Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version When the men got up to leave, they looked down toward Sodom, and Abraham walked along with them to see them on their way. New Living Translation Then the men got up from their meal and looked out toward Sodom. As they left, Abraham went with them to send them on their way. English Standard Version Then the men set out from there, and they looked down toward Sodom. And Abraham went with them to set them on their way. Berean Standard Bible When the men got up to leave, they looked out over Sodom, and Abraham walked along with them to see them off. Berean Literal Bible And the men rose from there and looked on the face of Sodom, and Abraham walked with them to send them off. King James Bible And the men rose up from thence, and looked toward Sodom: and Abraham went with them to bring them on the way. New King James Version Then the men rose from there and looked toward Sodom, and Abraham went with them to send them on the way. New American Standard Bible Then the men rose up from there, and looked down toward Sodom; and Abraham was walking with them to send them off. NASB 1995 Then the men rose up from there, and looked down toward Sodom; and Abraham was walking with them to send them off. NASB 1977 Then the men rose up from there, and looked down toward Sodom; and Abraham was walking with them to send them off. Legacy Standard Bible Then the men rose up from there and looked down toward Sodom; and Abraham was walking with them to send them off. Amplified Bible Then the men got up from there, and looked toward Sodom; and Abraham walked with them to send them on the way. Berean Annotated Bible When the men got up to leave, they looked out over Sodom (burning), and Abraham (father of many) walked along with them to see them off. Christian Standard Bible The men got up from there and looked out over Sodom, and Abraham was walking with them to see them off. Holman Christian Standard Bible The men got up from there and looked out over Sodom, and Abraham was walking with them to see them off. American Standard Version And the men rose up from thence, and looked toward Sodom: and Abraham went with them to bring them on the way. Contemporary English Version When the three men got ready to leave, they looked down toward Sodom, and Abraham walked part of the way with them. English Revised Version And the men rose up from thence, and looked toward Sodom: and Abraham went with them to bring them on the way. GOD'S WORD® Translation Then the men got up to leave. As Abraham was walking with them to see them off, they looked toward Sodom. Good News Translation Then the men left and went to a place where they could look down at Sodom, and Abraham went with them to send them on their way. International Standard Version After this, the men set out from there and looked out over Sodom. Abraham went with them to send them off. NET Bible When the men got up to leave, they looked out over Sodom. (Now Abraham was walking with them to see them on their way.) New Heart English Bible The men rose up from there, and looked toward Sodom. Abraham went with them to see them on their way. Webster's Bible Translation And the men rose up from thence, and looked toward Sodom: and Abraham went with them to bring them on the way. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleWhen the men got up to leave, they looked out over Sodom, and Abraham walked along with them to see them off. World English Bible The men rose up from there, and looked toward Sodom. Abraham went with them to see them on their way. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd the men rise from there, and look on the face of Sodom, and Abraham is going with them to send them away; Berean Literal Bible And the men rose from there and looked on the face of Sodom, and Abraham walked with them to send them off. Young's Literal Translation And the men rise from thence, and look on the face of Sodom, and Abraham is going with them to send them away; Smith's Literal Translation And the men will rise up from thence, and will look forth upon the face of Sodom: and Abraham went forth with them to accompany them. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd when the men rose up from thence, they turned their eyes towards Sodom: and Abraham walked with them, bringing them on the way. Catholic Public Domain Version Therefore, when the men had risen up from there, they directed their eyes against Sodom. And Abraham traveled with them, leading them. New American Bible With Abraham walking with them to see them on their way, the men set out from there and looked down toward Sodom. New Revised Standard Version Then the men set out from there, and they looked toward Sodom; and Abraham went with them to set them on their way. