Abraham stepped forward and saidThis phrase indicates a moment of boldness and intercession by Abraham. In the cultural context of the ancient Near East, approaching a deity or a figure of authority required courage and respect. Abraham's stepping forward signifies his role as an intercessor, a type of Christ who mediates on behalf of others. This act also reflects the intimate relationship Abraham has with God, as seen in
James 2:23, where Abraham is called a "friend of God."
Will You really sweep away
The language here suggests a concern for justice and mercy. The Hebrew word used implies a complete destruction, which Abraham questions. This reflects the biblical theme of God's justice, as seen in other scriptures likeEzekiel 18:23, where God expresses no pleasure in the death of the wicked. Abraham's question anticipates the later biblical revelation of God's character as both just and merciful.
the righteous with the wicked?
This phrase highlights the distinction between the righteous and the wicked, a recurring theme throughout the Bible. Abraham's concern is for the preservation of the righteous, which aligns with God's promise to spare the city if righteous people are found (Genesis 18:26). This anticipates the New Testament teaching in2 Peter 2:9, where God is described as able to rescue the godly from trials. Theologically, this also points to the ultimate separation of the righteous and the wicked at the final judgment, as described inMatthew 25:31-46.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
AbrahamThe patriarch of the Israelites, known for his faith and obedience to God. In this passage, he is interceding with God on behalf of Sodom.
2.
GodThe Almighty, who is about to judge Sodom and Gomorrah for their wickedness. He engages in a dialogue with Abraham, revealing His willingness to listen to human intercession.
3.
SodomA city known for its grave sinfulness, which God plans to destroy. Abraham's intercession is focused on sparing the righteous within this city.
4.
Righteous and WickedThe moral categories that Abraham uses in his plea to God, highlighting the justice and mercy of God.
5.
IntercessionThe act of Abraham stepping forward to plead with God, demonstrating the power and importance of intercessory prayer.
Teaching Points
The Power of IntercessionAbraham's dialogue with God shows the importance and effectiveness of intercessory prayer. Believers are encouraged to pray for others, trusting in God's willingness to listen.
God's Justice and MercyThis passage reveals God's character as both just and merciful. He is willing to spare the wicked for the sake of the righteous, demonstrating His desire for mercy over judgment.
The Role of the RighteousThe presence of the righteous can have a profound impact on the world. Believers are called to be salt and light, influencing their communities positively.
Engaging with GodAbraham's boldness in approaching God teaches us that we can come before God with our concerns and questions, trusting in His openness to dialogue.
Moral ResponsibilityThe passage challenges believers to consider their own moral responsibility in their communities, encouraging them to stand for righteousness and justice.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Genesis 18:23?
2.How does Abraham's intercession in Genesis 18:23 inspire our prayer life today?
3.What does Genesis 18:23 reveal about God's justice and mercy?
4.How can we emulate Abraham's boldness in our prayers for others?
5.How does Genesis 18:23 connect to Jesus' teachings on intercession?
6.What lessons about righteousness can we apply from Abraham's dialogue with God?
7.How does Genesis 18:23 challenge the concept of divine justice and mercy?
8.Why does Abraham question God's decision in Genesis 18:23?
9.What does Genesis 18:23 reveal about God's relationship with humanity?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Genesis 18?
11.How can an entire city’s fate hinge on a negotiation between God and one individual (Genesis 18:23–33)?
12.How does intercession influence God's response to prayers?
13.How does intercession influence God's response to prayers?
14.What does the Bible say about mercy versus justice?What Does Genesis 18:23 Mean
Abraham stepped forward• The verse opens with physical movement: “Abraham stepped forward” (Genesis 18:23). After hosting the LORD and the angels, he literally moves toward Him, modeling the confidence believers may have when approaching God (cf.Hebrews 4:16;James 4:8).
• Stepping forward also signals readiness to partner with God’s purposes. Just as Abraham had earlier pursued Lot to rescue him (Genesis 14:14-16), he now pursues God’s mercy for Lot’s city.
• The narrative shows that friendship with God involves both listening (Genesis 18:17) and responding. Abraham’s initiative encourages us to engage actively with the Lord’s revealed plans.
and said• Conversation, not ceremony, follows. Abraham speaks plainly, confirming the relational nature of prayer (Jeremiah 29:12).
• This intercession rises spontaneously from love for people and reverence for God. Scripture portrays similar pleas—Moses for Israel (Exodus 32:11-14) and Paul for his countrymen (Romans 9:2-3).
• The pattern: hear God’s word, step near, and speak back promises and concerns to Him (Isaiah 62:6-7).
Will You really sweep away the righteous• Abraham’s first concern is God’s character. He knows the Judge of all the earth will do right (Genesis 18:25).
• By framing his petition as a question, he invites affirmation of truths already revealed: the LORD distinguishes the righteous from the wicked (Psalm 1:6;Malachi 3:18).
