Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version Let me get you something to eat, so you can be refreshed and then go on your way—now that you have come to your servant.” “Very well,” they answered, “do as you say.” New Living Translation And since you’ve honored your servant with this visit, let me prepare some food to refresh you before you continue on your journey.” “All right,” they said. “Do as you have said.” English Standard Version while I bring a morsel of bread, that you may refresh yourselves, and after that you may pass on—since you have come to your servant.” So they said, “Do as you have said.” Berean Standard Bible And I will bring a bit of bread so that you may refresh yourselves. This is why you have passed your servant’s way. After that, you may continue on your way.” “Yes,” they replied, “you may do as you have said.” Berean Literal Bible And I will bring a morsel of bread, that you may refresh your⁺ hearts; afterward, you⁺ may pass on, for upon thus you⁺ have come to your⁺ servant.” And they said, “Yes, you may do as you have said.” King James Bible 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. New King James Version And I will bring a morsel of bread, that you may refresh your hearts. After that you may pass by, inasmuch as you have come to your servant.” They said, “Do as you have said.” New American Standard Bible and I will bring a piece of bread, so that you may refresh yourselves; after that you may go on, since you have visited your servant.” And they said, “So do as you have said.” NASB 1995 and I will bring a piece of bread, that you may refresh yourselves; after that you may go on, since you have visited your servant.” And they said, “So do, as you have said.” NASB 1977 and I will bring a piece of bread, that you may refresh yourselves; after that you may go on, since you have visited your servant.” And they said, “So do, as you have said.” Legacy Standard Bible and let me bring a piece of bread, that you may refresh your hearts; after that you may pass on, since in such a manner you have passed by your servant.” And they said, “So you shall do, as you have said.” Amplified Bible And I will bring a piece of bread to refresh and sustain you; after that you may go on, since you have come to your servant.” And they replied, “Do as you have said.” Berean Annotated Bible And I will bring a bit of bread so that you may refresh yourselves. This is why you⁺ have passed your⁺ servant’s way. After that, you⁺ may continue on your⁺ way. “Yes, they replied, “you may do as you have said. Christian Standard Bible I will bring a bit of bread so that you may strengthen yourselves. This is why you have passed your servant’s way. Later, you can continue on.” “Yes,” they replied, “do as you have said.” Holman Christian Standard Bible I will bring a bit of bread so that you may strengthen yourselves. This is why you have passed your servant’s way. Later, you can continue on."” Yes,” they replied, “do as you have said.” American Standard Version and I will fetch a morsel of bread, and strengthen ye your heart; after that ye shall pass on: forasmuch as ye are come to your servant. And they said, So do, as thou hast said. Contemporary English Version Let me get you some food to give you strength before you leave. I would be honored to serve you." "Thank you very much," they answered. "We accept your offer." English Revised Version and I will fetch a morsel of bread, and comfort ye your heart; after that ye shall pass on: forasmuch as ye are come to your servant. And they said, So do, as thou hast said. GOD'S WORD® Translation Let me bring some bread so that you can regain your strength. After that you can leave, since this is why you stopped by to visit me." They answered, "That's fine. Do as you say." Good News Translation I will also bring a bit of food; it will give you strength to continue your journey. You have honored me by coming to my home, so let me serve you." They replied, "Thank you; we accept." International Standard Version I'll bring some food for you, and after that you may continue your journey, since you have come to visit your servant." So they replied, "Okay! Do what you've proposed." NET Bible And let me get a bit of food so that you may refresh yourselves since you have passed by your servant's home. After that you may be on your way." "All right," they replied, "you may do as you say." New Heart English Bible I will get a bit of food so you may refresh yourselves. After that you may go your way, now that you have come to your servant." They said, "Very well, do as you have said." Webster's Bible Translation And I will bring a morsel of bread, and comfort ye your hearts; after that you shall pass on: for therefore are ye come to your servant. And they said, So do, as thou hast said. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleAnd I will bring a bit of bread so that you may refresh yourselves. This is why you have passed your servant’s way. After that, you may continue on your way.” “Yes,” they replied, “you may do as you have said.” World English Bible I will get a piece of bread so you can refresh your heart. After that you may go your way, now that you have come to your servant.” They said, “Very well, do as you have said.” Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionand I bring a piece of bread, and support Your heart; afterward pass on, for therefore You have passed over to Your servant”; and they say, “So may you do as you have spoken.” Berean Literal Bible And I will bring a morsel of bread, that you may refresh your⁺ hearts; afterward, you⁺ may pass on, for upon thus you⁺ have come to your⁺ servant.” And they said, “Yes, you may do as you have said.” Young's Literal Translation and I bring a piece of bread, and support ye your heart; afterwards pass on, for therefore have ye passed over unto your servant;' and they say, 'So mayest thou do as thou has spoken.' Smith's Literal Translation And I will take a bit of food, and strengthen your heart, afterwards ye shall pass away; for, for this ye passed over to your servant And they will say, Thou shalt do according to what thou saidst. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd I will set a morsel of bread, and strengthen ye your heart, afterwards you shall pass on: for therefore are you come aside to your servant. And they said: Do as thou hast spoken. Catholic Public Domain Version And I will set out a meal of bread, so that you may strengthen your heart; after this you will pass on. It is for this reason that you have turned aside to your servant.” And they said, “Do as you have spoken.” New American Bible Now that you have come to your servant, let me bring you a little food, that you may refresh yourselves; and afterward you may go on your way.” “Very well,” they replied, “do as you have said.” New Revised Standard Version Let me bring a little bread, that you may refresh yourselves, and after that you may pass on—since you have come to your servant.” So they said, “Do as you have said.” Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd take a morsel of bread and sustain your hearts; after that you shall go on your way, since you have come to your servant. And they said, So do as you have said. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And Abraham made haste and he ran to the tent to Sara and said, “Quickly knead three OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And I will fetch a morsel of bread, and stay ye your heart; after that ye shall pass on; forasmuch as ye are come to your servant.' And they said: 'So do, as thou hast said.' Brenton Septuagint Translation And I will bring bread, and ye shall eat, and after this ye shall depart on your journey, on account of which refreshment ye have turned aside to your servant. And he said, So do, as thou hast said. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context The Three Visitors…4Let a little water be brought, that you may wash your feet and rest yourselves under the tree. 5And I will bring a bit of bread so that you may refresh yourselves. This is why you have passed your servant’s way. After that, you may continue on your way.” “Yes,” they replied, “you may do as you have said.” 6So Abraham hurried into the tent and said to Sarah, “Quick! Prepare three seahs of fine flour, knead it, and bake some bread.”… Cross References And I will bring a bit of bread 1 Kings 17:13 “Do not be afraid,” Elijah said to her. “Go and do as you have said. But first make me a small cake of bread from what you have, and bring it out to me. Afterward, make some for yourself and your son, Judges 19:5 On the fourth day, they got up early in the morning and prepared to depart, but the girl’s father said to his son-in-law, “Refresh your heart with a morsel of bread, and then you can go.” Proverbs 9:5 “Come, eat my bread and drink the wine I have mixed. so that you may refresh yourselves. Exodus 23:12 For six days you are to do your work, but on the seventh day you must cease, so that your ox and your donkey may rest and the son of your maidservant may be refreshed, as well as the foreign resident. Judges 15:19 So God opened up the hollow place in Lehi, and water came out of it. When Samson drank, his strength returned, and he was revived. That is why he named it En-hakkore, and it remains in Lehi to this day. Psalm 23:3 He restores my soul; He guides me in the paths of righteousness for the sake of His name. This is why you have passed your servant’s way. 2 Kings 4:8 One day Elisha went to Shunem, and a prominent woman who lived there persuaded him to have a meal. So whenever he would pass by, he would stop there to eat. Genesis 24:31 “Come, you who are blessed by the LORD,” said Laban. “Why are you standing out here? I have prepared the house and a place for the camels.” Hebrews 13:2 Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it. After that, you may continue on your way.” Genesis 24:56 But he replied, “Do not delay me, since the LORD has made my journey a success. Send me on my way so that I may go to my master.” 