Genesis 18

Genesis 18

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The LordI appearedII to Abraham by the oaksIII of Mamre,IV

Notes on verse 1a

I “Lord” = YHVH. From havah (to be, become) or hayah (to come to pass, become, be). This is the name of the God of Israel, the self-existent and eternal one, the tetragrammaton. This pronunciation has been lost to time so “Lord” is generally used in its place.
II “appeared” = raah. This is to see in a literal or figurative sense so stare, advise, think, view.
III “oaks” = elon. 10x in OT. From ayil (strength; things that are strong or powerful: political chiefs, rams, posts, trees, oaks); from the same as ul (mighty, strength, body, belly; root may mean to twist and that implies strength and power). This is terebinth, oak, or another kind of tree that is strong.
IV “Mamre” = Mamre. 10x in OT. Perhaps from mara (to rebel, flap wings, whip, be filthy). This is Mamre a personal name and a place name. It may mean vigor or lusty.

 as he satV at the entranceVI of his tentVII in the heatVIII of the day. 

Notes on verse 1b

V “sat” = yashab. This is to sit and so to remain and so to dwell. It is sitting for any reason – as a judge, in order to ambush, or just sitting quietly. Causatively, this can mean settling or marrying. This can also mean continue, endure, or establish.
VI “entrance” = petach. From patach (to open wide in a literal or figurative sense, loosen, plow, carve). This is opening, door, gate, entrance.
VII “tent” = ohel. Perhaps from ahal (to shine, be clear). This is a tent, covering, home, or side pillar.
VIII “heat” = chom. 14x in OT. From chamam (to be warm, heat; to be hot in a literal or figurative sense; to mate). This is hot or warmth.

He looked upIX and sawX, XI threeXII menXIII standingXIV near him.

Notes on verse 2a

IX “looked up” = nasa + ayin. Literally “lifted his eyes.” Nasa is to lift in a broad sense, literally and figuratively. So it could be to carry, take, or arise. It could also be bring forth, advance, accept. Ayin is eye in a literal or figurative sense so eye, appearance, favor, or a fountain (the eye of the landscape).
X “saw” = raah. Same as “appeared” in v2. See note II above.
XI {untranslated} = hinneh. From hen (lo! Behold! If, though; an expression of surprise). This is to draw attention, show suddenness or surprise, or to emphasize the importance of the coming statement. See! Lo! Behold!
XII “three” = shalosh. This is three, fork, three times.
XIII “men” = ish. Perhaps from enosh (human, humankind, mortal); from anash (to be weak, sick, or frail). This is man, husband, another, or humankind.
XIV “standing” = natsab. This is to station, appoint, establish, take a stand.

When he saw them, he ranXV from the tent entrance to meetXVI them, and bowed downXVII to the ground.XVIII 

Notes on verse 2b

XV “ran” = ruts. This is to run or rush, divide quickly, bring swiftly. It can also refer to a footman or guard.
XVI “meet” = qirah. From the same as qara (to happen, meet, bring about). This is any kind of encounter, whether peaceful, hostile, or incidental. It can also mean help or seek.
XVII “bowed down” = shachah. This is to bow down, make a humble entreaty, to do homage to royalty or to God.
XVIII “ground” = erets. Root may mean to be firm. This is earth, ground, field land, or country.

He said, “My lord,XIX ifXX I findXXI favorXXII with you,XXIII

Notes on verse 3a

XIX “lord” = adon. From a root that means ruling or being sovereign. This is lord, master, or owner.
XX {untranslated} = na. This particle is used for requests or for urging. It can be we pray, now, I ask you, oh. This is the same “na” in “hosanna.”
XXI “find” = matsa. This is to find, catch or acquire. It can also mean to come forth or appear. Figuratively, this can mean to meet or be together with.
XXII “favor” = chen. From chanan (beseech, show favor, be gracious; properly, to bend in kindness to someone with less status). This is grace, favor, kindness, beauty, precious.
XXIII “you” = ayin. Literally “in your sight.” Same as “looked up” in v2. See note IX above.

do notXXIV passXXV by your servant.XXVI 

Notes on verse 3b

XXIV {untranslated} = na. Same as {untranslated} in v3. See note XX above.
XXV “pass” = abar. This is to pass over or cross over. It is used for transitions, whether literal or figurative. It can also mean to escape, alienate, or fail. This is the root verb from which “Hebrew” is drawn.
XXVI “servant” = ebed. From abad (to work, serve, compel; any kind of work; used causatively, can mean to enslave or keep in bondage). This is a servant, slave, or bondservant.

