Genesis 18:32

KJV

And he said, Oh let not the Lord be angry, and I will speak yet but this once: Peradventure ten shall be found there. And he said, I will not destroy [it] for ten's sake.

KJV (with Strong's)

And he said {H559}, Oh let not the Lord {H136} be angry {H2734}, and I will speak {H1696} yet {H389} but this once {H6471}: Peradventure ten {H6235} shall be found {H4672} there. And he said {H559}, I will not destroy {H7843} it for ten's {H6235} sake.

Complete Jewish Bible

He said, "I hope Adonai won't be angry if I speak just once more. What if ten are found there?" He said, "For the sake of the ten I won't destroy it."

Berean Standard Bible

Finally, Abraham said, “May the Lord not be angry, but let me speak once more. Suppose ten are found there?” And He answered, “On account of the ten, I will not destroy it.”

American Standard Version

And he said, Oh let not the Lord be angry, and I will speak yet but this once: peradventure ten shall be found there. And he said, I will not destroy it for the ten’s sake.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 18:32 concludes Abraham's profound and persistent intercession for the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah, culminating in his final, most humble plea to the Lord. This verse captures Abraham's ultimate reduction of the required number of righteous individuals to spare the cities from divine judgment, settling on a mere ten. It simultaneously records the Lord's immediate and unwavering affirmation of His willingness to withhold destruction for the sake of even such a small number, powerfully illustrating God's immense patience and commitment to mercy.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Genesis 18:32 marks the climax of a remarkable dialogue between Abraham and the Lord, who, along with two angels, appears to Abraham in human form. This conversation immediately follows the Lord's revelation of His intention to investigate and potentially judge the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah due to their grievous sin. Abraham, demonstrating a profound understanding of God's righteous character and a deep compassion for humanity, initiates a bold intercessory prayer. He systematically lowers the number of righteous individuals required to spare the cities, beginning with fifty and progressively reducing it to forty-five, forty, thirty, twenty, and finally, ten. This verse, therefore, serves as the culmination of Abraham's persistent appeals, highlighting his unwavering faith and the extraordinary access he had to the divine presence. The narrative then shifts directly to the angels' arrival in Sodom in [Genesis 19](/genesis/19 "The Destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah"), revealing the tragic outcome of the city's depravity.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is the ancient Near East, a region where divine judgment for wickedness was a recognized concept, often manifesting as natural disasters or military defeat. The cities of Sodom and Gomorrah were likely located in the fertile plain of the Jordan Valley, a region known for its prosperity but also, as the biblical narrative suggests, for its moral corruption. The specific nature of their sin, often understood to involve sexual perversion and a lack of hospitality and justice (as seen in [Ezekiel 16:49-50](/ezekiel/16-49-50 "Sins of Sodom")), was considered an affront to both human and divine order. Abraham's intercession, while unique in its directness and persistence with God, reflects a cultural understanding of a patriarch's role as a mediator for his household and, by extension, for the wider community. The concept of a righteous remnant, even a small one, having a preserving influence was not entirely alien to ancient thought, though its application here is uniquely divine.
* **Key Themes:** This passage profoundly contributes to several overarching themes in Genesis and the broader biblical narrative. It vividly portrays the **Nature of God**, revealing His attributes of justice, mercy, patience, and responsiveness to prayer. God's willingness to engage in this extended dialogue with Abraham underscores His relational character, contrasting with the impersonal deities of surrounding cultures. The theme of **Intercessory Prayer** is central, presenting Abraham as a model of bold, humble, and persistent advocacy for others, demonstrating that human prayer can genuinely influence divine action. Furthermore, the dialogue introduces the profound concept of the **Value of the Righteous**, illustrating that a small number of godly individuals can have a disproportionately significant impact on a community, acting as a preserving force against judgment. This foreshadows the later biblical theme of the [faithful remnant](/isaiah/10-20-22 "The Remnant of Israel") through whom God works and preserves His people, even in times of widespread apostasy.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **angry (Hebrew, _chârâh'_):** From H2734, this primitive root means "to glow or grow warm; figuratively (usually) to blaze up, of anger, zeal, jealousy." Abraham's plea, "Oh let not the Lord be angry," reflects his profound reverence and humility before God, acknowledging the potential for divine wrath while simultaneously appealing to God's patient and merciful character. It's a recognition of God's just nature and the gravity of the cities' sin.
* **speak (Hebrew, _dâbar'_):** From H1696, this primitive root means "to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak." Abraham's repeated use of "I will speak" throughout this dialogue (H1696) highlights his bold initiative in engaging with God. It signifies a deliberate, reasoned discourse, not merely a casual utterance, underscoring the profound nature of his intercessory role.
* **destroy (Hebrew, _shâchath'_):** From H7843, this primitive root means "to decay, i.e. (causatively) ruin (literally or figuratively)." God's declaration, "I will not destroy [it] for ten's sake," uses this strong verb, emphasizing the utter annihilation and ruin that was imminent for Sodom. His willingness to withhold this comprehensive destruction for even a small number of righteous individuals underscores the depth of His mercy.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he said, Oh let not the Lord be angry":** This phrase marks Abraham's humble and reverent approach to God, echoing his earlier pleas in the dialogue (e.g., [Genesis 18:30](/genesis/18-30 "Abraham's plea not to anger the Lord")). It acknowledges God's righteous indignation against sin while simultaneously appealing to His mercy and patience. Abraham understands the gravity of his request and the holiness of the One with whom he is speaking.
* **"and I will speak yet but this once":** Abraham's persistence is evident here, as this is his sixth and final appeal. The phrase "yet but this once" signifies his awareness of pushing the boundaries of divine patience, yet his deep concern for the cities compels him to make one last, desperate attempt. It highlights his unwavering commitment to intercession.
* **"Peradventure ten shall be found there.":** This is Abraham's lowest and final proposition. The word "Peradventure" (Hebrew: `ʼûlay`) conveys a sense of hope mixed with uncertainty, reflecting the deep depravity of Sodom. His reduction to ten suggests either a final, desperate hope for any righteousness or a recognition that if even this minimal number could not be found, the city's wickedness was absolute.
* **"And he said, I will not destroy [it] for ten's sake.":** This is the Lord's immediate and unequivocal response, demonstrating His boundless patience and commitment to mercy. The phrase "for ten's sake" underscores the profound value God places on the righteous and their preserving influence. God's affirmation is absolute, revealing that the destruction of Sodom was not due to His unwillingness to spare, but to the tragic absence of even this small number of righteous individuals.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several potent literary devices. **Dialogue** is central, as the entire chapter unfolds through an intimate conversation between Abraham and the Lord, revealing profound theological truths through their interaction. **Repetition** is prominently used, with Abraham's recurring phrase "Oh let not the Lord be angry" and God's repeated affirmation "I will not destroy it for the sake of..." (or similar phrasing) highlighting the persistence of Abraham's intercession and the consistency of God's merciful response. **Anthropomorphism** is evident in the depiction of God speaking and potentially being "angry," allowing for a more relatable and personal interaction between the divine and the human. Finally, **Intercession** itself is a significant literary and theological motif, with Abraham serving as a prototype for those who stand in the gap for others, demonstrating the power of prayer.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This passage provides profound insights into the character of God, the nature of sin, and the power of intercession. It reveals a God who is both perfectly just in His judgment of sin and infinitely merciful in His willingness to spare the wicked for the sake of the righteous. His patience with Abraham's persistent pleas underscores His relational nature and His desire to engage with humanity. The tragic outcome for Sodom, despite God's willingness to spare it for ten, highlights the pervasive and destructive nature of unrepentant sin and the ultimate necessity of righteousness for a community's preservation. This dialogue serves as a foundational text for understanding God's balance of justice and mercy, and the critical role of prayer in the divine economy.

