Genesis 18:30

KJV

And he said [unto him], Oh let not the Lord be angry, and I will speak: Peradventure there shall thirty be found there. And he said, I will not do [it], if I find thirty there.

KJV (with Strong's)

And he said {H559} unto him, Oh {H4994} let not the Lord {H136} be angry {H2734}, and I will speak {H1696}: Peradventure there shall thirty {H7970} be found {H4672} there. And he said {H559}, I will not do {H6213} it, if I find {H4672} thirty {H7970} there.

Complete Jewish Bible

He said, "I hope Adonai won't be angry if I speak. What if thirty are found there?" He said, "I won't do it if I find thirty there."

Berean Standard Bible

Then Abraham said, “May the Lord not be angry, but let me speak further. Suppose thirty are found there?” He replied, “If I find thirty there, I will not do it.”

American Standard Version

And he said, Oh let not the Lord be angry, and I will speak: peradventure there shall thirty be found there. And he said, I will not do it, if I find thirty there.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 18:30 captures a pivotal moment in Abraham's persistent and humble intercession for the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah, as he respectfully lowers his plea to the Lord from forty to thirty righteous individuals. This verse underscores the Lord's profound patience and His consistent willingness to respond to Abraham's earnest requests, reaffirming His commitment to mercy and His desire to spare judgment if even a small remnant of the righteous could be found within the wicked cities.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Genesis 18:30 is situated within a deeply significant narrative, immediately following the Lord's revelation to Abraham concerning the impending judgment of Sodom and Gomorrah due to their grievous sin. This verse is the fifth of six stages in Abraham's remarkable dialogue of intercession, which begins in [Genesis 18:23](/genesis/18-23 "Abraham's bold intercession for Sodom"). After the Lord reveals His intentions, Abraham boldly approaches Him, questioning the justice of sweeping away the righteous with the wicked. His intercession proceeds in a descending numerical sequence, starting with fifty righteous individuals, then forty-five, forty, and now thirty in this verse, demonstrating his increasing desperation and persistent faith. The Lord's patient and consistent agreement to each reduction highlights the unique, intimate, and yet reverent relationship between God and His servant, setting the stage for the eventual destruction in [Genesis 19](/genesis/19 "The Destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah") when even ten righteous could not be found.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The narrative takes place in the ancient Near East, where divine judgment upon cities for their wickedness was a recognized concept, often involving complete destruction. The cultural understanding of hospitality was paramount, and the egregious sins of Sodom, as later revealed in [Genesis 19:4-9](/genesis/19-4-9 "The wickedness of Sodom"), involved a severe violation of this sacred custom, coupled with pervasive moral corruption. Abraham's role as an intercessor reflects the patriarchal understanding of a spiritual leader standing before God on behalf of others. The Lord's engagement in this "negotiation" with Abraham, rather than an immediate, unilateral judgment, would have been perceived as extraordinary, emphasizing God's unique covenant relationship with Abraham and His profound desire for a basis upon which to extend mercy, even to a notoriously wicked populace.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes within Genesis and the broader biblical narrative. It powerfully illustrates the theme of **divine justice tempered by mercy**, revealing God's inherent righteousness in judging sin while simultaneously demonstrating His boundless compassion and willingness to relent. The persistent dialogue between Abraham and the Lord highlights the theme of **intercessory prayer** as a powerful means by which humanity can appeal to God's character and influence outcomes, even in the face of seemingly inevitable judgment. Furthermore, the focus on a diminishing number of righteous individuals underscores the theme of the **power and preserving influence of a righteous remnant** within a corrupt society, a concept that recurs throughout biblical history. This encounter also deepens the understanding of God's **covenant faithfulness** to Abraham, as He patiently listens and responds to His chosen servant.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Lord (Hebrew, _ʼĂdônây'_):** (H136) This emphatic form of "Lord" is used here as a proper name for God, signifying His absolute sovereignty and authority. Abraham's use of this title underscores his reverence and submission, even as he boldly engages in a dialogue that might otherwise seem presumptuous. It highlights the unique, intimate, yet awe-filled relationship Abraham had with the Almighty, allowing him to press his case without fear of divine wrath, but always with profound respect for God's majesty.
* **angry (Hebrew, _chârâh'_):** (H2734) This word literally means "to glow or grow warm," but figuratively, it refers to blazing up with anger, zeal, or jealousy. Abraham's plea, "Oh let not the Lord be angry," is not an indication that God *was* angry with Abraham's persistence, but rather a humble and cautious expression of Abraham's awareness of God's immense power and his own audacity in repeatedly challenging the divine decree. It serves as a polite and deferential preamble, acknowledging the gravity of his request and the holiness of the One he addresses.
* **find (Hebrew, _mâtsâʼ'_):** (H4672) This primitive root means "to come forth to, appear, or exist," and transitively, "to attain, find, or acquire." In this context, it refers to the Lord's act of discovering or confirming the presence of righteous individuals. The repetition of "if I find thirty there" emphasizes the conditional nature of God's mercy—it is contingent upon the existence of the specified number of righteous people, highlighting God's justice in requiring a basis for clemency.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he said [unto him], Oh let not the Lord be angry, and I will speak:"** This opening phrase reveals Abraham's deep humility and reverence before the Almighty. His polite deferral, "Oh let not the Lord be angry," is not born of fear that God is actually displeased, but rather a profound respect for the divine majesty and an acknowledgment of the boldness of his repeated intercession. It sets a tone of humble petition, yet it is immediately followed by his determined resolve: "and I will speak," indicating his unwavering commitment to continue his plea for mercy.
* **"Peradventure there shall thirty be found there."** Abraham's proposal to lower the number to thirty righteous individuals demonstrates his growing desperation for the cities' salvation. The word "peradventure" (an older English rendering of the Hebrew _ʼûlay_ or _ʼûlam_) conveys a sense of "perhaps" or "it may be," indicating his respectful uncertainty and hope. He is not demanding but humbly suggesting, testing the limits of divine mercy and acknowledging the diminishing likelihood of finding a large number of righteous people in Sodom.
* **"And he said, I will not do [it], if I find thirty there."** The Lord's immediate and consistent response underscores His profound patience and His unwavering commitment to His own righteous character. The phrase "I will not do it" (referring to the destruction) is a direct affirmation of His willingness to spare the city based on the presence of a righteous remnant. This divine willingness to engage in such a "negotiation," while never compromising His justice, profoundly illustrates His desire for mercy to prevail and His responsiveness to the earnest prayers of His servant.

