Genesis 18:20-32

Genesis 18:20-32
Ordinary C35

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20 Then the LordA said, “How greatB is the outcryC against SodomD

Notes on verse 20a

A “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.
B “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.
C “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.
D “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

and GomorrahE and how veryF graveG their sin!H 

Notes on verse 20b

E “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.” See https://www.abarim-publications.com/Meaning/Gomorrah.html
F “very” = meod. Perhaps from the same as uwd (firebrand, a poker). This is very, greatly, exceedingly. It can also mean vehemence, force, abundance.
G “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.
H “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 downI, J and seeK whether they have doneL

Notes on verse 21a

I “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.
J {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.”
K “see” = raah. This is to see in a literal or figurative sense so stare, advise, think, view.
L “done” = asah. This is to make, do, act, appoint, become in many senses.

altogetherM according to the outcryN that has comeO to me, and if not, I will know.”P

Notes on verse 21b

M “altogether” = kalah. From kalah (to end, be finished, complete, prepare, consume, spent, or completely destroyed). This is completion, destruction, end, consummation.
N “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.
O “come” = bo. This is to enter, come in, advance, fulfill, bring offerings, enter to worship, attack. It can also have a sexual connotation.
P “know” = 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.

22 So the menQ turnedR from there and wentS toward Sodom,

Notes on verse 22a

Q “men” = ish. Perhaps from enosh (human, humankind, mortal); from anash (to be weak, sick, or frail). This is man, husband, another, or humankind.
R “turned” = panah. This is to turn, regard, appear, look, prepare.
S “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.

while AbrahamT remained standingU beforeV the Lord. 

Notes on verse 22b

T “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.
U “standing” = 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.
V “before” = paneh. Related to “turned” in v22. From panah (see note R above). 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.

23 Then Abraham came nearW and said, “Will you indeedX sweep awayY the righteousZ with the wicked?AA 

Notes on verse 23

W “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.
X “indeed” = aph. This is also, furthermore, even.
Y “sweep away” = saphah. This is to capture, sweep away, scrape, remove, heap up, scatter, ruin, or perish.
Z “righteous” = tsaddiq. From the same as tsedeq (rightness, righteousness, just cause, vindication; that which is right in a natural, moral, or legal sense; abstractly equity; figuratively prosperity). This is just, innocent, righteous, righteous one, or lawful.
AA “wicked” = rasha. This is to be wicked, guilty, make trouble, do wrong. It can also be condemn, guilty, inflict punishment. This verb implies disturbing or violating.

24 Suppose there are fiftyBB righteous withinCC the city;DD

Notes on verse 24a

BB “fifty” = chamishshim. From chamesh (five, fifth). This is fifty.
CC “within” = tavek. This is among, middle, in the midst, the center. Perhaps, properly, to sever.
DD “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.

will you thenEE sweep away the placeFF and not forgiveGG it for the fifty righteous who are inHH it? 

Notes on verse 24b

EE “then” = aph. Same as “indeed” in v23. See note X above.
FF “place” = maqom. From qum(to arise, stand, accomplish, establish, abide; rising against, getting up after being sick or asleep, arising from one state to another, becoming powerful, or rising for action; standing in a figurative sense). 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.
GG “forgive” = nasa. This 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.
HH “in” = 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.

25 Far be itII from you to do such a thing,JJ to slayKK the righteous with the wicked, so that the righteous fareLL as the wicked!

Notes on verse 25a

II “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.”
JJ “thing” = dabar. From dabar (to speak, declare, discuss). 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.
KK “slay” = mut. This is to die in a literal or figurative sense. It can also refer to being a dead body.
LL “fare” = hayah. Related to “Lord” in v20. See note A above.

Far be that from you! Shall not the JudgeMM of allNN the earthOO do what is just?”PP 

Notes on verse 25b

MM “shall…the Judge” = shaphat. This is to judge, defend, pronounce judgment, condemn, or govern. It can refer to God judging or to human judges. This is pronouncing a verdict in favor or against so it implies consequences or punishment. It can also mean to litigate or govern as one with authority.
NN “all” = kol. From kalal (to complete). This is all or every.
OO “earth” = erets. Root may mean to be firm. This is earth, ground, field land, or country.
PP “what is just” = mishpat. Related to “shall…the Judge” in v25. From shaphat (see note MM above). 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.

26 And the Lord said, “If I findQQ at Sodom fifty righteous inRR the city, I will forgive the wholeSS place for their sake.”TT 

Notes on verse 26

QQ “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.
RR “in” = tavek. Same as “within” in v24. See note CC above.
SS “whole” = kol. Same as “all” in v25. See note NN above.
TT “sake” = abur. From abar (to pass over, pass through, or pass by; cross over or to alienate; used for transitions). This is for, so that, on account of. Properly, it means crossed.

27 Abraham answered,UUVVLet me take it upon myselfWW

Notes on verse 27a

UU “answered” = anah. This is answer, respond, announce, sing, shout, or testify. It means to pay attention, which implies responding and, by extension, starting to talk. Used in a specific sense for singing, shouting, testifying, etc.
VV {untranslated} = hinneh + na. Hinneh is 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! Na is the same as {untranslated} in v21. See note J above.
WW “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.

to speakXX to my lord,YY I who am but dustZZ and ashes.AAA 

Notes on verse 27b

XX “speak” = dabar. Related to “thing” in v25. See note JJ above.
YY “lord” = adonai. From adon (lord, master, owner); root means to rule or be sovereign. This is the actual Hebrew word for Lord used (in a different form) of humans and (in the present form) of God. It means someone who is in control.
ZZ “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.
AAA “ashes” = epher. Root may mean to strew. This is ashes or dust.

28 Suppose fiveBBB of the fifty righteous are lacking?CCC Will you destroyDDD the whole city for lack of five?”

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

29 AgainFFF 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

BBB “five” = chamesh. Related to “fifty” in v24. See note BB above.
CCC “are lacking” = chaser. 19x in OT. This is to lack, need, become empty, to fail.
DDD “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.
EEE “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.
FFF “again” = yasaph. This is to add, increase, continue, exceed.

30 Then he said, “Oh, do notGGG let my lordHHH be angryIII if I speak. Suppose thirtyJJJ are found there.”

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

Notes on verse 30

GGG {untranslated} = na. Same as {untranslated} in v21. See note J above.
HHH “lord” = adonai. Same as “lord” in v27. See note YY above.
III “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.
JJJ “thirty” = sheloshim. From the same as shalosh (three, triad, fork). This is thirty or thirtieth.

31 He said, “KKKLet me take it upon myself to speak to my lord.LLL Suppose twentyMMM are found there.”

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

32 Then he said, “Oh,NNN do not let my lordOOO be angry if I speak just once more.PPP Suppose tenQQQ are found there.”

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

Notes on verses 31-32

KKK {untranslated} = hinneh + na. Same as {untranslated} in v27 & v21. See notes VV & J above.
LLL “lord” = adonai. Same as “lord” in v27. See note YY above.
MMM “twenty” = esrim. From the same as eser (ten). This is twenty or twentieth.
NNN “oh” = na. Same as {untranslated} in v21. See note J above.
OOO “lord” = adonai. Same as “lord” in v27. See note YY above.
PPP “once more” = paam. From paam (to move, trouble; to tap in a regular rhythm; to agitate). This is a beat, stroke, footstep, or occurrence.
QQQ “ten” = eser. Related to “twenty” in v31. See note MMM above.


Image credit: “God Promises Abram” by John Paul Stanley of YoMinistry.

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