3 John 1:6-7 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. / For they went out on behalf of the Name, accepting nothing from the Gentiles. Acts 15:3 Sent on their way by the church, they passed through Phoenicia and Samaria, recounting the conversion of the Gentiles and bringing great joy to all the brothers. “Yes,” they replied, “you may do as you have said.” 2 Kings 10:5 So the palace administrator, the overseer of the city, the elders, and the guardians sent a message to Jehu: “We are your servants, and we will do whatever you say. We will not make anyone king. Do whatever is good in your sight.” Joshua 1:16-17 So they answered Joshua, “Everything you have commanded us we will do, and everywhere you send us we will go. / Just as we obeyed Moses in all things, so we will obey you. And may the LORD your God be with you, as He was with Moses. Exodus 19:8 And all the people answered together, “We will do everything that the LORD has spoken.” So Moses brought their words back to the LORD. Matthew 25:35 For I was hungry and you gave Me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave Me something to drink, I was a stranger and you took Me in, Treasury of Scripture And I will fetch a morsel of bread, and comfort you your hearts; after that you shall pass on: for therefore are you come to your servant. And they said, So do, as you have said. And I. Judges 6:18 Depart not hence, I pray thee, until I come unto thee, and bring forth my present, and set it before thee. And he said, I will tarry until thou come again. Judges 13:15 And Manoah said unto the angel of the LORD, I pray thee, let us detain thee, until we shall have made ready a kid for thee. Matthew 6:11 Give us this day our daily bread. bread. comfort. Judges 19:5 And it came to pass on the fourth day, when they arose early in the morning, that he rose up to depart: and the damsel's father said unto his son in law, Comfort thine heart with a morsel of bread, and afterward go your way. Psalm 104:15 And wine that maketh glad the heart of man, and oil to make his face to shine, and bread which strengtheneth man's heart. Isaiah 3:1 For, behold, the Lord, the LORD of hosts, doth take away from Jerusalem and from Judah the stay and the staff, the whole stay of bread, and the whole stay of water, are ye come. Genesis 19:8 Behold now, I have two daughters which have not known man; let me, I pray you, bring them out unto you, and do ye to them as is good in your eyes: only unto these men do nothing; for therefore came they under the shadow of my roof. Genesis 33:10 And Jacob said, Nay, I pray thee, if now I have found grace in thy sight, then receive my present at my hand: for therefore I have seen thy face, as though I had seen the face of God, and thou wast pleased with me. Jump to Previous Afterwards Bit Bread Comfort Fetch Forasmuch Heart Hearts Mayest Morsel Passed Piece Refresh Servant Strength Support Thou Visited Way YourselvesJump to Next Afterwards Bit Bread Comfort Fetch Forasmuch Heart Hearts Mayest Morsel Passed Piece Refresh Servant Strength Support Thou Visited Way YourselvesGenesis 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. And I will bring a bit of bread In the ancient Near Eastern culture, hospitality was a crucial social duty. Bread was a staple food, symbolizing sustenance and life. Abraham's offer reflects his generosity and respect for his guests, who are later revealed to be divine messengers. This act of hospitality is reminiscent of Jesus' feeding of the multitudes, where bread also plays a central role (Matthew 14:13-21). so that you may refresh yourselves. This is why you have passed your servant’s way. After that, you may continue on your way.” “Yes,” they replied, “you may do as you have said.” Persons / Places / Events 1. AbrahamThe patriarch of the Israelites, known for his faith and obedience to God. In this passage, he demonstrates hospitality to three visitors. 2. Three Visitors These are often interpreted as angels or a theophany (a visible manifestation of God). They visit Abraham to deliver a message about the birth of Isaac. 