#### Literary Devices
The passage makes effective use of **Dialogue**, as the entire encounter between Abraham and the Lord is presented as a direct, back-and-forth conversation. This humanizes God's interaction with humanity and emphasizes His accessibility and willingness to listen. **Repetition** is also a prominent device, particularly the repeated phrase "And he said," which punctuates each stage of the negotiation, reinforcing the conversational nature and the Lord's consistent response. Furthermore, Abraham's repeated lowering of the number, from fifty down to ten, employs a form of **Climax** or **Gradation**, building dramatic tension as the reader anticipates the ultimate outcome and the limits of divine mercy. Abraham's humble prefaces ("Oh let not the Lord be angry") can be seen as a form of **Litotes**, understating his boldness while subtly emphasizing his reverence.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Genesis 18:30, nestled within Abraham's intercession, profoundly illustrates the dynamic interplay between divine justice and mercy, and the significant role of human intercession. It reveals a God who, while righteous in judgment, is also "slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love" ([Numbers 14:18](/numbers/14-18 "God is slow to anger and abounding in love")). Abraham's persistent appeals demonstrate that God is not a distant, unfeeling deity, but one who listens to the cries of His people and is willing to extend clemency for the sake of the righteous. This negotiation highlights the immense value God places on even a small number of faithful individuals, suggesting their presence can act as a preserving force against widespread corruption and divine wrath.
* [Exodus 32:11-14](/exodus/32-11-14 "Moses intercedes for Israel"): Moses's intercession for Israel after the golden calf incident mirrors Abraham's, demonstrating the power of a righteous leader's prayer to avert divine judgment.
* [Ezekiel 22:30](/ezekiel/22-30 "God seeks a man to stand in the gap"): This verse expresses God's search for "someone among them who would build up the wall and stand before me in the gap on behalf of the land so I would not have to destroy it," echoing the principle of a righteous remnant's preserving power.
* [James 5:16](/james/5-16 "The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective"): This New Testament verse affirms the enduring power of prayer, stating, "The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective," directly connecting to the efficacy of Abraham's intercession.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 18:30 serves as a powerful and enduring call for believers to embrace the ministry of intercessory prayer with both reverence and unwavering persistence. Abraham's example teaches us to approach God not with demands, but with humble boldness, knowing that He is both sovereign and compassionate. We are reminded that our prayers for our communities, nations, and for individuals caught in spiritual darkness are not in vain; they are heard by a God who desires to show mercy and is responsive to the earnest pleas of His children. This passage encourages us to see ourselves as potential "gaps-standers" in our generation, recognizing that even a few faithful individuals can be a preserving and transforming influence in a world desperately in need of God's grace. Our intercession, offered in faith and humility, can indeed align with and facilitate God's redemptive purposes, bringing light into darkness and hope where there is despair.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Abraham's balance of humility and boldness in prayer challenge or affirm your own approach to intercession?**
* **In what specific areas or for what people groups are you called to intercede with greater persistence, inspired by Abraham's example?**
* **How does the concept of a "righteous remnant" encourage you regarding your own role and the role of the church in society today?**