LetXXVII a littleXXVIII waterXXIX be brought,XXX

Notes on verse 4a

XXVII {untranslated} = na. Same as {untranslated} in v3. See note XX above.
XXVIII “little” = me’at. From ma’at (being or becoming small, decrease, diminish, pare off). This is a little or few, lightly little while, very small matter.
XXIX “water” = mayim. This is water, waters, or waterway in a general sense. Figuratively, it can also mean juice, urine, or semen.
XXX “brought” = laqach. This is to take, accept, carry away, receive.

and washXXXI your feet,XXXII and restXXXIII yourselves under the tree.XXXIV 

Notes on verse 4b

XXXI “wash” = rachats. This is to wash, wash away – it can be complete or partial.
XXXII “feet” = regel. This is foot, endurance, or journey. It is a foot as the means of walking and so it implies a step or a greater journey. It can be used euphemistically for private parts.
XXXIII “rest” = shaan. This is to lean or support oneself. So, it can mean to rely or trust.
XXXIV “tree” = ets. Perhaps from atsah (to shut, fasten, firm up, to close one’s eyes). This is tree or other things related to trees like wood, sticks, or stalks. It can also refer to wood products like a plank or staff or gallows. Additionally, this can refer to a carpenter.

Let me bring a littleXXXV bread,XXXVI that you may refreshXXXVII yourselves,XXXVIII

Notes on verse 5a

XXXV “little” = path. 15x in OT. From pathath (to crumble, open, break). This is a piece, morsel, or fragment.
XXXVI “bread” = lechem. From lacham (to eat, feed on). This is bread, food, loaf. It can refer to food more generally for people or for animals.
XXXVII “refresh” = saad. 12x in OT. This is to support – usually used in a figurative sense. So it is sustain, hold, refresh, comfort, establish.
XXXVIII “yourselves” = leb. May be related to labab (to encourage; properly, to be encased as with fat; used in a good sense, this means to transport someone with love; used in a bad sense, it can mean to dull one’s senses). This is the heart, courage, one’s inner self, the mind, or the will. Heart is only used in a figurative sense in the Old and New Testaments.

and after that you may pass on—since you have comeXXXIX to your servant.”

So they said, “DoXL as you have said.”XLI 

Notes on verse 5b

XXXIX “come” = abar. Same as “pass” in v3. See note XXV above.
XL “do” = asah. This is to make, do, act, appoint, become in many senses.
XLI “said” = dabar. This is generally to speak, answer, declare, or command. It might mean to arrange and so to speak in a figurative sense as arranging words.

And AbrahamXLII hastenedXLIII into the tent to Sarah,XLIV and said,

Notes on verse 6a

XLII “Abraham” = Abraham. From the same as Abiram (exalted father, a high father – lofty) {from ab (father literal or figurative) + rum (rise, bring up, being high, extol, exalt, haughty; to raise in a literal or figurative sense)}. This is Abraham, father of many nations or father of a multitude.
XLIII “hastened” = mahar. This is being liquid, which implies flowing. So, this word implies hurrying forward, whether in a positive or negative sense.
XLIV “Sarah” = Sarah. From the same as Saray (princess, mistress, noble lady, queen); from sar (chief, ruler, captain, official, prince). This is Sarah, meaning princess.

“Make ready quicklyXLV three measuresXLVI of choiceXLVII flour,XLVIII knead it, and makeXLIX cakes.”L 

Notes on verse 6b

XLV “quickly” = mahar. Same as “hastened” in v6. See note XLIII above.
XLVI “measures” = seah. 9x in OT. This is a seah, used to measure flour or grain – about 7 quarts.
XLVII “choice” = soleth. This is fine flour.
XLVIII “flour” = qemach. 15x in OT. Root perhaps meaning to grind. This is something ground, such as flour, meal, or grain.
XLIX “make” = asah. Same as “do” in v5. See note XL above.
L “cakes” = uggah. 7x in OT. Perhaps from ug (to gyrate, bake; baking a round cake). This is a bread cake that is round, cooked on the hearth.

