TRV
Translation
King James Version
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.
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.
World English Bible Messianic
Abraham ran to the herd, and fetched a tender and good calf, and gave it to the servant. He hurried to dress it.
Geneva Bible (1599)
And Abraham ranne to the beastes, and tooke a tender and good calfe, and gaue it to the seruant, who hasted to make it ready.
Young's Literal Translation
and Abraham ran unto the herd, and taketh a son of the herd, tender and good, and giveth unto the young man, and he hasteth to prepare it;
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In the KJVVerse 432 of 31,102
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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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Origen of AlexandriaAD 253
HOMILIES ON GENESIS 4.1
“But he ran,” the text says, “to the cattle and took a calf.” What kind of calf? Perhaps the first one he encountered? Not at all, but “a good and tender” calf. And although he would hasten in all things, nevertheless he knows that what is excellent and great should be offered to the Lord or to angels. He took therefore or chose from the herd a “good and tender” calf and delivered it to his servant. “The servant,” the text says, “hastened to slaughter it.” He himself runs, his wife hastens, the servant makes haste. No one is slow in the house of a wise man. He serves therefore a calf and at the same time with it bread and fine wheat flour, but also milk and butter. These were the courtesies of hospitality of Abraham and Sarah.
Origen of AlexandriaAD 253
HOMILIES ON GENESIS 4.2
A calf is served; behold, another mystery. The calf itself is not tough but “good and tender.” And what is so tender, what so good as that One who “humbled himself” for us “to death” and “laid down his life for his friends”? He is the “fatted calf” which the father slaughtered to receive his repentant son. “For he so loved this world, as to give his only Son” for the life of this world. Nevertheless the wise man is not ignorant of whom he has received. He runs to three men and adores one, and he speaks to the one saying, “Turn aside to your servant, and refresh yourself under the tree.”
Ephrem the SyrianAD 373
COMMENTARY ON GENESIS 15:2
The bread and meat, which was in abundance, was not to satisfy the angels but rather so that the blessing might be distributed to all the members of his household. After the angels had washed and sat down beneath a tree, “Abraham brought and set before them what he had prepared”; he did not dare recline with them but like a servant “stood apart from them.”
Ambrose of MilanAD 397
On Abraham
Nor was it useless, when he ran to the cattle, he took a tender and good calf, and placed it with milk. Finally, in Exodus, when Moses was declaring the Passover of the Lord, he said: The lamb without blemish, clean, complete, a yearling, male, shall be taken for you from sheep and goats. You shall take and kill him, said he, the whole assembly of the synagogue at evening. Hence, this is also described as midday, when Abraham offers hospitality to the Lord. But at the supper a calf is sacrificed, and is eaten with milk; that is, not in blood, but with the purity of faith. A good calf, capable of washing away sins. Tender, because it recognized the gentle yoke of the law, not with a stiff neck, and did not refuse the cross's gibbet. And deservedly tender, from whose head and feet and internal organs nothing was left, and its bones were not broken, but it yielded completely to the food of those feasting. Such a calf was figuratively portrayed for us by the shadow of the Law, such did the truth of the Gospel demonstrate.
Caesarius of ArlesAD 542
SERMON 83.3
Lot too received men, but only two, not the whole Trinity; moreover in the evening, not at noon. What did he serve them? “He baked unleavened bread, and they ate.” Because he was much inferior to Abraham in merits he did not have a fatted calf. Nor did he recognize the mystery of the Trinity in the three measures of flour. However, since he offered what he could in a kindly spirit, he merited to be freed from the destruction of Sodom. Notice, brothers, that even Lot deserved to receive the angels, because he did not reject strangers. Behold, angels enter a hospitable home, but houses that are closed to strangers are burned with flames of sulphur.
Caesarius of ArlesAD 542
SERMON 83.4
He received the three men and served them loaves out of three measures. Why is this, brothers, unless it means the mystery of the Trinity? He also served a calf; not a tough one, but a “good, tender one.” Now what is so good and tender as he who humbled himself for us even unto death? He himself is that fatted calf which the father killed upon receiving his repentant son. “For God so loved the world that he gave his only-begotten Son.” For this reason Abraham went to meet the three men and adored them as one. In the fact that he saw three, as was already said, he understood the mystery of the Trinity; but since he adored them as one, he recognized that there is one God in the three persons.
BedeAD 735
Commentary on Genesis (Hexaemeron)
The tender and excellent calf that Abraham took from the herd signifies the Mediator between God and humans, whom the most merciful Father killed for his returning younger son, that is, the Gentile people, according to the parable of the Gospel. He is the tender and excellent calf taken singularly to be slain and cooked for the citizens of heaven because he alone from the entire human race was specially chosen, whose blood would redeem the world, and through whom all things on earth and in heaven are restored in him, as the Apostle says. This calf is rightly called tender and excellent. For what is as tender and excellent as He who humbled Himself for our elevation: Becoming obedient to the Father unto death, even death on the cross?
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 18:7 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
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
Verse Breakdown
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.
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
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, 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 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). 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). 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).