• Historical precedents reinforce this hope—Noah was spared the flood (Genesis 7:1), Rahab survived Jericho’s fall (Joshua 6:25). God’s consistent pattern comforts believers facing judgment today (1 Thessalonians 1:10).
with the wicked?• The phrase underscores the moral gulf God Himself has declared (Psalm 11:7). Abraham appeals to divine justice, not human sentimentality.
• Scripture confirms the LORD does not desire to destroy the righteous alongside the wicked (Ezekiel 18:23), and He “knows how to rescue the godly from trials” (2 Peter 2:9).
• Yet Abraham recognizes real judgment is coming—“sweep away” echoes flood language (Genesis 7:23). Mercy is not automatic; it is sought and received through covenant relationship.
• The tension between justice and mercy finds ultimate resolution at the cross, where wrath against sin and salvation for believers meet (Romans 3:25-26).
summaryAbraham models bold, informed intercession: he steps toward God, speaks honestly, and anchors his plea in God’s righteous character.Genesis 18:23 reveals that the LORD’s justice never arbitrarily conflates the righteous with the wicked, and His covenant people may confidently appeal to that truth for themselves and for others.
(23)
Abraham drew near.--As Jewish commentators remark, this word is especially used of prayer, and Abraham's intercession is unspeakably noble. Nor must we suppose that he thought only of Lot. Doubtless he remembered the day when he had restored the persons and spoil to the king of Sodom. He had then seen their human affection; the joy of parent meeting with child, and friend with friend; and he hoped that there were good people among them, and that so marvellous a deliverance would work in many of them a true repentance. Neither must we suppose that Abraham adroitly began with a large number, with the intention of lessening it. It was the readiness with which each prayer was heard which made him in his earnestness continue his entreaties. It thus illustrates the principle that the faith of the believer grows strong as he feels that his prayers are accepted, and he ventures finally to offer petitions, nothing wavering, which at an earlier stage would have seemed to him to ask more than he might venture to hope from the Divine goodness.
Destroy.--Heb.,sweep away;and so inGenesis 18:24. The difference is not without force; for the verb "to sweep away" gives the idea of a more indiscriminate ruin than the usual worddestroy,which Abraham substitutes for it inGenesis 18:28;Genesis 18:31-32.
Verse 23. -
And Abraham drew near.
I.e. to Jehovah; not simply locally, but also spiritually. The religious use of
יִגַּשּׁ as a performing religious services to God, or a pious turning of the mind to God, is found in
Exodus 30:20;
Isaiah 29:13;
Jeremiah 30:21; and in a similar sense
ἐγγίζω is employed in the New Testament (cf.
Hebrews 4:16;
Hebrews 10:22;
James 4:8). The Jonathan Targum explains, "and Abraham prayed."
And said. Commencing the sublimest act of human intercession of which Scripture preserves a record, being moved thereto, if not by an immediate regard for
Lot (Lange), at least by a sense of compassion towards the inhabitants of Sodom, "
communis erga quinque populos misericordia" (Calvin), which was heightened and intensified by his own previous experience of forgiving grace (Keil).
Wilt thou also destroy the righteous with the wicked? The question presupposes that God had, according to the resolution of Ver. 17, explained to the patriarch his intention to destroy the cities of the plain. The object the patriarch contemplated in his intercession was not simply the preservation of any godly remnant that might be found within the doomed towns, but the rescue of their entire populations from the impending judgment, - only he does not at first discover his complete design, perhaps regarding such an absolute reversal of the Divine purpose as exceeding the legitimate bounds of creature supplication; but with what might be characterized as holy adroitness he veils his ulterior aim, and commences his petition at a Point somewhat removed from that to which he hopes to come. Assuming it as settled that the fair Pentapolis is to be destroyed, he practically asks, with a strange mixture of humility and boldness, if Jehovah has considered that this will involve a sad commingling in one gigantic overthrow of both the righteous and the wicked.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
Abrahamאַבְרָהָ֖ם(’aḇ·rā·hām)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 85:Abraham -- 'exalted father', the father of the Jewish nationstepped forwardוַיִּגַּ֥שׁ(way·yig·gaš)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5066:To draw near, approachand said,וַיֹּאמַ֑ר(way·yō·mar)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 559:To utter, say“Will You reallyהַאַ֣ף(ha·’ap̄)Conjunction
Strong's 637:Meaning accession, yea, adversatively thoughsweep awayתִּסְפֶּ֔ה(tis·peh)Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 5595:To sweep or snatch away, catch upthe righteousצַדִּ֖יק(ṣad·dîq)Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 6662:Just, righteouswithעִם־(‘im-)Preposition
Strong's 5973:With, equally withthe wicked?רָשָֽׁע׃(rā·šā‘)Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 7563:Wrong, an, bad person
Links
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Genesis 18:23 BibleApps.comGenesis 18:23 Biblia ParalelaGenesis 18:23 Chinese BibleGenesis 18:23 French BibleGenesis 18:23 Catholic Bible
OT Law: Genesis 18:23 Abraham drew near and said Will you (Gen. Ge Gn) 
