Genesis 18:3

KJV

And said, My Lord, if now I have found favour in thy sight, pass not away, I pray thee, from thy servant:

KJV (with Strong's)

And said {H559}, My Lord {H136}, if now I have found {H4672} favour {H2580} in thy sight {H5869}, pass not away {H5674}, I pray thee, from thy servant {H5650}:

Complete Jewish Bible

and said, "My lord, if I have found favor in your sight, please don't leave your servant.

Berean Standard Bible

“My lord,” said Abraham, “if I have found favor in your sight, please do not pass your servant by.

American Standard Version

and said, My lord, if now I have found favor in thy sight, pass not away, I pray thee, from thy servant:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 18:3 captures Abraham's immediate, humble, and fervent invitation to three mysterious visitors, pleading for them to stay. This pivotal moment, occurring at the Oaks of Mamre, sets the stage for a profound divine encounter where Abraham unknowingly, yet reverently, hosts the Lord Himself, revealing his profound hospitality and deep desire for divine favor and presence.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse initiates a crucial narrative in the life of Abraham, immediately following God's establishment of the covenant of circumcision in [Genesis 17](/genesis/17 "God's Covenant with Abraham - Genesis 17") and the renewed, specific promise of Isaac's birth to Sarah. Abraham, resting by his tent door during the day's heat at the Oaks of Mamre, observes three men approaching. Without hesitation, he rushes to meet them, bowing low to the ground in a spontaneous act of profound hospitality and reverence, as described in [Genesis 18:2](/genesis/18-2 "Abraham's initial encounter with the three men"). His earnest plea for them to remain, as expressed in this verse, prepares the scene for one of the most significant divine manifestations, or theophanies, in the Old Testament, where one of the visitors is unequivocally identified as the Lord, leading to further revelations concerning Sarah's promised son and the impending judgment on Sodom and Gomorrah.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient Near Eastern culture placed an exceptionally high value on hospitality, especially towards strangers and travelers. Offering shelter, food, and refreshment was not merely a courtesy but a moral imperative, often seen as a sacred duty. Travelers faced significant dangers and hardships, making the provision of a safe haven crucial. Abraham's actions—rushing to meet them, bowing low, and immediately offering water, rest, and food—are exemplary of this cultural norm. The "Oaks of Mamre" was a known landmark and a place where Abraham had previously built an altar to the Lord ([Genesis 13:18](/genesis/13-18 "Abraham builds an altar at Mamre")), adding a layer of spiritual significance to the location of this divine encounter. His humility and eagerness to serve reflect a deep understanding of his role as a host, anticipating the needs of his guests before they even voiced them.
* **Key Themes:** Genesis 18:3 contributes to several major theological and narrative themes within the broader book of Genesis and the Pentateuch. Foremost among these is the theme of **divine visitation and revelation**, where God directly interacts with His chosen servants, often in unexpected forms, to further His redemptive plan. It also highlights **Abraham's exemplary hospitality and faith**, demonstrating his readiness to serve and his intuitive spiritual discernment, even when the full identity of his guests is hidden. The verse subtly introduces the theme of **divine favor and grace**, as Abraham's plea for "favour" sets the stage for God's gracious disclosures. Furthermore, it reinforces the **covenant relationship** between God and Abraham, showcasing the patriarch's humble obedience and God's continued faithfulness to His promises, particularly regarding the promised heir, a theme central to [Genesis 15](/genesis/15 "God's Covenant with Abraham").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Genesis 18:3 presents Abraham's heartfelt plea: "And said, My Lord, if now I have found favour in thy sight, pass not away, I pray thee, from thy servant:" This brief statement is rich with theological and cultural significance, revealing Abraham's character and setting the stage for a profound divine encounter.

