Genesis 18:29 Once again he spoke to him, "What if only forty are found there?" He said, "For the sake of forty, I will not do it."

◄ Genesis 18:29 ►

Parallel Verses

New International Version
Once again he spoke to him, "What if only forty are found there?" He said, "For the sake of forty, I will not do it."

English Standard Version
Again he spoke to him and said, “Suppose forty are found there.” He answered, “For the sake of forty I will not do it.”

New American Standard Bible
He spoke to Him yet again and said, "Suppose forty are found there?" And He said, "I will not do it on account of the forty."

King James Bible
And he spake unto him yet again, and said, Peradventure there shall be forty found there. And he said, I will not do it for forty's sake.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Then he spoke to Him again, "Suppose 40 are found there?" He answered, "I will not do it on account of 40."

International Standard Version
Abraham continued to speak to him, asking, "What if 40 are found there?" The LORD replied, "I won't do it for the sake of those 40."

American Standard Version
And he spake unto him yet again, and said, Peradventure there shall be forty found there. And he said, I will not do it for the forty's sake.

Douay-Rheims Bible
And again he said to him: But if forty be found there, what wilt thou do? He said: I will not destroy it for the sake of forty.

Darby Bible Translation
And he continued yet to speak with him, and said, Perhaps there may be forty found there. And he said, I will not do it for the forty's sake.

Young's Literal Translation
And he addeth again to speak unto Him and saith, 'Peradventure there are found there forty?' and He saith, 'I do it not, because of the forty.'

Commentaries

Matthew Henry's Commentary

18:23-33 Here is the first solemn prayer upon record in the Bible; and it is a prayer for the sparing of Sodom. Abraham prayed earnestly that Sodom might be spared, if but a few righteous persons should be found in it. Come and learn from Abraham what compassion we should feel for sinners, and how earnestly we should pray for them. We see here that the effectual, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much. Abraham, indeed, failed in his request for the whole place, but Lot was miraculously delivered. Be encouraged then to expect, by earnest prayer, the blessing of God upon your families, your friends, your neighbourhood. To this end you must not only pray, but you must live like Abraham. He knew the Judge of all the earth would do right. He does not plead that the wicked may be spared for their own sake, or because it would be severe to destroy them, but for the sake of the righteous who might be found among them. And righteousness only can be made a plea before God. How then did Christ make intercession for transgressors? Not by blaming the Divine law, nor by alleging aught in extenuation or excuse of human guilt; but by pleading HIS OWN obedience unto death.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown

Ge 18:23-33. Abraham's Intercession.

23. Abraham drew near, and said, &c.—The scene described is full of interest and instruction—showing in an unmistakable manner the efficacy of prayer and intercession. (See also Pr 15:8; Jas 5:16). Abraham reasoned justly as to the rectitude of the divine procedure (Ro 3:5, 6), and many guilty cities and nations have been spared on account of God's people (Mt 5:13; 24:22).