Genesis 18:5

KJV

And I will fetch a morsel of bread, and comfort ye your hearts; after that ye shall pass on: for therefore are ye come to your servant. And they said, So do, as thou hast said.

KJV (with Strong's)

And I will fetch {H3947} a morsel {H6595} of bread {H3899}, and comfort ye {H5582} your hearts {H3820}; after that {H310} ye shall pass on {H5674}: for therefore are ye come {H5674} to {H5921} your servant {H5650}. And they said {H1696}, So do {H6213}, as thou hast said {H559}.

Complete Jewish Bible

and I will bring a piece of bread. Now that you have come to your servant, refresh yourselves before going on.""Very well," they replied, "do what you have said."

Berean Standard Bible

And I will bring a bit of bread so that you may refresh yourselves. This is why you have passed your servant’s way. After that, you may continue on your way.” “Yes,” they replied, “you may do as you have said.”

American Standard Version

and I will fetch a morsel of bread, and strengthen ye your heart; after that ye shall pass on: forasmuch as ye are come to your servant. And they said, So do, as thou hast said.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 18:5 captures Abraham's immediate and humble offer of hospitality to three mysterious visitors, whom he perceives as weary travelers. His seemingly modest proposal of "a morsel of bread" and rest serves as a profound understatement, setting the stage for a lavish meal and a pivotal divine encounter that powerfully reaffirms God's covenant promises concerning his descendants and the future of his household.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within a crucial narrative moment in Abraham's life, immediately following the Lord's reaffirmation of the Abrahamic covenant in [Genesis 17](/genesis/17 "God's Covenant with Abraham") and the establishment of circumcision as its sign. Abraham, now 99 years old, and Sarah, 89, have been promised a son, Isaac, within a year. The appearance of these three men at Abraham's tent door in the scorching heat of the day, as described in [Genesis 18:1-2](/genesis/18-1-2 "The Lord Appears to Abraham"), sets the stage for a personal divine visitation. Abraham's swift and generous response in this verse and the subsequent actions in [Genesis 18:6-8](/genesis/18-6-8 "Abraham Prepares a Lavish Meal") highlight his deep-seated righteousness and devotion, demonstrating his character as one chosen by God for a unique relationship and mission.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, particularly in desert regions, hospitality was not merely a social custom but a sacred, life-sustaining obligation. Travel was perilous and arduous, with vast distances between settlements and no formal inns. Providing food, water, and shelter to weary travelers was a matter of survival for guests and a profound act of honor and piety for hosts. To refuse hospitality was a grave offense, while offering it, even to strangers, was a deeply ingrained social and religious duty. Abraham's immediate rush to welcome the visitors, offering water for their feet and rest under the tree, reflects this vital cultural norm, underscoring his understanding of his role as a host in a world where such provision was paramount.
* **Key Themes:** [Genesis 18](/genesis/18 "The Lord Appears to Abraham and Destroys Sodom") is rich with theological and narrative themes. Abraham's hospitality in this verse contributes significantly to the overarching theme of **Divine Visitation** and **Covenant Faithfulness**. The seemingly ordinary act of welcoming strangers becomes the conduit for an extraordinary divine encounter, where God Himself, in human form, directly communicates with Abraham, reaffirming the promise of Isaac's birth ([Genesis 18:9-15](/genesis/18-9-15 "The Promise of Isaac's Birth Confirmed")). This passage also powerfully illustrates the theme of **Humility and Service**, as Abraham, a wealthy patriarch, humbles himself to serve his guests. Furthermore, the **Understatement** of "a morsel of bread" highlights the generosity that often characterized genuine hospitality, setting the stage for the lavish meal that follows.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Fetch (Hebrew, _lâqach'_):** This word (H3947) signifies "to take" or "to bring" in a wide variety of applications. In this context, Abraham's use of "I will fetch" conveys an immediate, active, and personal commitment to serving his guests. It is not a casual suggestion but a decisive declaration of his intent to personally retrieve and provide for their needs, emphasizing his eagerness and the urgency of his hospitality.
* **Comfort (Hebrew, _çâʻad'_):** The term (H5582) means "to support," "to refresh oneself," or "to strengthen." When Abraham says, "comfort ye your hearts," he is not merely offering physical sustenance but expressing a desire for holistic restoration. "Hearts" (H3820, _lêb_) in Hebrew thought often refers to the entire inner being—the mind, will, and emotions—not just the physical organ. Thus, Abraham's offer aims to revive their spirits and inner vitality, providing relief from the weariness of travel.
* **Servant (Hebrew, _ʻebed'_):** Abraham's self-designation as "your servant" (H5650) is a profound expression of humility and deference. Despite being a wealthy and prominent patriarch, he adopts the posture of one ready to serve. This term highlights his recognition of his guests' needs and his willingness to subordinate himself to ensure their comfort, embodying the biblical ideal of humble service that often precedes divine blessing and revelation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And I will fetch a morsel of bread,"**: Abraham's immediate response to the visitors is an offer of sustenance. The phrase "a morsel of bread" (פת לחם, *pat lechem*) is a classic example of polite understatement in ancient Near Eastern culture. While seemingly modest, it was a customary way to initiate hospitality, implying a simple refreshment, even when a much grander meal was intended and subsequently prepared, as revealed in [Genesis 18:6-8](/genesis/18-6-8 "Abraham Prepares a Lavish Meal"). This demonstrates Abraham's swift and unpretentious willingness to serve.
* **"and comfort ye your hearts;"**: This clause, translating the Hebrew *sa'adu levavchem*, conveys Abraham's desire for his guests' complete refreshment. The "heart" (לֵב, *lêb*) in Hebrew thought encompasses not just emotions but also the mind, will, and inner vitality. Thus, Abraham's offer extends beyond mere physical hunger to address the comprehensive weariness of travel, aiming to restore their strength and spirits.
* **"after that ye shall pass on: for therefore are ye come to your servant."**: Abraham's words here politely suggest that their stay will be brief, allowing them to continue their journey refreshed. His humble self-designation as "your servant" reflects profound deference and a readiness to provide for their needs. He frames their unexpected arrival near his dwelling as a providential opportunity for him to extend hospitality, highlighting his posture of service and recognition of their presence.
* **"And they said, So do, as thou hast said."**: The visitors' simple and immediate acceptance of Abraham's offer is crucial. Their concise agreement ("So do, as thou hast said") validates Abraham's generous invitation and allows the narrative to progress swiftly to the preparation of the lavish meal and the subsequent profound divine revelation concerning Sarah's pregnancy. This acceptance underscores the visitors' authority and sets the stage for the extraordinary events that follow.