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Lord (Hebrew, _ʼĂdônây'_):** (H136) An emphatic form of אָדוֹן, signifying "the Lord" when used as a proper name for God, or "my Lord" as a respectful address to a superior. Abraham's usage here, while initially a deferential greeting to esteemed travelers, carries profound theological weight. Given the subsequent revelation that one of the visitors is Yahweh Himself, Abraham's intuitive choice of this term suggests an immediate, perhaps subconscious, recognition of exceptional dignity or even a divine presence, elevating the interaction beyond a mere social encounter.
* **favour (Hebrew, _chên'_):** (H2580) From חָנָן, meaning "graciousness," "kindness," "favor," or "grace." Abraham's petition, "if now I have found favour in thy sight," is a humble yet urgent appeal for his guests to show him kindness and acceptance by pausing their journey to receive his hospitality. This desire for *chên* is not merely for social politeness but reflects a deeper yearning for approval and blessing from these mysterious figures, unknowingly from the very source of all favor.
* **pass not away (Hebrew, _ʻâbar'_):** (H5674) A primitive root meaning "to cross over," used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative). In this context, the negative imperative "pass not away" is a fervent request for the visitors not to "pass by" or "move on" from his dwelling. It underscores Abraham's earnest desire for their presence to linger, emphasizing his eagerness to serve and host them, highlighting the profound value he placed on their presence.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And said, My Lord":** Abraham's immediate address, using "My Lord" (Hebrew *Adonai*), signifies profound respect and deference. While it could be a general term for a superior or esteemed guest in ancient Near Eastern culture, its use here, coupled with his swift actions and the subsequent revelation, suggests an intuitive recognition of the extraordinary nature of his guests. This humble greeting sets the tone for a momentous encounter, demonstrating Abraham's innate reverence.
* **"if now I have found favour in thy sight":** This conditional clause expresses Abraham's profound humility and his earnest desire for acceptance. The phrase "found favour" (Hebrew *chen*) is a polite but fervent plea for his visitors to grant him the kindness of accepting his invitation. It underscores his eagerness to serve and his understanding that their presence is a privilege, not a right, revealing a heart attuned to seeking the goodwill of others, especially those in authority or of high standing.
* **"pass not away, I pray thee, from thy servant:":** This is the core of Abraham's petition, an urgent request for the visitors not to continue on their journey but to pause and receive his hospitality. By referring to himself as "thy servant" (Hebrew *'ebed*), Abraham reinforces his posture of submission and readiness to serve, demonstrating the deep-seated cultural value of hospitality combined with a personal humility that is characteristic of his walk with God. This plea is not merely an offer of rest but a profound invitation for communion.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several potent literary devices. **Theophany** (or **Anthropomorphism**) is central, as God appears in human form, making the divine accessible and relatable to Abraham. This is subtly introduced through Abraham's intuitive reverence. **Dramatic Irony** is also at play: Abraham, the character, does not fully comprehend the divine identity of his guests at this precise moment, but the reader is privy to the fact that he is addressing the Lord Himself. This creates tension and highlights Abraham's genuine, uncalculating hospitality. Furthermore, Abraham's repeated use of humble address ("My Lord," "thy servant") exemplifies **Supplication** and **Humility**, setting a profound example of how one should approach those perceived as superior or divine. The entire encounter also serves as **Foreshadowing**, hinting at God's future direct interventions in human history and culminating in the ultimate divine condescension in the Incarnation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Genesis 18:3 serves as a profound theological touchstone, illustrating God's personal engagement with humanity and the reciprocal nature of the covenant. It is a prime example of a pre-incarnate appearance of God (theophany), demonstrating God's willingness to interact directly and intimately with His chosen servant, often in unexpected and humble forms. Abraham's immediate hospitality and desire for favor reflect the ongoing covenant relationship between God and His chosen servant, highlighting that divine grace often elicits a response of humble obedience and service. God initiates the encounter by appearing to Abraham, but Abraham's immediate and humble response of hospitality is crucial, opening the door for further divine revelation and blessing, including the reaffirmation of the promise of Isaac and the intercession for Sodom. This narrative underscores hospitality not merely as a social custom but as a spiritual virtue, a means by which believers can encounter the divine or serve God's purposes.