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd the men rose up from there and looked toward Sodom; and Abraham went with them to see them off. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And the men got up from there and gazed on the face of Sadom; Abraham went with them to accompany them. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And the men rose up from thence, and looked out toward Sodom; and Abraham went with them to bring them on the way. Brenton Septuagint Translation And the men having risen up from thence looked towards Sodom and Gomorrha. And Abraam went with them, attending them on their journey. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Abraham Begs for Sodom16When the men got up to leave, they looked out over Sodom, and Abraham walked along with them to see them off. 17And the LORD said, “Shall I hide from Abraham what I am about to do?… Cross References When the men got up to leave, Genesis 19:1 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, Judges 13:20-21 When the flame went up from the altar to the sky, the angel of the LORD ascended in the flame. When Manoah and his wife saw this, they fell facedown to the ground. / And when the angel of the LORD did not appear again to Manoah and his wife, Manoah realized that it had been the angel of the LORD. Luke 24:31 Then their eyes were opened and they recognized Jesus—and He disappeared from their sight. they looked out over Sodom, Genesis 19:28 He looked down toward Sodom and Gomorrah and all the land of the plain, and he saw the smoke rising from the land like smoke from a furnace. Genesis 19:24-25 Then the LORD rained down sulfur and fire on Sodom and Gomorrah—from the LORD out of the heavens. / Thus He destroyed these cities and the entire plain, including all the inhabitants of the cities and everything that grew on the ground. Deuteronomy 29:23 All its soil will be a burning waste of sulfur and salt, unsown and unproductive, with no plant growing on it, just like the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, Admah and Zeboiim, which the LORD overthrew in His fierce anger. and Abraham walked along with them to see them off. Genesis 24:59 So they sent their sister Rebekah on her way, along with her nurse and Abraham’s servant and his men. Acts 20:38 They were especially grieved by his statement that they would never see his face again. Then they accompanied him to the ship. 3 John 1:6 They have testified to the church about your love. You will do well to send them on their way in a manner worthy of God. Genesis 13:14-18 After Lot had departed, the LORD said to Abram, “Now lift up your eyes from the place where you are, and look to the north and south and east and west, / for all the land that you see, I will give to you and your offspring forever. / I will make your offspring like the dust of the earth, so that if one could count the dust of the earth, then your offspring could be counted. … Genesis 22:1-2 Some time later God tested Abraham and said to him, “Abraham!” “Here I am,” he answered. / “Take your son,” God said, “your only son Isaac, whom you love, and go to the land of Moriah. Offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains, which I will show you.” Genesis 12:1-3 Then the LORD said to Abram, “Leave your country, your kindred, and your father’s household, and go to the land I will show you. / I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. / I will bless those who bless you and curse those who curse you; and all the families of the earth will be blessed through you.” Genesis 15:1-6 After these events, the word of the LORD came to Abram in a vision: “Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your very great reward.” / But Abram replied, “O Lord GOD, what can You give me, since I remain childless, and the heir of my house is Eliezer of Damascus?” / Abram continued, “Behold, You have given me no offspring, so a servant in my household will be my heir.” … Genesis 17:1-8 When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the LORD appeared to him and said, “I am God Almighty. Walk before Me and be blameless. / I will establish My covenant between Me and you, and I will multiply you exceedingly.” / Then Abram fell facedown, and God said to him, … Genesis 19:27-29 Early the next morning, Abraham got up and returned to the place where he had stood before the LORD. / He looked down toward Sodom and Gomorrah and all the land of the plain, and he saw the smoke rising from the land like smoke from a furnace. / So when God destroyed the cities of the plain, He remembered Abraham, and He brought Lot out of the catastrophe that destroyed the cities where he had lived. Genesis 20:1-2 Now Abraham journeyed from there to the region of the Negev and settled between Kadesh and Shur. While he was staying in Gerar, / Abraham said of his wife Sarah, “She is my