Genesis 18:20-21

Listen to Genesis 18:20-21
20 Then the Lord said, “Because 1the outcry against Sodom and Gomorrah is great and their sin is very grave,
21 2I will go down to see whether they have done altogether[a] according to the outcry that has come to me. And if not, 3I will know. ”

Genesis 18:20-21 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO GENESIS 18

Another appearance of God to Abraham is here recorded; three persons are seen by him in an human form, whom he kindly invites to stop with him, and generously entertains them, Ge 18:1-8; they inquire concerning Sarah his wife, and one of them renews the promise of her bearing a son to him, which occasions laughter in her, for which she is reproved, Ge 18:9-15; upon their departure the Lord thought fit, for reasons given, to make known to Abraham his intention to destroy Sodom and Gomorrah, Ge 18:16-22; when Abraham intercedes for the preservation of those cities in a most importunate and affectionate manner, Ge 18:23-33.

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Cross References 3

  • 1. 18:20 ch. 4:10; 19:13; [Isa. 3:9; Ezek. 16:49, 50; James 5:4]
  • 2. 18:21 ch. 11:5, 7; Ex. 3:8
  • 3. 18:21 Josh. 22:22

Footnotes 1

  • [a] 18:21 Or 'they deserve destruction'; Hebrew 'they have made a complete end'
The Holy Bible, English Standard Version® (ESV®) © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. All rights reserved. ESV Text Edition: 2025