* [Exodus 34:6](/exodus/34-6 "God's character revealed to Moses"): "The Lord, the Lord God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth." This verse perfectly encapsulates the character of God displayed in His patient dialogue with Abraham.
* [Ezekiel 22:30](/ezekiel/22-30 "God seeking a man to stand in the gap"): "And I sought for a man among them, that should make up the hedge, and stand in the gap before me for the land, that I should not destroy it: but I found none." This later prophetic lament starkly contrasts with Abraham's successful intercession, emphasizing the critical need for righteous intercessors.
* [Matthew 5:13](/matthew/5-13 "Salt of the Earth"): "Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men." Jesus' teaching on believers as "salt" echoes the preserving influence of the righteous, a principle powerfully demonstrated in the Sodom narrative.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 18:32 stands as a timeless challenge and encouragement for believers today. It powerfully illustrates the profound impact that a small number of righteous individuals can have on the fate of an entire community. This should compel us to live lives of genuine righteousness, understanding that our presence and witness can be a preserving influence in a world increasingly hostile to God's truth. Furthermore, the passage serves as a stirring call to **intercessory prayer**. Abraham's bold, humble, and persistent advocacy for Sodom reminds us of the privilege and responsibility we have to "stand in the gap" for our families, communities, and nations. God truly hears and responds to the fervent prayers of His people, and our prayers can be instrumental in averting judgment, bringing about spiritual transformation, and extending God's mercy to those who desperately need it. We are called not to despair in the face of widespread wickedness, but to pray with hope and persistence, trusting in the character of a God who is "slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love" ([Psalm 103:8](/psalm/103-8 "God's compassion and mercy")).

