Genesis 18:7

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Abraham {H85} ran {H7323} unto the herd {H1241}, and fetcht {H3947} a calf {H1121}{H1241} tender {H7390} and good {H2896}, and gave {H5414} it unto a young man {H5288}; and he hasted {H4116} to dress {H6213} it.

Complete Jewish Bible

Avraham ran to the herd, took a good, tender calf and gave it to the servant, who hurried to prepare it.

Berean Standard Bible

Meanwhile, Abraham ran to the herd, selected a tender and choice calf, and gave it to a servant, who hurried to prepare it.

American Standard Version

And Abraham ran unto the herd, and fetched a calf tender and good, and gave it unto the servant; and he hasted to dress it.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 18:7 powerfully illustrates Abraham's extraordinary and immediate hospitality as he personally rushes to select and prepare a prime calf for his three unexpected visitors, demonstrating profound diligence, lavish generosity, and a deep-seated commitment to serving with excellence. This act of swift and personal service underscores the patriarch's character and sets the stage for the divine revelation that follows.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is deeply embedded within the narrative of [Genesis 18](/genesis/18 "Genesis 18 - Abraham's Visitors and Intercession for Sodom"), specifically following Abraham's initial encounter with three mysterious men near his tent at Mamre. Upon seeing them, Abraham immediately runs to meet them, bows down, and urgently invites them to rest and eat ([Genesis 18:2-5](/genesis/18-2-5 "Abraham's Invitation to His Visitors")). Verse 7 is part of Abraham's rapid execution of this invitation, showcasing his personal involvement and the lavishness of his preparations, alongside Sarah's swift baking of cakes ([Genesis 18:6](/genesis/18-6 "Sarah's Preparation of Cakes")) and the young man's dressing of the calf. This entire sequence highlights the urgency and generosity of Abraham's hospitality before the visitors reveal their true identity and purpose.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, hospitality was not merely a social custom but a sacred duty, especially towards strangers. Travelers faced significant dangers and hardships, making the provision of food, water, and shelter a matter of life and death. To refuse hospitality was a grave offense, while offering it was a mark of virtue and piety. The host was expected to provide the best possible provisions, often at personal sacrifice. Abraham's actions in this passage, running to serve and offering a "tender and good" calf, go beyond mere obligation; they reflect a profound cultural value for generosity and honor, demonstrating his status as a wealthy and respected patriarch who could afford such a lavish offering. The heat of the day (around noon) would have made the offer of shade and refreshment particularly welcome.
* **Key Themes:** Genesis 18:7 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Genesis and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it exemplifies **Hospitality**, a recurring theme that often serves as a test of character and a precursor to divine encounter, as seen later with Lot in [Genesis 19:1-3](/genesis/19-1-3 "Lot's Hospitality to the Angels"). Secondly, it highlights **Faith in Action**, demonstrating how Abraham's trust in God manifests in his generous and diligent works, echoing the principle that faith without works is dead ([James 2:20](/james/2-20 "Faith without works is dead")). Thirdly, it subtly introduces the theme of **Divine Incognito**, where God or His messengers appear in human form, testing the hearts of individuals, a concept also seen in [Hebrews 13:2](/hebrebs/13-2 "Entertaining strangers unawares"). Finally, Abraham's personal effort and the quality of his offering underscore the theme of **Sacrificial Giving**, foreshadowing greater acts of devotion and provision.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Genesis 18:7 provides a vivid snapshot of Abraham's extraordinary hospitality, detailing his personal, swift, and generous actions in preparing a meal for his unexpected guests. The verse emphasizes his active involvement and the quality of his offering, setting a powerful example of service.