Abraham ran to the herd,LI and tookLII a calf,LIII tenderLIV and good,LV

Notes on verse 7a

LI “herd” = baqar. From baqar (to plow, break forth; figuratively, to inquire, inspect, consider). This is cattle – an animal used for plowing.
LII “took” = laqach. Same as “brought” in v4. See note XXX above.
LIII “calf” = ben + baqar. Literally “son of a cow.” Ben is from banah (to build or obtain children). This is son, age, child. It is son in a literal or figurative sense. Baqar is the same as “herd” in v7. See note LI above.
LIV “tender” = rak. 16x in OT. From rakak (to be tender, soft, faint, weak; to soften or mollify). This is tender in a literal or figurative sense. It could be delicate, gentle, inexperienced, refined, soft, or weak.
LV “good” = tob. From tob (to be pleasing, to be good). This is good, beautiful, pleasant, agreeable, bountiful, at ease. This word is used for goodness as a concept, a good thing, a good person. This can refer to prosperity and welfare as well as joy, kindness, sweetness, and graciousness. So, this is ethically good, but also enjoyably good.

and gaveLVI it to the servant,LVII who hastened to prepareLVIII it.

Notes on verse 7b

LVI “gave” = natan. This is to give, put, set, offer. It is to give literally or figuratively.
LVII “servant” = naar. May be from na’ar (to shake, toss up and down, tumble around). This is a child or a servant. It is a child in their active years so they could be aged anywhere from infancy to adolescence.
LVIII “prepare” = asah. Same as “do” in v5. See note XL above.

 Then he took curdsLIX and milkLX and the calfLXI that he had prepared,

Notes on verse 8a

LIX “curds” = chemah. 10x in OT. Perhaps from the same as chomah (a wall for protection); from the same as cham (father-in-law – one’s husband’s father; perhaps from a root meaning to join). This is milk products like curds, butter, or cheese.
LX “milk” = chalab. Perhaps from the same as cheleb (fat, finest, marrow; fat in a literal or figurative sense; the richest or best part). This is milk or cheese or suckling.
LXI “calf” = ben + baqar. Literally “son of a cow.” Same as “calf” in v7. See note LIII above.

and setLXII it beforeLXIII them; and he stoodLXIV by them under the tree while they ate.LXV

They said to him, “Where is your wifeLXVI Sarah?”

And he said, “There,LXVII in the tent.” 

Notes on verses 8b-9

LXII “set” = natan. Same as “gave” in v7. See note LVI above.
LXIII “before” = paneh. Literally “before their faces.” From panah (to turn, face, appear). This is face in a literal or figurative sense. It could be face, presence, anger, respect. It can also be used of God to indicate divine favor or presence.
LXIV “stood” = amad. This is to stand up in a literal or figurative sense. So it can be establish, continue, endure, take a stand, act, be a servant, stand still, remain, stand against an enemy.
LXV “ate” = akal. This is to eat, devour, burn up, or otherwise consume. It can be eating in a literal or figurative sense.
LXVI “wife” = ishshah. Related to “men” in v2. Perhaps from ish (see note XIII above). This is woman, wife, or female.
LXVII “there” = hinneh. Same as {untranslated} in v2. See note XI above.

10 Then one said, “I will surely returnLXVIII to you in dueLXIX season,LXX andLXXI your wife Sarah shall have a son.”LXXII And Sarah was listeningLXXIII at the tent entrance behind him. 

