonstrated by Sodom ([Genesis 19:4-9](/genesis/19-4-9 "The Depravity of Sodom")).

* **Key Themes:** Genesis 18:29 profoundly contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Genesis and biblical theology. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **divine justice**, demonstrating that God is not indifferent to sin but will act righteously to judge wickedness. Simultaneously, it highlights **divine mercy**, revealing God's profound willingness to extend grace and forbearance, even to a wicked city, for the sake of a righteous few. The passage is a quintessential example of **intercessory prayer**, showcasing Abraham's bold yet humble advocacy on behalf of others, providing a model for believers to approach God with their petitions. Furthermore, it emphasizes the **value and preserving power of the righteous**, suggesting that the presence of even a small number of godly individuals can profoundly influence God's dealings with a community, a concept echoed in later wisdom literature and prophetic writings, such as [Jeremiah 5:1](/jeremiah/5-1 "Jeremiah's Search for a Righteous Person"). The repeated dialogue also reveals God's **accessibility and patience**, portraying a God who is not distant or unapproachable but actively engages in conversation with His chosen servants.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **spake (Hebrew, _dâbar'_):** This word, often translated as "to speak" or "to declare," carries a sense of arranging words with purpose and intent. In this context, it signifies Abraham's deliberate and continued articulation of his plea. It's not a casual utterance but a measured and persistent engagement in dialogue with the divine.
* **yet again (Hebrew, _yâçaph'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to add or augment," this adverbial phrase emphasizes the continuation and repetition of an action. Here, it highlights Abraham's remarkable perseverance in his intercession. He is not giving up but adding another layer to his appeal, demonstrating a tenacious faith and deep concern for the city.
* **found (Hebrew, _mâtsâʼ'_):** This term means "to come forth to," "to appear or exist," or "to attain/find." In Abraham's question, "Peradventure there shall be forty found there," it refers to the actual, verifiable presence of righteous individuals. God's response confirms that if such a number were to "be found" or exist within the city, He would indeed spare it, underscoring the conditionality of His mercy on the presence of righteousness.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he spake unto him yet again, and said, Peradventure there shall be forty found there."**: This clause captures Abraham's continued, respectful, and persistent intercession. The phrase "yet again" (Hebrew _yâçaph_) emphasizes his tenacity, building upon his previous appeals. "Peradventure" (Hebrew _'ulay_) conveys a sense of hopeful possibility and humble inquiry rather than a demand, reflecting Abraham's reverence for God's sovereignty while earnestly seeking mercy. He is testing the limits of God's grace, cautiously lowering the number from forty-five to forty righteous individuals, hoping to find a threshold for preservation.
* **"And he said, I will not do [it] for forty's sake."**: This is the Lord's immediate and unequivocal response. God's affirmation, "I will not do it," signifies His commitment to spare the city if forty righteous individuals are found. This statement is a profound demonstration of divine patience and mercy. It underscores God's willingness to listen to Abraham's earnest pleas and His immense value for even a relatively small number of righteous people within a community, indicating that their presence can indeed avert the full measure of divine judgment.

#### Literary Devices
The dialogue in Genesis 18:29, like the rest of Abraham's intercession, is rich with literary devices. **Dialogue** is the primary mode, showcasing an intimate and direct conversation between God and Abraham, highlighting God's accessibility. The **Repetition** of Abraham's pattern of lowering the number and God's consistent affirmation ("I will not destroy it for the sake of...") builds dramatic tension and emphasizes God's unwavering patience and mercy. There is subtle **Anthropomorphism** in God's "speaking" and "agreeing," portraying the divine in human-like interaction to make God's character relatable. The entire exchange serves as **Foreshadowing** of God's future dealings with humanity, where His justice is always tempered by His mercy, particularly in the context of a righteous remnant or, ultimately, a single righteous individual.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Genesis 18:29 stands as a pivotal moment in the unfolding drama of divine judgment and mercy. It profoundly illustrates the power and efficacy of intercessory prayer, demonstrating that God genuinely inclines His ear to the petitions of His faithful servants. Abraham's bold yet humble persistence in advocating for Sodom reveals a God who is not distant or unapproachable but one who enters into dialogue with humanity, patiently considering appeals rooted in righteousness and compassion. This passage beautifully balances God's unwavering justice, which necessitates judgment for sin, with His boundless mercy, which seeks every opportunity for grace and preservation. The repeated concessions from God underscore the immense value He places on the presence of righteous individuals, suggesting that their very existence can act as a preserving force, holding back divine wrath from a wicked world.