#### Key Word Analysis
* **ran (Hebrew, _rûwts'_):** This primitive root signifies rapid, eager movement, often implying urgency or a swift response. In this context, it highlights Abraham's immediate, unhesitating, and enthusiastic initiative to meet and serve his guests, conveying a sense of personal zeal rather than mere delegation.
* **fetcht (Hebrew, _lâqach'_):** Meaning "to take" or "to get," this word emphasizes Abraham's direct and personal involvement in retrieving the calf from the herd. It shows he was not merely giving orders but actively participating in the laborious task of selection and acquisition, underscoring his hands-on commitment to hospitality.
* **good (Hebrew, _ṭôwb'_):** This adjective, used in its widest sense, denotes excellence, quality, and pleasantness. When applied to the calf, it signifies that Abraham selected an animal of prime condition, not just any calf, but one that was "tender and good," indicating his intention to offer the very best possible provision to his guests, reflecting honor and generosity.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Abraham ran unto the herd":** This phrase immediately establishes Abraham's zealous and personal involvement. He doesn't send a servant; he himself runs, indicating a sense of urgency and deep respect for his guests. His action is swift and direct, demonstrating his eagerness to provide hospitality.
* **"and fetcht a calf tender and good":** Abraham's personal retrieval of the calf underscores his active role. The description "tender and good" (Hebrew: *rak v'tov*) highlights the quality of his offering. He chose a young, prime animal, signifying his intention to provide the best possible meal, reflecting his immense generosity and honor for his visitors.
* **"and gave [it] unto a young man; and he hasted to dress it":** After selecting the calf, Abraham hands it over to a "young man" (likely a servant) for preparation. The phrase "he hasted to dress it" (Hebrew: *mahar la'asot oto*) emphasizes the urgency and efficiency of the entire process. Abraham ensured that the preparation was swift, reflecting his desire to serve his guests promptly and without delay, thereby maximizing their comfort and demonstrating the depth of his commitment.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several effective **Literary Devices**. **Action Verbs** are used extensively ("ran," "fetcht," "gave," "hasted," "dress"), creating a dynamic and vivid scene that emphasizes Abraham's immediate and energetic response. This rapid succession of actions conveys the urgency and personal commitment of the patriarch. The phrase "tender and good" functions as a **Descriptive Adjective Pair**, highlighting the quality of the offering and underscoring Abraham's generosity and desire to provide the very best. Furthermore, the narrative uses **Foreshadowing**, as Abraham's lavish, sacrificial hospitality to unknown guests subtly prefigures the later revelation that one of them is the Lord Himself, hinting at the profound significance of this seemingly ordinary act of kindness.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Abraham's actions in Genesis 18:7 resonate with profound theological truths, illustrating that true hospitality is an act of faith and reverence, often extended to God Himself in disguise. His willingness to exert personal effort and offer his finest resources for strangers exemplifies a sacrificial generosity that mirrors divine provision and sets a standard for believers. This encounter underscores the principle that acts of kindness and service to others, especially those in need or unknown to us, can be direct service to the Lord, inviting divine blessing and revelation.

* [Romans 12:13](/romans/12-13 "Romans 12:13 - Practicing Hospitality"): "Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality."
* [Hebrews 13:2](/hebrews/13-2 "Hebrews 13:2 - Entertaining Strangers"): "Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares."
* [Matthew 25:35-40](/matthew/25-35-40 "Matthew 25:35-40 - The Parable of the Sheep and the Goats"): "For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in... Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 18:7 serves as a timeless paradigm for how believers should approach opportunities for service and generosity. Abraham's spontaneous, personal, and lavish hospitality challenges us to move beyond mere obligation to embrace a spirit of eager and joyful giving. It prompts us to consider: Do we "run" to meet the needs of others, or do we delay and delegate? Are we willing to offer our "tender and good" – our best time, resources, and talents – or do we offer only what is convenient or leftover? Abraham's example reminds us that true hospitality often requires personal effort and sacrifice, extending beyond our comfort zones to welcome and serve, especially those who are strangers or in need. In doing so, we not only bless others but also honor God, recognizing that every act of selfless service can be an encounter with the divine, inviting His presence and blessing into our lives and homes.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life are you called to "run" with eagerness to serve others, rather than waiting or delegating?**
* **What does it mean for you to offer your "tender and good" – your very best – in your acts of service, rather than just what is convenient?**
* **How might practicing radical hospitality, even to strangers, open doors for divine encounter or blessing in your life?**

