TRV
Translation
King James Version
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.
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.
World English Bible Messianic
I will get a morsel of bread so you can refresh your heart. After that you may go your way, now that you have come to your servant.” They said, “Very well, do as you have said.”
Geneva Bible (1599)
And I will bring a morsell of bread, that you may comfort your hearts, afterward ye shall go your wayes: for therefore are ye come to your seruant. And they said, Do euen as thou hast said.
Young's Literal Translation
and I bring a piece of bread, and support ye your heart; afterwards pass on, for therefore have ye passed over unto your servant;' and they say, `So mayest thou do as thou has spoken.'
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Commentary on Genesis 18 verses 1–8
1 ¶ And the LORD appeared unto him in the plains of Mamre: and he sat in the tent door in the heat of the day;
2 And he lift up his eyes and looked, and, lo, three men stood by him: and when he saw them, he ran to meet them from the tent door, and bowed himself toward the ground,
3 And said, My Lord, if now I have found favour in thy sight, pass not away, I pray thee, from thy servant:
4 Let a little water, I pray you, be fetched, and wash your feet, and rest yourselves under the tree:
5 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.
6 And Abraham hastened into the tent unto Sarah, and said, Make ready quickly three measures of fine meal, knead it, and make cakes upon the hearth.
7 And Abraham ran unto the herd, and fetcht a calf tender and good, and gave it unto a young man; and he hasted to dress it.
8 And he took butter, and milk, and the calf which he had dressed, and set it before them; and he stood by them under the tree, and they did eat.
The appearance of God to Abraham seems to have had in it more of freedom and familiarity, and less of grandeur and majesty, than those we have hitherto read of; and therefore more resembles that great visit which, in the fullness of time, the Son of God was to make to the world, when the Word would be flesh, and appear as one of us. Observe here,
I. How Abraham expected strangers, and how richly his expectations were answered (Gen 18:1): He sat in the tent-door, in the heat of the day; not so much to repose or divert himself as to seek an opportunity of doing good, by giving entertainment to strangers and travellers, there being perhaps no inns to accommodate them. Note, 1. We are likely to have the most comfort of those good works to which we are most free and forward. 2. God graciously visits those in whom he has first raised the expectation of him, and manifests himself to those that wait for him. When Abraham was thus sitting, he saw three men coming towards him. These three men were three spiritual heavenly beings, now assuming human bodies, that they might be visible to Abraham, and conversable with him. Some think that they were all created angels, others that one of them was the Son of God, the angel of the covenant, whom Abraham distinguished from the rest (Gen 18:3), and who is called Jehovah, Gen 18:13. The apostle improves this for the encouragement of hospitality, Heb 13:2. Those that have been forward to entertain strangers have entertained angels, to their unspeakable honour and satisfaction. Where, upon a prudent and impartial judgment, we see no cause to suspect ill, charity teaches us to hope well and to show kindness accordingly. It is better to feed five drones, or wasps, than to starve one bee.
II. How Abraham entertained those strangers, and how kindly his entertainment was accepted. The Holy Ghost takes particular notice of the very free and affectionate welcome Abraham gave to the strangers. 1. He was very complaisant and respectful to them. Forgetting his age and gravity, he ran to meet them in the most obliging manner, and with all due courtesy bowed himself towards the ground, though as yet he knew nothing of them but that they appeared graceful respectable men. Note, Religion does not destroy, but improve, good manners, and teaches us to honour all men. Decent civility is a great ornament to piety. 2. He was very earnest and importunate for their stay, and took it as a great favour, Gen 18:3, Gen 18:4. Note, (1.) It becomes those whom God has blessed with plenty to be liberal and open-hearted in their entertainments, according to their ability, and (not in compliment, but cordially) to bid their friends welcome. We should take a pleasure in showing kindness to any; for both God and man love a cheerful giver. Who would eat the bread of him that has an evil eye? Pro 23:6, Pro 23:7. (2.) Those that would have communion with God must earnestly desire it and pray for it. God is a guest worth entertaining. 3. His entertainment, though it was very free, was yet plain and homely, and there was nothing in it of the gaiety and niceness of our times. His dining-room was an arbour under a tree; no rich table-linen, no side-board set with plate. His feast was a joint or two of veal, and some cakes baked on the hearth, and both hastily dressed up. Here were no dainties, no varieties, no forced-meats, no sweet-meats, but good, plain, wholesome food, though Abraham was very rich and his guests were very honourable. Note, We ought not to be curious in our diet. Let us be thankful for food convenient, though it be homely and common; and not be desirous of dainties, for they are deceitful meat to those that love them and set their hearts upon them. 4. He and his wife were both of them very attentive and busy, in accommodating their guests with the best they had. Sarah herself is cook and baker; Abraham runs to fetch the calf, brings out the milk and butter, and thinks it not below him to wait at table, that he might show how heartily welcome his guests were. Note, (1.) Those that have real merit need not take state upon them, nor are their prudent condescensions any disparagement to them. (2.) Hearty friendship will stoop to any thing but sin. Christ himself has taught us to wash one another's feet, in humble love. Those that thus abase themselves shall be exalted. Here Abraham's faith showed itself in good works; and so must ours, else it is dead, Jam 2:21, Jam 2:26. The father of the faithful was famous for charity, and generosity, and good house-keeping; and we must learn of him to do good and to communicate. Job did not eat his morsel alone, Job 31:17.
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 1–8. Public domain.
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BedeAD 735
Commentary on Genesis (Hexaemeron)
He refreshed them with the feasts that were prepared because he understood that from his seed would be born the one who, although he is God before the ages, consubstantial with the Father, appearing at the end of the ages as a true man, would truly dwell among men; the food with which he refreshed them is also full of spiritual sacraments, of which it is thus remembered:
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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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
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
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). 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.
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
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. 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 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 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). He is the ultimate Host, providing the true "Bread of Life" that satisfies eternal hunger (John 6:35) and "living water" that quenches spiritual thirst (John 4:10-14). 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). 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.