#### Literary Devices
This verse masterfully employs several literary devices. **Understatement** (or meiosis) is prominent in Abraham's offer of "a morsel of bread," which starkly contrasts with the elaborate feast he subsequently prepares ([Genesis 18:6-8](/genesis/18-6-8 "Abraham Prepares a Lavish Meal")). This device not only highlights Abraham's humility but also the customary politeness of ancient Near Eastern hospitality. There is also a strong element of **Dramatic Irony**, as Abraham treats his visitors as mere men, unaware that one of them is the Lord Himself. This creates a tension between Abraham's perception and the reader's knowledge, underscoring the profound nature of the divine encounter. Furthermore, the passage uses **Characterization** to reveal Abraham's deep piety, generosity, and unwavering commitment to hospitality, traits that align him with God's covenant purposes and set him apart as a righteous figure.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Abraham's spontaneous and lavish hospitality in this passage exemplifies a core biblical value, demonstrating a heart aligned with God's character. This act is not merely a social nicety but a profound expression of faith and obedience, underscoring how genuine service and humility often precede divine favor and revelation. His willingness to serve strangers, even to the point of personal inconvenience, positions him to receive an extraordinary divine visitation and a direct reaffirmation of God's covenant promises. This narrative serves as a powerful reminder that acts of kindness and openness to others can be conduits for encountering the divine.

* [Romans 12:13](/romans/12-13 "Practicing Hospitality"): "Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality."
* [Hebrews 13:2](/hebrews/13-2 "Entertaining Angels Unawares"): "Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 18:5 serves as a timeless and profound reminder of the transformative power of hospitality and the blessings that can flow from an open heart and a spirit of service. Abraham's immediate and generous response to strangers, even before knowing their true identity, challenges believers to cultivate a similar posture of attentiveness and readiness to meet the needs of others. This passage encourages us to look beyond superficial appearances and extend genuine care, recognizing that every individual carries intrinsic dignity and that acts of kindness, however seemingly small, can sometimes lead to extraordinary divine encounters or opportunities to be a vessel for God's purposes. It urges us to actively seek ways to "comfort hearts" in our own spheres of influence today, whether through offering physical sustenance, emotional support, or simply a listening ear, understanding that such acts reflect the very heart of God.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Abraham's immediate and unreserved hospitality challenge my own willingness to serve others, especially strangers?**
* **In what ways can I "comfort the hearts" of those around me, extending beyond mere physical provision to holistic care?**
* **Do I approach opportunities to serve with Abraham's humility, considering myself a "servant" to those I encounter?**
* **What "ordinary" acts of kindness might God use in my life to bring about "extraordinary" encounters or revelations?**