### FAQ
**Why did Abraham run to serve his guests?**

Answer: Abraham's swiftness, indicated by "ran" and "hasted," highlights his extraordinary zeal and eagerness to extend hospitality. In ancient Near Eastern culture, hospitality was a sacred duty, and Abraham's actions demonstrate his profound respect for his guests and his commitment to serving them with the utmost diligence and personal involvement. It reflects a deep-seated generosity and a servant's heart, setting an example of going above and beyond.

**What is the significance of Abraham offering a "calf tender and good"?**

Answer: The description "tender and good" (Hebrew: *rak v'tov*) signifies that Abraham chose a prime, high-quality animal for his guests. This emphasizes his principle of giving his very best, not merely what was convenient or readily available. It reflects a profound honor for his visitors and serves as a model for offering our finest in service to God and others, demonstrating a spirit of true generosity and excellence.

**Does this passage teach us about entertaining angels unawares?**

Answer: Yes, this narrative is a foundational example cited in [Hebrews 13:2](/hebrews/13-2 "Hebrews 13:2 - Entertaining Strangers"), which encourages believers to "be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares." Abraham's immediate and generous hospitality to unknown travelers, one of whom was the Lord Himself, serves as a powerful illustration of this principle, reminding us that acts of kindness to strangers can have profound spiritual significance and may even be a way of serving the Lord directly.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Abraham's lavish hospitality in [Genesis 18:7](/genesis/18-7 "Genesis 18:7 - Abraham's Hospitality") finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Just as Abraham, a wealthy patriarch, personally ran to provide the best for his guests, so Christ, the King of Glory, humbled Himself to become a servant, offering Himself as the ultimate provision for humanity. He is the divine host who invites all to a spiritual feast, not with a mere "tender and good" calf, but with His own body and blood, given as a perfect sacrifice on the cross ([John 6:51](/john/6-51 "John 6:51 - Jesus, the Bread of Life")). Christ embodies the pinnacle of service, declaring that He "came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many" ([Matthew 20:28](/matthew/20-28 "Matthew 20:28 - The Son of Man Came to Serve")). Abraham's act of welcoming strangers, unknowingly hosting the Lord, foreshadows Christ's boundless grace in welcoming sinners into His kingdom, demonstrating the perfect love and self-giving that Abraham's actions could only hint at, thereby establishing a new covenant of grace where God Himself provides the ultimate hospitality and salvation ([Hebrews 10:10](/hebrews/10-10 "Hebrews 10:10 - Christ's Sacrifice Once for All")).

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

Matthew 22:4

Again, he sent forth other servants, saying, Tell them which are bidden, Behold, I have prepared my dinner: my oxen and [my] fatlings [are] killed, and all things [are] ready: come unto the marriage.

Luke 15:27

And he said unto him, Thy brother is come; and thy father hath killed the fatted calf, because he hath received him safe and sound.

Amos 6:4

That lie upon beds of ivory, and stretch themselves upon their couches, and eat the lambs out of the flock, and the calves out of the midst of the stall;

Genesis 19:3

And he pressed upon them greatly; and they turned in unto him, and entered into his house; and he made them a feast, and did bake unleavened bread, and they did eat.

Malachi 1:14

But cursed [be] the deceiver, which hath in his flock a male, and voweth, and sacrificeth unto the Lord a corrupt thing: for I [am] a great King, saith the LORD of hosts, and my name [is] dreadful among the heathen.

Luke 15:30

But as soon as this thy son was come, which hath devoured thy living with harlots, thou hast killed for him the fatted calf.

Luke 15:23

And bring hither the fatted calf, and kill [it]; and let us eat, and be merry: