Genesis 18:31

KJV

And he said, Behold now, I have taken upon me to speak unto the Lord: Peradventure there shall be twenty found there. And he said, I will not destroy [it] for twenty's sake.

KJV (with Strong's)

And he said {H559}, Behold now, I have taken upon me {H2974} to speak {H1696} unto the Lord {H136}: Peradventure there shall be twenty {H6242} found {H4672} there. And he said {H559}, I will not destroy {H7843} it for twenty's {H6242} sake.

Complete Jewish Bible

He said, "Here now, I have taken it upon myself to speak to Adonai. What if twenty are found there?" He said, "For the sake of the twenty I won't destroy it."

Berean Standard Bible

And Abraham said, “Now that I have ventured to speak to the Lord, suppose twenty are found there?” He answered, “On account of the twenty, I will not destroy it.”

American Standard Version

And he said, Behold now, I have taken upon me to speak unto the Lord: peradventure there shall be twenty found there. And he said, I will not destroy it for the twenty’s sake.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 18:31 captures a pivotal moment in Abraham's persistent intercession for Sodom, where he humbly yet boldly negotiates with the Lord, successfully lowering the required number of righteous individuals to spare the city from thirty to twenty. This verse powerfully illustrates God's profound patience, His desire for mercy over judgment, and the significant influence of a single righteous individual's prayer in averting divine wrath.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Genesis 18:31 is embedded within the dramatic and intimate dialogue between Abraham and the Lord concerning the impending judgment of Sodom and Gomorrah, immediately following the divine revelation of the cities' grievous sin in [Genesis 18:20-21](/genesis/18-20-21 "God's Declaration of Sodom and Gomorrah's Sin"). Having just shown profound hospitality to his divine visitors, Abraham assumes the extraordinary role of an advocate, standing before God to plead for the lives of the inhabitants. The negotiation begins with Abraham's bold inquiry regarding fifty righteous individuals ([Genesis 18:23-26](/genesis/18-23-26 "Abraham's Initial Plea for Sodom")), and then progresses through a series of decreasing numbers—forty-five, forty, thirty—with God graciously conceding at each step. Verse 31 marks the fifth step in this remarkable intercessory ladder, demonstrating Abraham's persistent faith and God's boundless patience and responsiveness to prayer. The narrative builds tension as the number dwindles, highlighting the profound implications of even a small remnant of righteousness.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The scene unfolds in the ancient Near East, where hospitality was a sacred duty, and divine visitations, though rare, were understood as momentous encounters. Abraham's posture of humility ("Behold now, I have taken upon me to speak unto the Lord") reflects the reverence due to a divine encounter, yet his boldness in interceding for a city known for its wickedness is striking. The concept of corporate responsibility was prevalent, where the sin of a community could bring judgment upon all, but also where the righteousness of a few could potentially avert catastrophe. The impending destruction of Sodom aligns with ancient Near Eastern narratives of divine judgment against wicked cities, but the unique aspect here is God's willingness to engage in dialogue and consider mercy for the sake of the righteous within. This interaction also subtly highlights the patriarchal authority and spiritual leadership of Abraham, who acts as a mediator between God and humanity.
* **Key Themes:** This passage profoundly contributes to several key themes within Genesis and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **divine justice and mercy**, showcasing God's righteous judgment against sin while simultaneously revealing His profound reluctance to destroy, preferring to extend mercy for the sake of the innocent. Secondly, it powerfully illustrates the **efficacy and importance of intercessory prayer**, portraying Abraham as a model intercessor whose persistent and humble pleas genuinely influence divine action. This foreshadows the role of later prophets and, ultimately, Christ himself. Thirdly, the dialogue highlights the **value and preserving power of the righteous**, suggesting that even a small number of godly individuals can serve as a moral anchor within a corrupt society, potentially averting widespread judgment. This theme resonates throughout the Old Testament, particularly in passages like [Ezekiel 22:30](/ezekiel/22-30 "God Seeking a Man to Stand in the Gap"), where God seeks someone to "stand in the gap." Finally, the interaction reveals God's **accessibility and patience**, demonstrating His willingness to engage in intimate dialogue with His chosen ones and His desire to find reasons for salvation rather than destruction, a characteristic seen from the earliest chapters of [Genesis](/genesis/1 "The Book of Genesis").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
The KJV text of Genesis 18:31 reads: "And he said, Behold now, I have taken upon me to speak unto the Lord: Peradventure there shall be twenty found there. And he said, I will not destroy [it] for twenty's sake."