Notes on verse 10

LXVIII “surely return” = shub + shub. To turn back, return, turn away – literally or figuratively. Doesn’t necessarily imply going back to where you started from. This is also the root verb for the Hebrew word for repentance “teshubah.” The word is repeated twice – the first time as an Infinitive Absolute. The Infinitive Absolute serves to emphasize the sentiment of the word. It is rather like Foghorn Leghorn’s speech pattern, “I said, I said.”
LXIX “due” = chay. From chayah (to live or keep alive literally or figuratively). This is alive, living, lifetime. It can also be used to describe someone’s age. It can refer to animals, plants, water, or a company or congregation of people. It is life in a very broad sense.
LXX “season” = et. Probably from anah (to answer, sing, announce); from ad (forever, all, old); from adah (to pass on, advance, decorate oneself). This is a period or season. It can also mean whenever or continually.
LXXI {untranslated} = hinneh. Same as {untranslated} in v2. See note XI above.
LXXII “son” = ben. Same as “calf” in v7. See note LIII above.
LXXIII “listening” = shama. This is to hear, call, consent, or consider. It implies listening intelligently, giving attention, and, because of these two factors, obedience and action are often implied.

11 Now Abraham and Sarah were old,LXXIV advancedLXXV in age;LXXVI it had ceasedLXXVII to beLXXVIII with Sarah after the mannerLXXIX of women.LXXX 

Notes on verse 11

LXXIV “old” = zaqen. From the same as zaqan (beard or chin – the beard represents old age). This is old, aged, or elder.
LXXV “advanced” = bo. This is to enter, come in, advance, fulfill, bring offerings, enter to worship, attack. It can also have a sexual connotation.
LXXVI “age” = yom. Literally “days.”
LXXVII “ceased” = chadal. This is properly to be flabby – it implies, to stop, fall, end, rest, leave alone, forsake, or desist. Figuratively this can be lacking or idle.
LXXVIII “be” = hayah. Related to “Lord” in v1. See note I above.
LXXIX “manner” = orach. From arach (to go, travel, wander). This is a road that is widely used, highway, caravan, traveler, troop.
LXXX “women” = ishshah. Same as “wife” in v9. See note LXVI above.

12 So Sarah laughedLXXXI toLXXXII herself, saying, “After I have grown old,LXXXIII and my husbandLXXXIV is old,LXXXV shall I haveLXXXVI pleasure?”LXXXVII 

Notes on verse 12

LXXXI “laughed” = tsachaq. 13x in OT. This is to laugh, mock, play, make sport. It is laughing out loud whether in joy or in a scornful way. This is the root of “Isaac.”
LXXXII “to” = qereb. Perhaps from qarab (to come near or approach). This is among, in the midst, before, the center It is the inward part, whether literal or figurative. It can also be used for the heart, the site of thoughts and feelings. This word is also used as a technical term for the entrails of the animals who are sacrificed.
LXXXIII “grown old” = balah. 17x in OT. This is to grow old, wear out, consume, waste, enjoy, fail, decay.
LXXXIV “husband” = adon. Same as “lord” in v3. See note XIX above.
LXXXV “is old” = zaqen. Related to “old” in v11. From the same as zaqan (see note LXXIV above). This is to be old or grow old.
LXXXVI “have” = hayah. Same as “be” in v11. See note LXXVIII above.
LXXXVII “pleasure” = eden. 5x in OT. From adan (to luxuriate, revel; also, to be pleasant or soft). This is delicate, luxury, or a delight.

13 The Lord said to Abraham, “Why did Sarah laugh, and say, ‘Shall I indeedLXXXVIII bearLXXXIX a child, now that I am old?’ 14 Is anythingXC too wonderfulXCI for the Lord? At the set timeXCII I will return to you, in due season, and Sarah shall have a son.” 

Notes on verses 13-14

LXXXVIII “indeed” = umnam. 5x in OT. From aman (to believe, endure, fulfill, confirm, support, be faithful, put one’s trust in, be steadfast; figuratively, to be firm, steadfast, or faithful, trusting, believing, being permanent, morally solid) OR from omnam (indeed, truly, no doubt); {from aman (see above)} OR from omen (faithfulness, truth); {from aman (see above)}. This is truly, really, or indeed. It shares a root with the word “amen.”
LXXXIX “bear” = yalad. This is to bear or bring forth. It can mean to act as midwife or to show one’s lineage. This is often used for birth or begetting.
XC “anything” = dabar. Related to “said” in v5. From dabar (see note XLI above). This is speech, a word, a matter, an affair, charge, command, message, promise, purpose, report, request. It is a word, which implies things that are spoken of in a wide sense.
XCI “too wonderful” = pala. From pele (wonder, miracle, wonderful, marvelous thing). This is to be extraordinary, to arise, to be great or accomplish.
XCII “set time” = moed. From yaad (to appoint, assemble or gather selves, agree). This is a meeting, assembly, fixed time. It can be used for a festival or feast. It can also refer to a meeting place.

