Genesis 18:26-32 ▼

26 So the LORD {YHWH} replied, “If I find fifty righteous ones within the city of Sodom (burning), on their account I will spare the whole place.”

27 Then Abraham (father of many) answered, “Now that I have ventured to speak to the Lord {Adonai}—though I am but dust and ashes—

28 suppose the fifty righteous ones lack five. Will You destroy the whole city for the lack of five?” He replied, “If I find forty-five there, I will not destroy it.”

29 Once again Abraham spoke to the LORD, “Suppose forty are found there?” He answered, “On account of the forty, I will not do it.”

30 Then Abraham said, “May the Lord {Adonai} not be angry, but let me speak further. Suppose thirty are found there?” He replied, “If I find thirty there, I will not do it.”

31 And Abraham said, “Now that I have ventured to speak to the Lord {Adonai}, suppose twenty are found there?” He answered, “On account of the twenty, I will not destroy it.”

32 Finally, Abraham said, “May the Lord {Adonai} not be angry, but let me speak once more. Suppose ten are found there?” And He answered, “On account of the ten, I will not destroy it.”