Genesis 18:7

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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Commentary

Context of Genesis 18:7

Genesis 18:7 is part of a pivotal narrative detailing Abraham's encounter with three mysterious visitors, one of whom is revealed to be the Lord Himself. This event takes place at Abraham's tent door in the heat of the day, shortly before the announcement of Isaac's birth and the judgment upon Sodom and Gomorrah. Upon seeing the strangers, Abraham immediately and fervently extends an invitation for them to rest and partake of his hospitality. This verse specifically highlights Abraham's personal, rapid, and generous effort to prepare a meal, underscoring his eagerness to serve his guests.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Profound Hospitality: Abraham's actions—running, fetching the best calf, and personally overseeing the preparations—demonstrate an extraordinary level of hospitality. He doesn't merely offer a meal; he offers his best with remarkable diligence and speed. This serves as a powerful example of biblical hospitality and generosity towards strangers, often seen as an act of faith (compare Hebrews 13:2).
  • Diligence and Service: The repeated emphasis on Abraham's swiftness ("ran," "hasted") highlights his zeal and active engagement in serving his guests. He didn't delegate entirely but was personally involved in ensuring their comfort and provision, showcasing a servant heart.
  • Giving the Best: By choosing a "calf tender and good," Abraham ensures that his offering is of the highest quality. This reflects a principle of giving one's best when serving, especially when it involves an act of devotion or respect.
  • Divine Encounter: Unbeknownst to many, Abraham was hosting divine beings. His willingness to serve strangers with such fervor illustrates how acts of kindness and hospitality can be direct service to God, reflecting a deep spiritual awareness and reverence.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV text uses active verbs that convey Abraham's energy and commitment:

  • "ran" (Hebrew: רָץ, rats): This word implies a rapid, eager movement, not just a casual walk. It emphasizes Abraham's immediate and enthusiastic response.
  • "fetcht": Means to go and bring back, indicating his personal involvement in selecting and retrieving the animal.
  • "hasted" (Hebrew: מַהֵר, maher): This reinforces the sense of urgency and efficiency in preparing the meal. Abraham wanted to ensure his guests were served quickly and well.
The description of the calf as "tender and good" (Hebrew: רַךְ וָטוֹב, *rakh v'tov*) signifies its prime quality, suitable for a special occasion and honored guests.

Practical Application

Genesis 18:7 provides a timeless model for how believers should approach service, whether to God or to others. It encourages us to:

  • Be Eager and Diligent: Approach opportunities to serve with enthusiasm and promptness, not reluctantly or with delay.
  • Give Our Best: When we serve, whether it's through our time, resources, or talents, we should strive to offer our highest quality, reflecting respect for those we serve and for God.
  • Practice Hospitality: Look for opportunities to welcome and serve others, especially strangers or those in need, recognizing that such acts can have profound spiritual significance and may even be a way of serving the Lord Himself.
Abraham's spontaneous and lavish hospitality reminds us that true generosity often involves personal effort and a willingness to go above and beyond.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified 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:
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