15 But Sarah denied,XCIII saying, “I did not laugh”; for she was afraid.XCIV

He said, “Oh yes, you did laugh.”XCV

16 Then the menXCVI set outXCVII from there, and they lookedXCVIII

Notes on verses 15-16a

XCIII “denied” = kachash. This is deceive, fail, or deny. It can be lying or disappointing. It can also mean becoming lean or cringe.
XCIV “was afraid” = yare. This is to fear, be afraid, dreadful. It can also refer to fearful reverence – to fear in a moral sense is to say to revere, respect.
XCV Literally “no, but you did laugh.”
XCVI “men” = enosh. Related to “men” in v2 & “wife” in v9. See note XIII above.
XCVII “set out” = qum. To arise, stand, accomplish, establish, abide. This is rising as in rising against, getting up after being sick or asleep, arising from one state to another, becoming powerful, or rising for action. It can also be standing in a figurative sense.
XCVIII “looked” = shaqaph. This is to look down or look out. Properly, it is looking by leaning out a window. It can be peeping or gazing.

towardXCIX Sodom;C and Abraham wentCI with them to set them on their way.CII 

Notes on verse 16b

XCIX “toward” = al + paneh. Paneh is the same as “before” in v8. See note LXIII above.
C “Sodom” = Sedom. Perhaps from sadam (to burn) OR from sadad (to plow a field) or shadad (to be violent) or from sadad (to join) or yasad (to assemble) + –m (their). This is Sodom or Sedom. It is a city near the Dead Sea. It may mean “scorch” or “burnt” as a reference to the volcanic area. It could also mean “wet fields, “demons,” “divisions,” “breasts, “or “their assembly.” See https://www.abarim-publications.com/Meaning/Sodom.html
CI “went” = halak. This is go, come, walk. It is walk literally and figuratively and includes people and animals. It can be used figuratively for one’s moral life – how we walk according to God’s way or against it. It can also refer to the walk of life as in the course one’s life takes, the choices we make, etc.
CII “set…on their way” = shalach. This is to send out, away, send for, forsake. It can also mean to divorce or set a slave free.

17 The Lord said, “Shall I hideCIII from Abraham what I am about to do, 18 seeing that Abraham shall becomeCIV a greatCV and mightyCVI nation,CVII and all the nations of the earthCVIII shall be blessedCIX in him? 

Notes on verses 17-18

CIII “hide” = kasah. This is to cover, conceal, overwhelm. It is to cover as clothes do or to hide a secret.
CIV “become” = hayah + hayah. Same as “be” in v11. See note LXXVIII above. The word is repeated twice – the first time as an Infinitive Absolute. The Infinitive Absolute serves to emphasize the sentiment of the word. It is rather like Foghorn Leghorn’s speech pattern, “I said, I said.”
CV “great” = gadol. From gadal (to grow up, become great, become wealthy – to advance. The root meaning may be to twist in the sense of the process of growing). This is great, high, bigger, noble, old, marvelous. It can also refer to someone who is powerful or distinguished.
CVI “mighty” = atsum. From atsom (to be many or mighty; could also refer to breaking bones). This is mighty or mighty one. It means powerful, which implies large numbers.
CVII “nation” = goy. From the same root as gevah (the back, person, or body); related to gev (among); related to gaah (to rise up). This is nation or people. Often used to refer to Gentiles or foreign nations. It can also be used figuratively for a group of animals. This is where the Yiddish “goy” comes from.
CVIII “earth” = erets. Same as “ground” in v2. See note XVIII above.
CIX “be blessed” = barak. This is to kneel, to bless. It is blessing God as part of worship and adoration or blessing humans to help them. It can be used as a euphemism to say curse God.

