◄ Genesis 18:2 ►
Verse  (Click for Chapter)
New International Version
Abraham looked up and saw three men standing nearby. When he saw them, he hurried from the entrance of his tent to meet them and bowed low to the ground.

New Living Translation
He looked up and noticed three men standing nearby. When he saw them, he ran to meet them and welcomed them, bowing low to the ground.

English Standard Version
He lifted up his eyes and looked, and behold, three men were standing in front of him. When he saw them, he ran from the tent door to meet them and bowed himself to the earth

Berean Standard Bible
And Abraham looked up and saw three men standing nearby. When he saw them, he ran from the entrance of his tent to meet them and bowed low to the ground.

King James Bible
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,

New King James Version
So he lifted his eyes and looked, and behold, three men were standing by him; and when he saw them, he ran from the tent door to meet them, and bowed himself to the ground,

New American Standard Bible
When he raised his eyes and looked, behold, three men were standing opposite him; and when he saw them, he ran from the tent door to meet them and bowed down to the ground,

NASB 1995
When he lifted up his eyes and looked, behold, three men were standing opposite him; and when he saw them, he ran from the tent door to meet them and bowed himself to the earth,

NASB 1977
And when he lifted up his eyes and looked, behold, three men were standing opposite him; and when he saw them, he ran from the tent door to meet them, and bowed himself to the earth,

Legacy Standard Bible
And he lifted up his eyes and looked, and behold, three men were standing nearby; he saw, and he ran from the tent door to meet them, and he bowed himself to the earth,

Amplified Bible
When he raised his eyes and looked up, behold, three men were standing [a little distance] from him. When he saw them, he ran from the tent door to meet them and bowed down [with his face] to the ground,

Christian Standard Bible
He looked up, and he saw three men standing near him. When he saw them, he ran from the entrance of the tent to meet them, bowed to the ground,

Holman Christian Standard Bible
He looked up, and he saw three men standing near him. When he saw them, he ran from the entrance of the tent to meet them and bowed to the ground.

American Standard Version
and he lifted up his eyes and looked, and, lo, three men stood over against him: and when he saw them, he ran to meet them from the tent door, and bowed himself to the earth,

Contemporary English Version
Abraham looked up and saw three men standing nearby. He quickly ran to meet them, bowed with his face to the ground,

English Revised Version
and he lift up his eyes and looked, and, lo, three men stood over against him: and when he saw them, he ran to meet them from the tent door, and bowed himself to the earth,

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Abraham looked up, and suddenly he saw three men standing near him. When he saw them, he ran to meet them, and he bowed with his face touching the ground.

Good News Translation
he looked up and saw three men standing there. As soon as he saw them, he ran out to meet them. Bowing down with his face touching the ground,

International Standard Version
he glanced up and saw three men standing there, not far from him. As soon as he noticed them, Abraham ran from the tent entrance to greet them and bowed low to the ground.

Majority Standard Bible
And Abraham looked up and saw three men standing nearby. When he saw them, he ran from the entrance of his tent to meet them and bowed low to the ground.

NET Bible
Abraham looked up and saw three men standing across from him. When he saw them he ran from the entrance of the tent to meet them and bowed low to the ground.

New Heart English Bible
He lifted up his eyes and looked, and saw that three men stood opposite him. When he saw them, he ran to meet them from the entrance of the tent, and bowed himself to the earth,

Webster's Bible Translation
And he lifted 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,

World English Bible
He lifted up his eyes and looked, and saw that three men stood near him. When he saw them, he ran to meet them from the tent door, and bowed himself to the earth,
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and he lifts up his eyes and looks, and behold, three men standing by him, and he sees, and runs to meet them from the opening of the tent, and bows himself toward the earth,

Young's Literal Translation
and he lifteth up his eyes and looketh, and lo, three men standing by him, and he seeth, and runneth to meet them from the opening of the tent, and boweth himself towards the earth,

Smith's Literal Translation
And he shall lift up his eyes and shall see, and behold, three men stood by him: and he will see and will run to meet them from the door of the tent, and will bow himself to the earth.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And when he had lifted up his eyes, there appeared to him three men standing near him: and as soon as he saw them he ran to meet them from the door of his tent, and adored down to the ground.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And when he had lifted up his eyes, there appeared to him three men, standing near him. When he had seen them, he ran to meet them from the door of his tent, and he reverenced them on the ground.