### FAQ
**Why did Abraham offer "a morsel of bread" when he prepared a lavish meal?**

Answer: This was a common polite understatement in ancient Near Eastern culture. It was customary to offer a seemingly small refreshment initially, even when a host intended to provide a much larger and more elaborate meal, as seen in [Genesis 18:6-8](/genesis/18-6-8 "Abraham Prepares a Lavish Meal"). This practice demonstrated humility on the part of the host and avoided putting the guests in an awkward position by implying a grand obligation from the outset. It also allowed the guests to accept without feeling overly indebted.

**What was the significance of hospitality in Abraham's time?**

Answer: Hospitality was a sacred duty and a matter of survival in the ancient Near East. Travel was dangerous, and inns were rare, making the provision of food, water, and shelter by local inhabitants crucial for the safety and well-being of travelers. It was a deeply ingrained social and religious obligation, reflecting a community's honor and piety. Furthermore, as [Hebrews 13:2](/hebrews/13-2 "Entertaining Angels Unawares") later reminds us, there was always the possibility of entertaining divine messengers, or even God Himself, unawares.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Abraham's act of hospitality in [Genesis 18:5](/genesis/18-5 "Abraham's Hospitality Offer") finds its ultimate fulfillment in Christ in several profound and multifaceted ways. Firstly, the possibility that one of Abraham's mysterious visitors was the pre-incarnate Christ, the "Angel of the Lord," highlights the Son's eternal willingness to humble Himself and enter human space, foreshadowing His full incarnation as Jesus of Nazareth. Secondly, Christ Himself is the supreme embodiment of divine hospitality, extending an open invitation to all weary and heavy-laden souls to find rest and sustenance in Him ([Matthew 11:28](/matthew/11-28 "Come to Me, All Who Are Weary")). He is the ultimate Host, providing the true "Bread of Life" that satisfies eternal hunger ([John 6:35](/john/6-35 "Jesus, the Bread of Life")) and "living water" that quenches spiritual thirst ([John 4:10-14](/john/4-10-14 "Jesus and the Samaritan Woman")). Lastly, Jesus elevates the simple act of welcoming a stranger to a profound encounter with the Divine, teaching that acts of hospitality shown to "the least of these" are acts of hospitality shown directly to Him ([Matthew 25:35-40](/matthew/25-35-40 "I Was a Stranger and You Welcomed Me")). Thus, Abraham's ancient act of welcoming strangers becomes a powerful prototype for the radical, inclusive hospitality of God, fully revealed in the person and work of Christ.

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 13:15

¶ And Manoah said unto the angel of the LORD, I pray thee, let us detain thee, until we shall have made ready a kid for thee.

Judges 19:5

And it came to pass on the fourth day, when they arose early in the morning, that he rose up to depart: and the damsel's father said unto his son in law, Comfort thine heart with a morsel of bread, and afterward go your way.

Genesis 19:8

Behold now, I have two daughters which have not known man; let me, I pray you, bring them out unto you, and do ye to them as [is] good in your eyes: only unto these men do nothing; for therefore came they under the shadow of my roof.

Judges 6:18

Depart not hence, I pray thee, until I come unto thee, and bring forth my present, and set [it] before thee. And he said, I will tarry until thou come again.

Psalms 104:15

And wine [that] maketh glad the heart of man, [and] oil to make [his] face to shine, and bread [which] strengtheneth man's heart.

Genesis 33:10

And Jacob said, Nay, I pray thee, if now I have found grace in thy sight, then receive my present at my hand: for therefore I have seen thy face, as though I had seen the face of God, and thou wast pleased with me.

Isaiah 3:1

¶ For, behold, the Lord, the LORD of hosts, doth take away from Jerusalem and from Judah the stay and the staff, the whole stay of bread, and the whole stay of water,