19 No, for I have chosenCX him, that he may chargeCXI his childrenCXII and his householdCXIII after him

Notes on verse 19a

CX “chosen” = yada. This is to know, acknowledge, advise, answer, be aware, be acquainted with. Properly, this is to figure something out by seeing. It includes ideas of observation, recognition, and care about something. It can be used causatively for instruction, designation, and punishment.
CXI “charge” = tsavah. This is to charge, command, order, appoint, or enjoin. This is the root that the Hebrew word for “commandment” comes from (mitsvah).
CXII “children” = ben. Same as “calf” in v7. See note LIII above.
CXIII “household” = bayit. Related to “calf” in v7. Probably from banah (see note LIII above). This is house, court, family, palace, temple.

to keepCXIV the wayCXV of the Lord by doing righteousnessCXVI and justice;CXVII so that the Lord may bringCXVIII about for Abraham what he has promisedCXIX him.” 

Notes on verse 19b

CXIV “keep” = shamar. This is to keep, watch, or preserve. It means to guard something or to protect it as a thorny hedge protects something.
CXV “way” = derek. From darak (to tread, march, to walk. Can also mean affixing a string to a box since one needs to step on it to bend it in the process; so also an archer). This is a road as a thing that is walked on. Can be used figuratively for the path that one’s life takes or how one chooses to live one’s life.
CXVI “righteousness” = tsedaqah. From the same as tsedeq (rightness, righteousness, vindication. It is everything that is just or ethical. That which is right in a natural, moral, or legal sense. It also includes just weights (i.e. true weights). Figuratively, this is justice, righteousness, equity – even prosperity). This is righteousness, justice, righteous acts, and moral virtue.
CXVII “justice” = mishpat. From shaphat (to judge, defend, pronounce judgment, condemn, govern). This is a verdict or formal sentence whether from humans or from God. It includes the act of judging as well as the place that judging takes place, the suit itself, and the penalty. Abstractly, this is justice, which includes the rights of the participants.
CXVIII “bring” = bo. Same as “advanced” in v11. See note LXXV above.
CXIX “promised” = dabar. Same as “said” in v5. See note XLI above.

20 Then the Lord said, “How greatCXX is the outcryCXXI against Sodom and GomorrahCXXII and how very graveCXXIII their sin!CXXIV 

Notes on verse 20

CXX “great” = rab. From rabab (increasing in any aspect whether quantity, authority, size, quality, greatness, etc.). This is abundance, many, elder, exceedingly, great. It refers to abundance of amount, rank, or status.
CXXI “outcry” = zeaqah. 19x in OT. From zaaq (to cry or call out; a call to assemble or gather together; a herald who announces a public gathering; a shriek from pain or danger). This is a cry, shriek. It is crying out as lament or distress.
CXXII “Gomorrah” = Amorah. 19x in OT. From amar (to bind sheaves, heap; discipline as piling on blows) OR from am (people) + yarah (describes many small iterations combining to a bigger effect like many raindrops, lots of arrows, etc.). This is the city Gomorrah in the Jordan Valley. It may mean “people of fear,” “submersion,” “tyrannical dealings,” “people who shoot arrows,” “throes,” or “sheave.” Seehttps://www.abarim-publications.com/Meaning/Gomorrah.html
CXXIII “grave” = kabad. To be heavy, weighty, or severe. It can also be positive abounding in, rich, or honorable. The Hebrew word for “glory,” kabod, is taken from this root.
CXXIV “sin” = chatta’ah. From chata’ (to miss or go wrong and so to sin, bear the blame; it can also include the sense of forfeiting or lacking). This is sin itself as well as punishment for sin. It is sometimes used specifically to refer to sin that is habitual.