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Abraham's persistence in prayer challenge my own prayer life?**
* **In what ways can I, as a follower of Christ, be "salt and light" in my community, contributing to its preservation and drawing others to God's mercy?**
* **What specific individuals, groups, or situations am I called to intercede for with the same earnestness Abraham showed for Sodom?**

### FAQ

**Why did Abraham stop at ten?**

Answer: The biblical text does not explicitly state Abraham's reasoning for stopping at ten. Several interpretations exist. It's possible he felt he had reached the absolute limit of his boldness in approaching the Almighty, fearing to press further. Alternatively, the number ten may have held a symbolic significance for Abraham, perhaps representing a minimal quorum or a complete unit, as seen in other biblical contexts (e.g., the Ten Commandments, the tithe). It could also imply that Abraham intuitively understood that if even ten righteous people could not be found, the city's depravity was so pervasive that it was beyond any hope of redemption. The Lord's immediate affirmation suggests that ten was indeed a significant, though ultimately unfulfilled, threshold for mercy.

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

Answer: Rather than a negotiation in the human sense of bargaining or compromise, this passage illustrates God's profound condescension and willingness to engage relationally with His servant Abraham. It reveals God's character as approachable, patient, and responsive to the fervent prayers of the righteous. God is not uncertain or needing to be persuaded, but rather, He uses this dialogue to demonstrate His mercy, His justice, and His desire for humanity to understand His divine attributes. It highlights the power of intercessory prayer and God's graciousness in allowing His purposes to intersect with the appeals of His people. This interaction serves as a model for how God desires His people to approach Him with both reverence and boldness, confident in His listening ear.

**What does "for ten's sake" signify?**

Answer: "For ten's sake" signifies the immense value God places on the righteous and their preserving influence in a corrupt world. It reveals God's principle of extending mercy and deferring judgment not based on the merit of the wicked, but on the presence of even a small number of those who are faithful to Him. The phrase underscores that the presence of the righteous acts as a restraint on divine judgment, providing a reason for God to extend grace to an otherwise deserving city. It highlights God's desire for redemption over destruction and His profound love for His covenant people and those who walk in His ways. The tragic irony is that even this minimal number could not be found in Sodom, leading to its inevitable destruction.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Genesis 18:32 finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While Abraham interceded for a specific city based on the potential presence of a few righteous individuals, Christ is the perfect and ultimate Intercessor, who perpetually intercedes for all who come to God through Him ([Hebrews 7:25](/hebrews/7-25 "Christ's perpetual intercession")). God's willingness to spare Sodom for the sake of ten righteous people foreshadows His infinitely greater willingness to save all humanity for the sake of the One perfectly righteous Son, Jesus Christ. The destruction of Sodom occurred because not even ten righteous individuals could be found; however, through Christ's atoning sacrifice, God's mercy is extended to all who believe, not based on their own righteousness, but on the imputed righteousness of Christ ([Romans 5:19](/romans/5-19 "Righteousness through Christ")). Jesus is the ultimate "righteous one" whose presence and sacrifice avert divine judgment for all who trust in Him, offering salvation from eternal condemnation, a deliverance far surpassing the sparing of any earthly city. His death and resurrection are the ultimate demonstration of God's patience and desire to redeem, providing the perfect basis for the forgiveness of sins and eternal life for all who call upon His name ([Romans 10:13](/romans/10-13 "Salvation for all who call on 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

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.

Matthew 7:7

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

James 5:15

And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him.

James 5:17

Elias was a man subject to like passions as we are, and he prayed earnestly that it might not rain: and it rained not on the earth by the space of three years and six months.

1 John 5:15

And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him.

1 John 5:16

If any man see his brother sin a sin [which is] not unto death, he shall ask, and he shall give him life for them that sin not unto death. There is a sin unto death: I do not say that he shall pray for it.

Micah 7:18

Who [is] a God like unto thee, that pardoneth iniquity, and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of his heritage? he retaineth not his anger for ever, because he delighteth [in] mercy.