* [Psalm 103:8](/psalm/103-8 "The Lord's Compassion and Mercy")
* [Ezekiel 22:30](/ezekiel/22-30 "God's Search for an Intercessor")
* [James 5:16](/james/5-16 "The Effective Prayer of a Righteous Person")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 18:29 is a profound invitation to embrace and practice intercessory prayer with unwavering faith and humility. Abraham's example challenges us to move beyond self-focused petitions and to earnestly pray for our communities, nations, and those who are perishing in sin. This passage reassures us that God is not only just but also infinitely merciful, always seeking avenues for grace and redemption. It reminds us that our prayers, offered in sincerity and alignment with God's character, have genuine impact in the spiritual realm and can influence divine action. Furthermore, it highlights the immense spiritual responsibility and preserving power of the righteous within a society. As believers, we are called to be "salt and light" ([Matthew 5:13-16](/matthew/5-13-16 "Believers as Salt and Light")), living lives that reflect God's righteousness, knowing that our presence and prayers can be a deterrent to judgment and a conduit for divine blessing in a world desperately in need of God's grace. Our intercession is a vital act of love, reflecting God's own heart for humanity.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Abraham's persistence in prayer challenge your own prayer life, especially when praying for difficult situations or people?**
* **What does God's willingness to "negotiate" with Abraham reveal about His character and accessibility to His people?**
* **In what ways can your life, as a righteous individual, serve as a preserving influence in your family, community, or workplace?**
* **How can you cultivate a deeper sense of compassion and burden for those who do not know God, leading you to intercede more earnestly on their behalf?**

### FAQ
**Why did Abraham continue to lower the number of righteous individuals?**

Answer: Abraham's continued lowering of the number, from fifty down to ten, demonstrates his profound concern for the inhabitants of Sodom, including his nephew Lot, and his persistent faith in God's mercy. He was not bargaining out of disrespect but humbly testing the boundaries of divine grace, seeking to find the minimum threshold for God's forbearance. Each reduction was a cautious, prayerful exploration of how far God's mercy would extend for the sake of a few righteous souls, hoping to avert the catastrophic judgment that awaited the city. This showcases Abraham's deep empathy and his role as a spiritual advocate.

**What does God's repeated agreement reveal about His character?**

Answer: God's repeated agreement to Abraham's decreasing numbers reveals His immense patience, accessibility, and profound mercy. It demonstrates that God is not eager to judge but is "slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love" ([Psalm 103:8](/psalm/103-8 "God's Compassion and Mercy")). His willingness to listen and concede to Abraham's pleas underscores His desire for righteousness and His immense value for even a few faithful individuals. This divine interaction portrays God as a relational being who engages with His people and is responsive to their earnest prayers, always seeking opportunities for grace before judgment.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Abraham's earnest intercession for Sodom, though ultimately insufficient to save the city due to the absence of even ten righteous individuals, serves as a powerful and poignant foreshadowing of the ultimate and perfect intercession of Jesus Christ. While Abraham pleaded for a city based on the *potential* presence of righteous people, Christ's intercession for humanity is grounded in His *perfect and inherent righteousness*. He is the singular "righteous one" ([1_john/2-1](/1_john/2-1 "Christ Our Advocate")) for whose sake God spares not merely a city, but all who believe and are found "in Him." Christ's atoning death on the cross is the definitive act of divine mercy, where God, for the sake of His Son's perfect sacrifice, provides salvation and averts eternal judgment for all who place their faith in Him ([romans/5-8](/romans/5-8 "God Demonstrates His Own Love")). Unlike Abraham's plea, which was limited by the lack of human righteousness, Christ's intercession is eternally effective because it is founded on His own infinite merit. He stands as our perpetual [advocate with the Father](/hebrews/7-25 "Christ Our Eternal Intercessor"), continually interceding for us, making possible the very mercy and grace that Abraham so desperately sought for Sodom, now extended to all who call upon the name of the Lord ([romans/10-13](/romans/10-13 "Calling on the Name of the Lord")).

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

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;