Genesis 18:26

26 ADONAI said, "If I find in S'dom fifty who are righteous, then I will forgive the whole place for their sake."

Genesis 18:26 Meaning and Commentary

Genesis 18:26

If I find in Sodom fifty righteous within the city
Sodom is particularly mentioned because Lot dwelt there, and being the metropolis, and the city of greatest note, as Jarchi observes, it is put for the rest; and the sense is, if fifty righteous persons could be found in all the five cities, mercy should be shown them: then will I spare all the place for their sakes;
not Sodom only, but the whole country, of which Sodom was the chief; the Lord takes up and agrees to the number Abraham pitched upon, and grants the request he makes.

Genesis 18:26 In-Context

24 Maybe there are fifty righteous people in the city; will you actually sweep the place away, and not forgive it for the sake of the fifty righteous who are there?

25 Far be it from you to do such a thing - to kill the righteous along with the wicked, so that the righteous and the wicked are treated alike! Far be it from you! Shouldn't the judge of all the earth do what is just?"

26 ADONAI said, "If I find in S'dom fifty who are righteous, then I will forgive the whole place for their sake."

27 Avraham answered, "Here now, I, who am but dust and ashes, have taken it upon myself to speak to Adonai.

28 What if there are five less than fifty righteous?"He said, "I won't destroy it if I find forty-five there."