21 I must go downCXXV andCXXVI see whether they have done altogetherCXXVII according to the outcryCXXVIII that has comeCXXIX to me; and if not, I will know.”CXXX

Notes on verse 21

CXXV “go down” = yarad. This is to go down, descend; going down in a literal or figurative sense. It can be going to the shore or a boundary, bringing down an enemy.
CXXVI {untranslated} = na. Same as {untranslated} in v3. See note XX above.
CXXVII “altogether” = kalah. From kalah (to end, be finished, complete, prepare, consume, spent, or completely destroyed). This is completion, destruction, end, consummation.
CXXVIII “outcry” = tseaqah. From tsaaq (to cry out or call together, to shriek; by implication, calling for an assembly). This is a cry for help, shriek or outcry.
CXXIX “come” = bo. Same as “advanced” in v11. See note LXXV above.
CXXX “know” = yada. Same as “chosen” in v19. See note CX above.

22 So the men turnedCXXXI from there, and went toward Sodom, while Abraham remained standing beforeCXXXII the Lord. 23 Then Abraham came nearCXXXIII and said, “Will you indeed sweep awayCXXXIV the righteousCXXXV with the wicked?CXXXVI 

Notes on verses 22-23

CXXXXI “turned” = panah. Related to “before” in v8. See note LXIII above.
CXXXII “before” = paneh. Same as “before” in v8. See note LXIII above.
CXXXIII “came near” = nagash. This is to draw, bring, or come near. It is approaching for any reason – as an attack on an enemy, in order to worship, to make an argument. It can also be used as a euphemism for sex.
CXXXIV “sweep away” = saphah. This is to capture, sweep away, scrape, remove, heap up, scatter, ruin, or perish.
CXXXV “righteous” = tsaddiq. Related to “righteousness” in v19. From the same as tsedeq (see note CXVI above). This is just, innocent, righteous, righteous one, or lawful.
CXXXVI “wicked” = rasha. This is morally wrong so it refers to someone who is actively bad as wicked, criminal, an evil person, offender, condemned, or ungodly.

24 Suppose there are fiftyCXXXVII righteous withinCXXXVIII the city;CXXXIX will you then sweep away the placeCXL and not forgiveCXLI it for the fifty righteous who are in it? 

Notes on verse 24

CXXXVII “fifty” = chamishshim. From chamesh (five, fifth). This is fifty.
CXXXVIII “within” = tavek. This is among, middle, in the midst, the center. Perhaps, properly, to sever.
CXXXIX “city” = iyr. From uwr (to awaken or wake oneself up). This can mean excitement in the sense of wakefulness or city. Properly, this is a place that is guarded. Guards kept schedules according to watches. This sense of the word would include cities as well as encampments or posts that were guarded.
CXL “place” = maqom. Related to “set out” in v16. From qum (see note XCVII above). This is a standing, which is to say a spot or space a place. It can also refer to a locality or a physical/mental condition. HaMaqom is also a Jewish name for God – the place, i.e. the Omnipresent One.
CXLI “forgive” = nasa. Same as “looked up” in v2. See note IX above.

25 Far be itCXLII from you to do such a thing,CXLIII to slayCXLIV the righteous with the wicked, so that the righteous fareCXLV as the wicked! Far be that from you! Shall not the JudgeCXLVI of all the earth do what is just?”CXLVII 

26 And the Lord said, “If I find at Sodom fifty righteous in the city, I will forgive the whole place for their sake.”CXLVIII 

Notes on verses 25-26

CXLII “far be it” = chalilah. From chalal (to defile, pollute). This is literally something that is profaned. It is used to mean “God forbid” or “far be it.”
CXLIII “thing” = dabar. Same as “anything” in v14. See note XC above.
CXLIV “slay” = mut. This is to die in a literal or figurative sense. It can also refer to being a dead body.
CXLV “fare” = hayah. Same as “be” in v11. See note LXXVIII above.
CXLVI “shall…the judge” = shaphat. Related to “justice” in v19. See note CXVII above.
CXLVII “what is just” = mishpat. Same as “justice” in v19. See note CXVII above.
CXLVIII “sake” = abur. Related to “pass” in v3. From abar (see note XXV above). This is for, so that, on account of. Properly, it means crossed.