### FAQ
**Does God's agreement to Abraham's decreasing numbers imply He is changeable or hesitant in His judgments?**

Answer: No, God's agreement does not imply changeability in His character or His ultimate judgment. Rather, it profoundly reveals His immense patience, His deep desire for mercy, and His willingness to respond to the earnest prayers of His righteous servants. God's decision to destroy Sodom and Gomorrah was a just one, based on their pervasive and unrepentant wickedness, as evidenced by the events of [Genesis 19](/genesis/19 "The destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah"). Abraham's intercession did not change God's mind about the *justice* of the judgment, but rather explored the *extent* of God's mercy and His willingness to spare the wicked for the sake of the righteous. It demonstrates God's consistent character as one who is "slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness" ([Psalm 86:15](/psalm/86-15 "God is compassionate and gracious")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Abraham's intercession for Sodom was a powerful display of faith and a model for prayer, it ultimately fell short because no righteous remnant, not even ten, could be found to avert the judgment. This human limitation highlights the profound need for a perfect intercessor. In stark contrast, Jesus Christ stands as the ultimate and perfect mediator, the truly righteous One whose presence and atoning sacrifice fully satisfy God's justice and secure mercy for all who believe. Unlike Abraham, who pleaded based on the *potential* presence of a few righteous, Christ's intercession is based on His *own* perfect righteousness and His finished work on the cross, making Him the "one mediator between God and mankind" ([1 Timothy 2:5](/1_timothy/2-5 "One Mediator between God and men")). Through Him, God's mercy is not merely extended conditionally for the sake of a few, but freely offered to all who come to Him in faith, fulfilling the ultimate hope of salvation that Abraham's desperate plea foreshadowed. Christ is the "Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!" ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "Jesus, the Lamb of God")), and His ongoing intercession for believers at the right hand of God ([Romans 8:34](/romans/8-34 "Christ Jesus is interceding for us")) ensures that God's mercy triumphs over judgment for all who are in Him.

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

Esther 4:11

All the king's servants, and the people of the king's provinces, do know, that whosoever, whether man or woman, shall come unto the king into the inner court, who is not called, [there is] one law of his to put [him] to death, except such to whom the king shall hold out the golden sceptre, that he may live: but I have not been called to come in unto the king these thirty days.

Esther 4:16

Go, gather together all the Jews that are present in Shushan, and fast ye for me, and neither eat nor drink three days, night or day: I also and my maidens will fast likewise; and so will I go in unto the king, which [is] not according to the law: and if I perish, I perish.

Judges 6:39

And Gideon said unto God, Let not thine anger be hot against me, and I will speak but this once: let me prove, I pray thee, but this once with the fleece; let it now be dry only upon the fleece, and upon all the ground let there be dew.

Isaiah 6:5

¶ Then said I, Woe [is] me! for I am undone; because I [am] a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips: for mine eyes have seen the King, the LORD of hosts.

Psalms 9:12

When he maketh inquisition for blood, he remembereth them: he forgetteth not the cry of the humble.

Hebrews 12:28

Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear:

Hebrews 12:29

For our God [is] a consuming fire.