#### Key Word Analysis
* **taken upon me (Hebrew, _yâʼal'_):** This word (H2974) properly means "to yield, especially assent," but in this context, it signifies "to undertake as an act of volition" or "to assay." Abraham's use of this phrase conveys a sense of venturing or presuming, acknowledging the audacity of his request to speak so directly and persistently with the Lord. It highlights his humble yet determined resolve to press his case, not out of disrespect, but out of a deep compassion and understanding of God's merciful character.
* **speak (Hebrew, _dâbar'_):** The root (H1696) means "to arrange" but is used figuratively for "to speak." Here, it denotes Abraham's direct address to the Lord, engaging in a profound and intimate dialogue. The choice of this word emphasizes the solemnity and significance of the conversation, as Abraham is not merely uttering words but is actively engaging in a weighty discourse with the divine, making an earnest appeal.
* **destroy (Hebrew, _shâchath'_):** This primitive root (H7843) means "to decay" or, causatively, "to ruin" (literally or figuratively). In the context of divine judgment, it signifies utter devastation, corruption, and the complete annihilation of a place or people. God's repeated promise "I will not destroy" underscores His reluctance to execute this severe judgment and His willingness to hold back for the sake of even a small number of righteous individuals, revealing His preference for preservation over ruin.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he said, Behold now, I have taken upon me to speak unto the Lord:"**: This opening clause reiterates Abraham's profound reverence and awe in addressing the Almighty, yet it also conveys his humble acknowledgment of the boldness of his request. The phrase "taken upon me" (from _yâʼal_) suggests a venturing forth, a stepping beyond conventional bounds in this direct appeal to God. It signals Abraham's deep understanding of God's character as merciful, which compels him to persist despite the perceived audacity of his intercession.
* **"Peradventure there shall be twenty found there."**: Having already successfully lowered the number from fifty to forty-five, then to forty, and then to thirty, Abraham now proposes a further reduction to twenty. This incremental approach highlights his persistent, yet respectful, pursuit of God's mercy. It is not a test of God's patience, but a desperate plea born of compassion for the innocent within a doomed city, pushing the boundaries of God's willingness to spare.
* **"And he said, I will not destroy [it] for twenty's sake."**: The Lord's immediate and unequivocal agreement underscores His immense patience, His willingness to relent from judgment, and His profound value for the presence of even a small number of righteous individuals. This response reaffirms God's character as one who is "slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love" ([Numbers 14:18](/numbers/14-18 "God's Compassion and Justice")). God's repeated concession demonstrates that His justice is always tempered by mercy, and He actively seeks every reason to spare rather than to destroy, revealing His desire for salvation over condemnation.

#### Literary Devices
Genesis 18:31, as part of the larger dialogue, masterfully employs several literary devices. The primary device is **Dialogue**, which provides an intimate and direct portrayal of the interaction between Abraham and God, revealing their characters and the nature of their relationship. This is not a monologue but a genuine back-and-forth, emphasizing God's accessibility and responsiveness. **Intercession** is the central action, with Abraham acting as a mediator, a role that highlights his spiritual standing and the power of prayer. The **Repetition** of the phrase "I will not destroy it for [number's] sake" throughout the chapter, including in this verse, underscores God's consistent character of mercy and His reluctance to bring judgment, reinforcing the divine principle that He seeks reasons to spare. Furthermore, the narrative employs **Anthropomorphism**, attributing human-like qualities and actions (such as speaking, listening, and "coming down" to investigate) to God, making the divine accessible and relatable to the human audience, thereby deepening the theological impact of the encounter.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Genesis 18:31 is a profound theological statement on the nature of God and the power of human intercession. It reveals a God who, while perfectly just in His judgment of sin, is also infinitely merciful and slow to anger. His willingness to engage in a prolonged "negotiation" with Abraham demonstrates His desire to find a reason to spare, highlighting that judgment is His "strange work" (Isaiah 28:21). The passage underscores the immense value God places on the righteous, indicating that their presence can be a preserving force within a wicked society, and that their prayers can genuinely influence divine action. This interaction sets a precedent for understanding God's character as approachable, responsive, and deeply compassionate, always seeking to extend grace where possible.