sister.” So Abimelech king of Gerar had Sarah brought to him. Treasury of Scripture And the men rose up from there, and looked toward Sodom: and Abraham went with them to bring them on the way. to bring. Acts 15:3 And being brought on their way by the church, they passed through Phenice and Samaria, declaring the conversion of the Gentiles: and they caused great joy unto all the brethren. Acts 20:38 Sorrowing most of all for the words which he spake, that they should see his face no more. And they accompanied him unto the ship. Acts 21:5 And when we had accomplished those days, we departed and went our way; and they all brought us on our way, with wives and children, till we were out of the city: and we kneeled down on the shore, and prayed. Jump to Previous Abraham Conduct Direction Face Leave Rise Rose Sodom Thence Walked Walking WayJump to Next Abraham Conduct Direction Face Leave Rise Rose Sodom Thence Walked Walking WayGenesis 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. When the men got up to leave This phrase refers to the three visitors who appeared to Abraham earlier in Genesis 18. These men are often understood to be two angels and the Lord Himself, as indicated by the narrative. The act of getting up to leave signifies the completion of their visit with Abraham, during which they announced the birth of Isaac. This moment marks a transition from a time of fellowship and promise to a time of impending judgment on Sodom and Gomorrah. they looked out over Sodom and Abraham walked along with them to see them off Persons / Places / Events 1. AbrahamThe patriarch of the Israelites, known for his faith and obedience to God. In this passage, he is accompanying the visitors as they prepare to leave. 2. The Men These are the three visitors who appeared to Abraham earlier in Genesis 18. They are often understood to be two angels and the Lord Himself, who came to deliver a message to Abraham and Sarah. 3. Sodom A city known for its wickedness, which is about to be judged by God. The men look toward Sodom as they prepare to leave, indicating the impending judgment. 4. The Lord Although not explicitly mentioned in this verse, the presence of the Lord is implied as He is one of the visitors who came to Abraham. 5. The Journey The act of walking with the visitors signifies Abraham's hospitality and his role as an intercessor for Sodom, which will unfold in the subsequent verses. Teaching Points Hospitality and FellowshipAbraham's act of walking with the visitors demonstrates the importance of hospitality and fellowship. Believers are encouraged to show kindness and hospitality to others, reflecting God's love. Intercession and Compassion Abraham's concern for Sodom, which will be seen in the following verses, teaches the importance of intercessory prayer and compassion for others, even those who are living in sin. Awareness of God's Presence The presence of the Lord among the visitors reminds believers to be aware of God's presence in their daily lives and to seek His guidance in all situations. Judgment and Mercy The impending judgment on Sodom serves as a reminder of God's justice, but also His mercy, as He listens to Abraham's intercession. Walking with God Abraham's physical act of walking with the visitors symbolizes a spiritual journey of walking with God, which requires faith, obedience, and trust. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Genesis 18:16?2. How does Genesis 18:16 demonstrate God's relationship with Abraham and His plans? 3. What can we learn about God's justice from Genesis 18:16? 4. How does Genesis 18:16 connect with God's covenant promises in Genesis 12? 5. How can we apply Abraham's example of obedience in Genesis 18:16 today? 6. What does Genesis 18:16 teach about intercession and advocacy in prayer? 7. What is the significance of the men looking toward Sodom in Genesis 18:16? 8. How does Genesis 18:16 relate to God's judgment and mercy? 9. Why did Abraham accompany the men in Genesis 18:16? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Genesis 18? 11. How can we effectively pray for others' needs? 12. Who were the three men visiting Abraham in Genesis 18? 13. How could Abraham host and feed three travelers identified as the Lord in human form (Genesis 18:1-5) without any hint of deception or strangeness? 