* [Hebrews 13:2](/hebrews/13-2 "The Call to Hospitality")
* [Romans 12:13](/romans/12-13 "Practicing Hospitality")
* [Matthew 25:35-40](/matthew/25-35-40 "The Parable of the Sheep and the Goats")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 18:3 offers timeless lessons for contemporary believers, challenging us to cultivate a spirit of openness, generosity, and humble service. Abraham's immediate and unreserved welcome to strangers, without knowing their true identity, reminds us that genuine hospitality is not conditional on who we know, but rather a reflection of a heart aligned with God's own welcoming nature. In a world often characterized by isolation, suspicion, and self-interest, his example reminds us of the profound blessings that can accompany genuine hospitality, whether extended to strangers, friends, or family. Such acts of kindness can unexpectedly lead to divine encounters, opportunities for spiritual growth, or simply be a powerful witness to God's love. Furthermore, Abraham's humble posture and willingness to serve, even to those who initially seem to be mere travelers, exemplify a servant heart. This attitude is foundational for those who seek to walk closely with God and receive His blessings, mirroring the New Testament emphasis on humility as a prerequisite for divine favor and spiritual impact. It calls us to consider how we might be more intentional in extending grace and welcome to those around us, recognizing that in serving others, we may unknowingly be serving Christ Himself.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Abraham's immediate and unreserved hospitality challenge my own approach to welcoming strangers or those outside my usual circle?**
* **In what ways can I cultivate a more humble and servant-hearted posture in my daily interactions, mirroring Abraham's willingness to serve?**
* **What "divine encounters" might I be missing by failing to extend genuine hospitality or by judging others based on outward appearance?**

### FAQ
**Why does Abraham address the visitors as "My Lord" if he doesn't yet know it's God?**

Answer: Abraham's use of "My Lord" (Hebrew *Adonai*, H136) is initially a highly respectful address for a superior or esteemed guest, common in ancient Near Eastern culture. It signifies deference and honor. However, the narrative implies an intuitive recognition of their extraordinary dignity, perhaps a premonition or spiritual discernment that went beyond mere social custom. While he may not have fully comprehended the divine identity of one of the visitors at this precise moment, his profound reverence and immediate, lavish hospitality set the stage for the subsequent revelation that he was indeed hosting the Lord Himself. This demonstrates a deep-seated respect that proved fitting for the divine encounter, suggesting that Abraham's spiritual sensitivity allowed him to perceive a unique significance in their presence, even before it was explicitly revealed, as affirmed later in [Genesis 18:13](/genesis/18-13 "The Lord speaks to Abraham").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Abraham's encounter in [Genesis 18:3](/genesis/18-3 "Abraham's Plea to the Lord") where he unknowingly hosts the pre-incarnate Christ, profoundly foreshadows the ultimate divine condescension in the person of Jesus Christ. Just as the Lord appeared to Abraham in human form, so too did God, in the fullness of time, take on human flesh in the incarnation of Jesus, dwelling among us as [Immanuel, "God with us"](/matthew/1-23 "Matthew 1:23 - Immanuel"). Christ, the true "Lord" whom Abraham implicitly recognized and sought favor from, perfectly embodies the divine favor Abraham yearned for, offering ultimate grace and acceptance to all who welcome Him. His life of humble service, culminating in His sacrificial death on the cross, mirrors and perfects the servant-hearted hospitality Abraham displayed, ultimately opening the way for humanity to truly host God within their hearts through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, as promised in [John 14:23](/john/14-23 "John 14:23 - Jesus' Promise of Indwelling"). In Christ, the divine guest becomes the ultimate host, inviting us into eternal communion, and teaching us that true greatness is found in serving others, just as He came [not to be served, but to serve](/mark/10-45 "Mark 10:45 - The Son of Man Came to Serve").

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

Genesis 32:5

And I have oxen, and asses, flocks, and menservants, and womenservants: and I have sent to tell my lord, that I may find grace in thy sight.