3. Mamre The location where Abraham was residing, near Hebron. It is significant as a place where God appeared to Abraham. 4. Sarah Abraham's wife, who is inside the tent during this encounter. She later learns of the promise of a son. 5. The Promise of Isaac This event is part of the larger account where God promises Abraham a son through Sarah, despite their old age. Teaching Points The Importance of HospitalityAbraham's eagerness to serve his guests highlights the biblical value of hospitality. As believers, we are called to welcome and serve others, reflecting God's love. Faith in God's Promises Abraham's actions are rooted in his faith in God's promises. We are encouraged to trust in God's timing and faithfulness, even when circumstances seem impossible. Service as Worship Abraham's service to the visitors can be seen as an act of worship. Our daily acts of kindness and service can be offerings to God. God's Presence in the Ordinary The appearance of God in the form of visitors reminds us that God can be present in our everyday lives and interactions. Preparation for God's Work Abraham's readiness to serve reflects a heart prepared for God's work. We should cultivate a readiness to respond to God's call in our lives. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Genesis 18:5?2. How does Genesis 18:5 demonstrate the importance of hospitality in Christian life? 3. What can we learn about servanthood from Abraham's actions in Genesis 18:5? 4. How does Genesis 18:5 connect to Hebrews 13:2 about entertaining strangers? 5. In what ways can we offer "a morsel of bread" to others today? 6. How does Abraham's example in Genesis 18:5 inspire us to serve God willingly? 7. Why does Abraham offer food to strangers in Genesis 18:5? 8. How does Genesis 18:5 reflect ancient hospitality customs? 9. What theological significance does Genesis 18:5 hold in demonstrating faith? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Genesis 18? 11. What are the key events in Abraham's life? 12. 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? 13. If Jesus was sinless, why did He break the Sabbath by healing (John 5:18)? 14. What are the main themes of the Bible's books? What Does Genesis 18:5 Mean And I will bring a bit of bread“ And I will bring a bit of bread …” (Genesis 18:5a) • Abraham’s first impulse is to meet an immediate, tangible need—food (Genesis 18:6–8). • Scripture consistently commends sharing bread as a gesture of covenant friendship (Ruth 2:14; Acts 2:46). • The offer underscores humility; the patriarch of promise calls his provision “a bit,” echoing Jesus’ later praise of the widow’s “two small coins” (Luke 21:1–4). • Hospitality is commanded for every believer (Hebrews 13:2; 1 Peter 4:9), reflecting the character of God who feeds His people daily (Exodus 16:4). So that you may refresh yourselves “… so that you may refresh yourselves.” (Genesis 18:5a) • The Hebrew idea behind “refresh” points to restoring strength—seen when Jonathan “refreshed” himself with honey (1 Samuel 14:27). • Rest and refreshment are divine gifts woven into creation’s rhythm (Exodus 20:8–11; Mark 6:31). • Abraham’s offer mirrors the Shepherd who “makes me lie down in green pastures” (Psalm 23:1–3). • Welcoming weary travelers prefigures Christ’s invitation: “Come to Me, all you who are weary…and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28). This is why you have passed your servant’s way “This is why you have passed your servant’s way.” (Genesis 18:5b) • Abraham recognizes providence; these visitors did not arrive by chance (Proverbs 16:9; Acts 17:26–27). • Calling himself “your servant” (also v. 3) displays the humility God exalts (James 4:10). • The phrase anticipates Joseph’s later insight: “God sent me ahead of you” (Genesis 45:5), teaching that divine appointments often appear as ordinary interruptions. After that, you may continue on your way “After that, you may continue on your way.” (Genesis 18:5c) • Abraham grants freedom, never coercing guests to stay; love does not insist on its own way (1 Corinthians 13:5). • Genuine hospitality serves without strings, as seen when Rebekah watered the camels and then released the servant to go (Genesis 24:54–56). • The principle appears in Jesus’ walk to Emmaus—He “acted as if He were going farther,” awaiting honest invitation (Luke 24:28–29). “Yes,” they replied, “you may do as you have said.” “ ‘Yes,’ they replied, ‘you may do as you have said.’ ” (Genesis 18:5d) • The agreement validates Abraham’s proposal, affirming that simple obedience pleases God (John 14:15). • Heaven often responds to earth’s initiative of faith—Elijah pours water; God sends fire (1 Kings 18:33–38). • Accepting the offer opens the way for the greater revelation to follow: the promise of Isaac and the intercession for Sodom (Genesis 18:9–33). summary Genesis 18:5 captures the heart of biblical hospitality: a humble offer of simple bread, aimed at refreshing divinely appointed guests, given freely and respectfully, and received with approval. Abraham’s small act becomes the doorway to monumental blessing, reminding believers that ordinary service, offered in faith, invites extraordinary encounters with God. (5) Comfort ye your hearts.--Heb., strengthen ye, the original meaning of comfort, a word formed from the Latin fortis = strong, brave. The heart in Hebrew is the sum total of all the powers, mental and bodily, of the whole man.After that ye shall pass on.--Coming at noon, the travellers after rest and refreshment would continue their journey. It is quite plain that Abraham still regarded them as passing wayfarers. Therefore . . . --Abraham thus suggests that his tent was pitched near to the route on purpose that he might exercise that hospitality which was and continues to be the sacred duty of an Arab sheik. Verse 5. - And I will fetch a morsel of bread, - a modest description of what proved a sumptuous repast (vide Vers. 6, 8) - and comfort ye your hearts; - literally, strengthen or support them, i.e. by eating and drinking (Judges 19:5; 1 Kings 21:7) - after that ye shall pass on: for therefore - כִּי־עַל־כֵּן introduces the ground of what has already been stated, something like quando quidem, forasmuch as (Ewald, 'Hebrews Synt.,' § 353), since, or because (Kalisch), and not = עַל־כֵּש־כִּי, for this cause that (Gesenius, 'Gram.,' § 155), or "because for this purpose" (Keil) - are ye come to (literally, have ye passed before) thy servant. The patriarch's meaning is not that they had come with the design of receiving his gifts (LXX., A.V.), but either that, unconsciously to them, God had ordered their journey so as to give him this opportunity (Calvin, Bush, Wordsworth, 'Speaker's Commentary,' Keil), or perhaps simply that since they had passed by his tent they should suffer him to accord them entertainment (Kalisch, Rosenmüller). And they said, So do, as thou but said. Therefore we must believe that Abraham washed the men's feet, and they did eat (Ver. 8). Here is a mystery (Wordsworth).Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew And I will bringוְאֶקְחָ֨ה (wə·’eq·ḥāh) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive imperfect Cohortative - first person common singular Strong's 3947: To take a bit פַת־ (p̄aṯ-) Noun - feminine singular construct Strong's 6595: Fragment, bit, morsel of bread לֶ֜חֶם (le·ḥem) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 3899: Food, bread, grain so that you may refresh וְסַעֲד֤וּ (wə·sa·‘ă·ḏū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine plural Strong's 5582: To support, sustain, stay yourselves. לִבְּכֶם֙ (lib·bə·ḵem) Noun - masculine singular construct | second person masculine plural Strong's 3820: The heart, the feelings, the will, the intellect, centre This is why כִּֽי־ (kî-) Conjunction Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction you have passed תַּעֲבֹ֔רוּ (ta·‘ă·ḇō·rū) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine plural Strong's 5674: To pass over, through, or by, pass on your servant’s way. עַבְדְּכֶ֑ם (‘aḇ·də·ḵem) Noun - masculine singular construct | second person masculine plural Strong's 5650: Slave, servant After that, אַחַ֣ר (’a·ḥar) Adverb Strong's 310: The hind or following part you may continue on your way.” עֲבַרְתֶּ֖ם (‘ă·ḇar·tem) Verb - Qal - Perfect - second person masculine plural Strong's 5674: To pass over, through, or by, pass on “Yes,” כֵּ֥ן (kên) Adverb Strong's 3651: So -- thus they replied, וַיֹּ֣אמְר֔וּ (way·yō·mə·rū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural Strong's 559: To utter, say “you may do תַּעֲשֶׂ֖ה (ta·‘ă·śeh) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular Strong's 6213: To do, make as כַּאֲשֶׁ֥ר (ka·’ă·šer) Preposition-k | Pronoun - relative Strong's 834: Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that you have said.” דִּבַּֽרְתָּ׃ (dib·bar·tā) Verb - Piel - Perfect - second person masculine singular Strong's 1696: To arrange, to speak, to subdue Links Genesis 18:5 NIVGenesis 18:5 NLT Genesis 18:5 ESV Genesis 18:5 NASB Genesis 18:5 KJV Genesis 18:5 BibleApps.com Genesis 18:5 Biblia Paralela Genesis 18:5 Chinese Bible Genesis 18:5 French Bible Genesis 18:5 Catholic Bible OT Law: Genesis 18:5 I will get a morsel of bread (Gen. 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