27 Abraham answered,CXLIXCLLet me take it upon myselfCLI to speakCLII to the Lord,CLIII I who am but dustCLIV and ashes.CLV 

Notes on verse 27

CXLIX “answered” = anah. Related to “season” in v10. See note LXX above.
CL {untranslated} = hinneh + na. Hinneh is the same as {untranslated} in v2. See note XI above. Na is the same as {untranslated} in v3. See note XX above.
CLI “take it upon myself” = yaal. 19x in OT. This to be pleased or willing, determined, to take on something, to try, to do willingly, to begin. It can have the idea of assent or consent as well as continuing or persisting.
CLII “speak” = dabar. Same as “said” in v5. See note XLI above.
CLIII “Lord” = Adonai. Related to “lord” in v3. From adon (see note XIX above). This is the actual Hebrew word for Lord used (as previously) of humans and (in the present form) of God. It means someone who is in control.
CLIV “dust” = aphar. May be related to aphar (to throw dust, be dust). This is dust as powdered, perhaps gray colored. It could be ashes, powder, ground, dry earth, clay mud, or rubbish.
CLV “ashes” = epher. Root may mean to strew. This is ashes or dust.

28 Suppose fiveCLVI of the fifty righteous are lacking?CLVII Will you destroyCLVIII the whole city for lack of five?”

And he said, “I will not destroy it if I find fortyCLIX-five there.” 

29 AgainCLX he spoke to him, “Suppose forty are found there.”

He answered, “For the sake of forty I will not do it.” 

Notes on verses 28-29

CLVI “five” = chamesh. Related to “fifty” in v24. See note CXXXVII above.
CLVII “are lacking” = chaser. This is to lack, abate, have need of, bereave, fail.
CLVIII “destroy” = shachat. This is to go to ruin, perish, decay, batter, cast off, lose, one who destroys. This can be used in a literal or figurative sense.
CLIX “forty” = arbaim. From the same as arba (four); from raba (to make square or be four-sided); perhaps from raba (to lie down flat; can be to lie for mating). This is forty.
CLX “again” = yasaph. This is to add, increase, continue, exceed.

30 Then he said, “Oh do notCLXI let the LordCLXII be angryCLXIII if I speak. Suppose thirtyCLXIV are found there.”

He answered, “I will not do it, if I find thirty there.” 

31 He said, “CLXVLet me take it upon myself to speak to the Lord.CLXVI Suppose twentyCLXVII are found there.”

He answered, “For the sake of twenty I will not destroy it.” 

Notes on verses 30-31

CLXI {untranslated} = na. Same as {untranslated} in v3. See note XX above.
CLXII “Lord” = Adonai. Same as “Lord” in v27. See note CLIII above.
CLXIII “be angry” = charah. Perhaps related to charar (to be hot, burn, glow, melt, be scorched; figuratively, to incite passion, be angry). This is to be displeased, burn with anger, glow, become warn. Figuratively it is a blaze of anger, zeal, or jealousy.
CLXIV “thirty” = sheloshim. Related to “three” in v2. From shalosh (see note XII above). This is thirty or thirtieth.
CLXV {untranslated} = hinneh + na. Hinneh is the same as {untranslated} in v2. See note XI above. Na is the same as {untranslated} in v3. See note XX above.
CLXVI “Lord” = Adonai. Same as “Lord” in v27. See note CLIII above.
CLXVII “twenty” = esrim. From the same as eser (ten, tenth). This is twenty or twentieth.

32 Then he said, “OhCLXVIII do not let the LordCLXIX be angry if I speak just once more.CLXX Suppose tenCLXXI are found there.”

He answered, “For the sake of ten I will not destroy it.” 33 And the Lord went his way, when he had finishedCLXXII speaking to Abraham; and Abraham returned to his place.

Notes on verses 32-33

CLXVIII “oh” = na. Same as {untranslated} in v3. See note XX above.
CLXIX “Lord” = Adonai. Same as “Lord” in v27. See note CLIII above.
CLXX “once more” = paam. From paam (to move, trouble; to tap in a regular rhythm; to agitate). This is a beat, stroke, footstep, or occurrence.
CLXXI “ten” = eser. Related to “twenty” in v31. See note CLXVII above.
CLXXII “finished” = kalah. Related to “altogether” in v21. See note CXXVII above.


Image credit: “Abraham, Father of Faith” by YoMinistry

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