New American Bible
Looking up, he saw three men standing near him. When he saw them, he ran from the entrance of the tent to greet them; and bowing to the ground,

New Revised Standard Version
He looked up and saw three men standing near him. When he saw them, he ran from the tent entrance to meet them, and bowed down to the ground.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And he lifted up his eyes and looked, and, behold, three men stood at a distance from him; and when he saw them, he ran from the door of the tent to meet them and bowed himself to the ground,

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And he said, “LORD JEHOVAH, if I have found favor in your eyes, do not pass on from your Servant:
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
and he lifted up his eyes and looked, and, lo, three men stood over against him; and when he saw them, he ran to meet them from the tent door, and bowed down to the earth,

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And he lifted up his eyes and beheld, and lo! three men stood before him; and having seen them he ran to meet them from the door of his tent, and did obeisance to the ground.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Three Visitors
1Then the LORD appeared to Abraham by the Oaks of Mamre in the heat of the day, while he was sitting at the entrance of his tent. 2And Abraham looked up and saw three men standing nearby. When he saw them, he ran from the entrance of his tent to meet them and bowed low to the ground. 3“My lord,” said Abraham, “if I have found favor in your sight, please do not pass your servant by.…
Berean Standard Bible · Download


Cross References
Hebrews 13:2
Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it.

Judges 13:3-21
The angel of the LORD appeared to the woman and said to her, “It is true that you are barren and have no children; but you will conceive and give birth to a son. / Now please be careful not to drink wine or strong drink, and not to eat anything unclean. / For behold, you will conceive and give birth to a son. And no razor shall touch his head, because the boy will be a Nazirite to God from the womb, and he will begin the deliverance of Israel from the hand of the Philistines.” ...

Genesis 19:1-3
Now the two angels arrived at Sodom in the evening, and Lot was sitting in the gateway of the city. When Lot saw them, he got up to meet them, bowed facedown, / and said, “My lords, please turn aside into the house of your servant; wash your feet and spend the night. Then you can rise early and go on your way.” “No,” they answered, “we will spend the night in the square.” / But Lot insisted so strongly that they followed him into his house. He prepared a feast for them and baked unleavened bread, and they ate.

Luke 24:4
While they were puzzling over this, suddenly two men in radiant apparel stood beside them.

Acts 1:10
They were looking intently into the sky as He was going, when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them.

Genesis 32:24-30
So Jacob was left all alone, and there a man wrestled with him until daybreak. / When the man saw that he could not overpower Jacob, he struck the socket of Jacob’s hip and dislocated it as they wrestled. / Then the man said, “Let me go, for it is daybreak.” But Jacob replied, “I will not let you go unless you bless me.” ...

Joshua 5:13-15
Now when Joshua was near Jericho, he looked up and saw a man standing in front of him with a drawn sword in His hand. Joshua approached Him and asked, “Are You for us or for our enemies?” / “Neither,” He replied. “I have now come as Commander of the LORD’s army.” Then Joshua fell facedown in reverence and asked Him, “What does my Lord have to say to His servant?” / The Commander of the LORD’s army replied, “Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy.” And Joshua did so.

Daniel 3:25
“Look!” he exclaimed. “I see four men, unbound and unharmed, walking around in the fire—and the fourth looks like a son of the gods!”

Daniel 6:22
My God sent His angel and shut the mouths of the lions. They have not hurt me, for I was found innocent in His sight, and I have done no wrong against you, O king.”

Matthew 28:2-3
Suddenly there was a great earthquake, for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven, rolled away the stone, and sat on it. / His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow.

Mark 16:5
When they entered the tomb, they saw a young man dressed in a white robe sitting on the right side, and they were alarmed.

Luke 1:11
Just then an angel of the Lord appeared to Zechariah, standing at the right side of the altar of incense.

Acts 10:3
One day at about the ninth hour, he had a clear vision of an angel of God who came to him and said, “Cornelius!”

Revelation 22:8-9
And I, John, am the one who heard and saw these things. And when I had heard and seen them, I fell down to worship at the feet of the angel who had shown me these things. / But he said to me, “Do not do that! I am a fellow servant with you and your brothers the prophets, and with those who keep the words of this book. Worship God!”

Genesis 28:12-15
And Jacob had a dream about a ladder that rested on the earth with its top reaching up to heaven, and God’s angels were going up and down the ladder. / And there at the top the LORD was standing and saying, “I am the LORD, the God of your father Abraham and the God of Isaac. I will give you and your descendants the land on which you now lie. / Your descendants will be like the dust of the earth, and you will spread out to the west and east and north and south. All the families of the earth will be blessed through you and your offspring. ...


Treasury of Scripture

And he lift up his eyes and looked, and, see, 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,

And he.

Judges 13:3,9
And the angel of the LORD appeared unto the woman, and said unto her, Behold now, thou art barren, and bearest not: but thou shalt conceive, and bear a son…

Hebrews 13:2
Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.

three.

Genesis 18:22
And the men turned their faces from thence, and went toward Sodom: but Abraham stood yet before the LORD.

Genesis 19:1
And there came two angels to Sodom at even; and Lot sat in the gate of Sodom: and Lot seeing them rose up to meet them; and he bowed himself with his face toward the ground;

Hebrews 13:2
Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.

he ran.

Romans 12:13
Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality.

bowed.

Genesis 23:7
And Abraham stood up, and bowed himself to the people of the land, even to the children of Heth.

Genesis 33:3-7
And he passed over before them, and bowed himself to the ground seven times, until he came near to his brother…

Genesis 43:26,28
And when Joseph came home, they brought him the present which was in their hand into the house, and bowed themselves to him to the earth…

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Abraham Bowed Door Earth Entrance Eyes Face Front Ground Hurried Lifted Lifteth Meet Nearby Opposite Quickly Ran Standing Stood Tent Tent-Door Three
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Abraham Bowed Door Earth Entrance Eyes Face Front Ground Hurried Lifted Lifteth Meet Nearby Opposite Quickly Ran Standing Stood Tent Tent-Door Three
Genesis 18
1. The Lord appears to Abraham, who entertains angels.
9. Sarah is reproved for laughing at the promise of a son.
16. The destruction of Sodom is revealed to Abraham.
23. Abraham makes intercession for its inhabitants.














Berean Study Bible
And Abraham looked up
The phrase "looked up" suggests a moment of awareness and attentiveness. In Hebrew, the verb used here is "nasa," which means to lift or raise. This implies that Abraham was in a state of readiness and expectation, a posture of spiritual alertness. In the broader biblical narrative, looking up often signifies a turning towards God or divine revelation. Abraham's action here sets the stage for a divine encounter, reminding believers to be vigilant and open to God's presence in their daily lives.

and saw three men
The "three men" are traditionally understood to be a theophany, a visible manifestation of God to humankind. In the Hebrew text, the word "anashim" is used, which simply means men, yet the context reveals their divine nature. This encounter foreshadows the Christian understanding of the Trinity, though not explicitly stated in the Old Testament. The presence of these three figures invites reflection on the mystery of God's nature and His desire to engage with humanity.

standing nearby
The phrase "standing nearby" indicates proximity and readiness. The Hebrew word "nitzavim" suggests a deliberate and purposeful stance. This implies that the divine visitors were not merely passing by but were intentionally present, waiting for Abraham's response. It serves as a reminder of God's nearness and His readiness to engage with those who seek Him.

When he saw them
This repetition of "saw" emphasizes recognition and perception. Abraham's ability to see beyond the physical appearance of the visitors to their true nature is significant. It speaks to spiritual discernment, a gift that allows believers to perceive God's presence and work in their lives. This moment of recognition is crucial, as it leads to Abraham's hospitable response.

he ran from the entrance of his tent
The act of running signifies urgency and eagerness. In the cultural context of the ancient Near East, a patriarch like Abraham running would be seen as undignified, yet his desire to serve and honor his guests overrides social norms. This reflects the biblical principle of humility and the call to serve others with enthusiasm and joy.

to meet them
Meeting the visitors indicates a willingness to engage and welcome. The Hebrew word "likrat" suggests going out to greet with the intention of hospitality. Abraham's action models the biblical call to welcome the stranger and show kindness to all, reflecting God's own welcoming nature.

and bowed low to the ground
Bowing low is an act of deep respect and reverence. The Hebrew word "shachah" means to prostrate oneself, often used in the context of worship. Abraham's gesture acknowledges the divine nature of his visitors and sets a tone of worship and submission. It serves as a powerful reminder of the appropriate response to God's presence—humility and reverence.

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers
(2) Three men.--Jewish commentators explain the number by saying that, as no angel might execute more than one commission at a time, one of the three came to heal Abraham, the second to bear the message to Sarah, and the third to destroy Sodom. More correctly one was "the angel of Jehovah," who came as the manifestation of Deity to Abraham, and the other two were his companions, commissioned by him afterwards to execute judgment on the cities of the plain, The number three pointed also to the Trinity of Persons in the Godhead, and is therefore read by our Church as one of the lessons for Trinity Sunday. But we must be careful not to use it as a proof of this doctrine, lest the inference should be drawn of a personal appearance of the Father and of the Holy Ghost, which would savour of heretical impiety.

Pulpit Commentary
Verse 2. - And he lift up his eyes and looked, and, lo, three men stood by him. Not in addition to (Kalisch), but including (Keil), Jehovah, whose appearance to the patriarch, having in the previous verse been first generally stated, is now minutely described. That these three men were not manifestations of the three persons of the Godhead (Justin Martyr, Ambrose, Cyril), but Jehovah accompanied by two created angels (Keil, et alii, may be inferred from Genesis 19:1. When first perceived by the patriarch they were believed to be men, strangers, who were approaching his tent, and indeed were already close to it, or standing by him. And when he saw them (i.e. understood that one of them was Jehovah, Jarchi rightly explaining that the word translated above "looked," i.e. with the bodily vision now implies an act of mental perception), he ran to meet them from the tent door, and bowed himself toward the ground. The expression denotes the complete prostration of the body by first falling on the knees, and then inclining the head forwards till it touches the ground. As this was a mode of salutation practiced by Orientals towards superiors generally, such as kings and princes (2 Samuel 9:8), but also towards equals (Genesis 23:7; Genesis 33:6, 7; Genesis 42:6; Genesis 43:26), as well as towards the Deity (Genesis 22:5; 1 Samuel 1:3), it is impossible to affirm with certainty (Keil, Lunge) that an act of worship was intended by the patriarch, and not simply the presentation of human and civil honor (Calvin). If Hebrews 13:2 inclines to countenance the latter interpretation, the language in which Abraham immediately addresses one of the three men almost leads to the conclusion that already the patriarch had recognized Jehovah.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
And [Abraham] lifted up
וַיִּשָּׂ֤א (way·yiś·śā)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5375: To lift, carry, take

his eyes
עֵינָיו֙ (‘ê·nāw)
Noun - cdc | third person masculine singular
Strong's 5869: An eye, a fountain

and saw
וַיַּ֔רְא (way·yar)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 7200: To see

three
שְׁלֹשָׁ֣ה (šə·lō·šāh)
Number - masculine singular
Strong's 7969: Three, third, thrice

men
אֲנָשִׁ֔ים (’ă·nā·šîm)
Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 376: A man as an individual, a male person

standing
נִצָּבִ֖ים (niṣ·ṣā·ḇîm)
Verb - Nifal - Participle - masculine plural
Strong's 5324: To take one's stand, stand

nearby.
עָלָ֑יו (‘ā·lāw)
Preposition | third person masculine singular
Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against

When he saw them,
וַיַּ֗רְא (way·yar)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 7200: To see

he ran from
וַיָּ֤רָץ (way·yā·rāṣ)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 7323: To run

the entrance
מִפֶּ֣תַח (mip·pe·ṯaḥ)
Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 6607: An opening, door, entrance way

of his tent
הָאֹ֔הֶל (hā·’ō·hel)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 168: A tent

to meet them
לִקְרָאתָם֙ (liq·rā·ṯām)
Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct | third person masculine plural
Strong's 7125: Against he come, help, meet, seek, to, in the way

and bowed low
וַיִּשְׁתַּ֖חוּ (way·yiš·ta·ḥū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hitpael - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 7812: To depress, prostrate

to the ground.
אָֽרְצָה׃ (’ā·rə·ṣāh)
Noun - feminine singular | third person feminine singular
Strong's 776: Earth, land


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OT Law: Genesis 18:2 He lifted up his eyes and looked (Gen. Ge Gn)
Genesis 18:1
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