14. Why does the text claim God is physically present and conversing with Abraham if other passages emphasize God's transcendence (Genesis 18:1, 22)? What Does Genesis 18:16 Mean When the men got up to leave• The “men” are the LORD and two angels in visible human form (Genesis 18:1–2; 19:1). • Their rising marks the close of a covenant meal and the completion of promised blessing to Sarah (Genesis 18:9–15), showing God keeps His word. • Departure signals a transition from mercy toward Abraham’s household to impending judgment on the wicked (Hebrews 13:2 reminds us that angels may appear as strangers, pointing back to this scene). They looked out over Sodom • The divine gaze is intentional; it denotes careful, righteous investigation before judgment (Genesis 18:20–21; cf. Psalm 11:4–7). • Sodom’s moral decay—arrogance, neglect of the poor, and sexual perversion (Ezekiel 16:49; Jude 1:7)—comes under God’s scrutiny. • The pause underscores that judgment is never capricious; God’s holiness requires verification (2 Peter 2:6 echoes how the cities became an example of what happens to the ungodly). • Looking “out over” hints at the coming vantage point from which Abraham will later view the smoke rising (Genesis 19:27–28), reinforcing the certainty of the verdict. Abraham walked along with them to see them off • In Near-Eastern culture, a host escorts guests partway, so Abraham fulfills hospitality to the end (Romans 12:13 exhorts similar practice). • More than courtesy, Abraham’s walk pictures friendship with God (James 2:23) and partnership in His plans (Amos 3:7: “Surely the Lord GOD does nothing without revealing His plan to His servants the prophets”). • The walk sets up Abraham’s intercession (Genesis 18:22-33). God invites him to stand in the gap, illustrating believers’ priestly role (1 Peter 2:9). • By walking “with them,” Abraham identifies with God’s moral stance against sin while pleading for mercy—foreshadowing the balance later fulfilled in Christ (John 15:14-15 shows the Lord sharing His heart with friends). summary Genesis 18:16 shows a literal moment in history when the LORD and two angels rise from Abraham’s table, fix their gaze on Sodom’s wickedness, and are accompanied partway by their faithful host. The verse bridges promise and judgment, portraying God’s just scrutiny, Abraham’s faithful hospitality, and an invitation to intercession. (16) The men . . . looked toward Sodom.--This visitation of God combined mercy and love for Abraham, and through him for all mankind, with the punishment of men whose wickedness was so universal that there were none left among them to bear witness for God, and labour for a better state of things. There is a strange mingling of the human and the Divine in the narrative. Even after the fuller manifestation of themselves they are still called men, and Abraham continues to discharge the ordinary duties of hospitality by accompanying them as their guide. Their route would lie to the south-east, over the hill-country of Judah, and tradition represents Abraham as having gone with them as far as the village of Caphar-Barucha, whence it is possible through a deep ravine to see the Dead Sea.Verse 16. - And the men rose up from thence, - Mamre (vide supra, Ver. 1) - and looked towards Sodom. Literally, toward the face (Rosenmüller), or towards the plain (Keil), of Sodom, as if intending to proceed thither. And Abraham went with them - across the mountains on the east of Hebron, as far as Caphar-barucha, according to tradition, whence a view can be obtained of the Dead Sea - solitudinem ac terras Sodomae (vide Keil, in loco) - to bring them on the way. Literally, to send them away, or accord them a friendly convoy over a portion of their journey.Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew When [the men] got upוַיָּקֻ֤מוּ (way·yā·qu·mū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural Strong's 6965: To arise, stand up, stand to leave מִשָּׁם֙ (miš·šām) Preposition-m | Adverb Strong's 8033: There, then, thither [they] הָֽאֲנָשִׁ֔ים (hā·’ă·nā·šîm) Article | Noun - masculine plural Strong's 582: Man, mankind looked out וַיַּשְׁקִ֖פוּ (way·yaš·qi·p̄ū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural Strong's 8259: To overhang, look out or down over עַל־ (‘al-) Preposition Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against Sodom, סְדֹ֑ם (sə·ḏōm) Noun - proper - feminine singular Strong's 5467: Sodom -- a Canaanite city near the Dead Sea and Abraham וְאַ֨בְרָהָ֔ם (wə·’aḇ·rā·hām) Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 85: Abraham -- 'exalted father', the father of the Jewish nation walked along הֹלֵ֥ךְ (hō·lêḵ) Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular Strong's 1980: To go, come, walk with עִמָּ֖ם (‘im·mām) Preposition | third person masculine plural Strong's 5973: With, equally with them to see them off. לְשַׁלְּחָֽם׃ (lə·šal·lə·ḥām) Preposition-l | Verb - Piel - Infinitive construct | third person masculine plural Strong's 7971: To send away, for, out Links Genesis 18:16 NIVGenesis 18:16 NLT Genesis 18:16 ESV Genesis 18:16 NASB Genesis 18:16 KJV Genesis 18:16 BibleApps.com Genesis 18:16 Biblia Paralela Genesis 18:16 Chinese Bible Genesis 18:16 French Bible Genesis 18:16 Catholic Bible OT Law: Genesis 18:16 The men rose up from there (Gen. 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