* [James 5:16](/james/5-16 "The Effective Prayer of a Righteous Person")
* [Ezekiel 22:30](/ezekiel/22-30 "God Seeks a Man to Stand in the Gap")
* [2 Peter 3:9](/2_peter/3-9 "God's Patience and Desire for Repentance")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 18:31 serves as a profound encouragement for believers to engage in persistent and bold intercessory prayer for cities, nations, and individuals. Abraham's example inspires confidence that our prayers, even those that seem audacious, are heard by a merciful God who desires to show compassion and avert judgment. It reminds us that living righteously has far-reaching consequences, not just for the individual but for the community at large, as God values and responds to the presence of His faithful. This passage challenges us to cultivate a heart of compassion for the lost and to actively "stand in the gap" for others, trusting that our fervent prayers can indeed make a difference in the spiritual landscape of our world. Ultimately, this verse deepens our appreciation for God's vast mercy, demonstrating that even when judgment is deserved, He actively seeks reasons to extend grace and salvation, calling us to participate in His redemptive work through prayer.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Abraham's persistent intercession challenge my own prayer life, especially concerning those I deem "unworthy" of God's mercy?**
* **In what ways can I, like Abraham, humbly yet boldly approach God on behalf of my community or nation?**
* **What does God's willingness to spare for the sake of a few righteous individuals teach me about the value He places on His people within a corrupt world?**
* **How does this passage deepen my understanding of God's character as both just and merciful, and how might this understanding impact my daily walk with Him?**

### FAQ

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

Answer: Abraham's persistent lowering of the number, from fifty down to ten, demonstrates his profound compassion for the people of Sodom and his deep understanding of God's merciful character. He was not testing God, but rather exploring the full extent of God's willingness to show mercy, hoping to find the minimum threshold for sparing the city. Each reduction was a humble, yet bold, appeal to God's abundant grace, revealing his heartfelt desire for the salvation of even a few within a doomed population.

**Does this passage imply that God "negotiates" with humans?**

Answer: While the interaction has the form of a negotiation, it's more accurately understood as a profound demonstration of God's responsiveness to faithful intercession and His desire to reveal His character. God is not coerced or forced by Abraham's pleas; rather, He patiently allows Abraham to explore the depths of His mercy, confirming His willingness to spare for the sake of the righteous. This dialogue highlights God's accessibility and His delight in engaging with His chosen ones, showcasing a divine willingness to listen and respond to the cries of His people, as seen in many instances throughout the biblical narrative, such as [Exodus 32:9-14](/exodus/32-9-14 "Moses' Intercession for Israel").

**What is the significance of God agreeing to spare the city for "twenty's sake"?**

Answer: God's agreement to spare the city for the sake of twenty righteous individuals, and indeed for any number down to ten, underscores His profound mercy and His reluctance to bring judgment. It emphasizes the immense value God places on even a small remnant of righteous people within a wicked society. This principle reveals that God's judgment is not arbitrary but is always an act of last resort, preceded by ample opportunity for repentance and tempered by His desire to show compassion. It highlights that God's justice is always perfectly balanced with His love, and His ultimate desire is for salvation, as later articulated in [1 Timothy 2:4](/1_timothy/2-4 "God's Desire for All to Be Saved").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Genesis 18:31, with Abraham's persistent intercession for Sodom, powerfully prefigures the ultimate intercession of Jesus Christ. Abraham, a righteous man, pleads for the unrighteous, seeking to avert judgment through the presence of a few just individuals. This foreshadows Christ, the perfectly righteous One, who stands as the singular, ultimate intercessor for all humanity. God's willingness to spare for the sake of "twenty" (or even "ten") in Sodom points to the profound truth that God has indeed spared the world from ultimate judgment for the sake of "One"—His Son, Jesus Christ, the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). Through Christ's atoning sacrifice on the cross ([Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "God Demonstrates His Love Through Christ's Death")) and His ongoing intercession at the right hand of God ([Romans 8:34](/romans/8-34 "Christ's Intercession") and [Hebrews 7:25](/hebrews/7-25 "Christ's Eternal Priesthood")), God's mercy is extended to all who believe, fulfilling the divine principle of sparing the many for the sake of the perfectly righteous One. This passage thus serves as a powerful Old Testament shadow pointing to the glorious reality of Christ's unparalleled mediation and the boundless grace found 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

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.

Genesis 18:27

And Abraham answered and said, Behold now, I have taken upon me to speak unto the Lord, which [am but] dust and ashes:

Hebrews 10:20

By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh;

Hebrews 10:22

Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.

Luke 18:1

¶ And he spake a parable unto them [to this end], that men ought always to pray, and not to faint;

Ephesians 6:18

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

Matthew 7:7

¶ Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: