Genesis 18:26

26 So the LORD replied, “If I find fifty righteous ones within the city of Sodom, on their account I will spare the whole place.”

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 What if there are fifty righteous ones in the city? Will You really sweep it away and not spare the place for the sake of the fifty righteous ones who are there?

25 Far be it from You to do such a thing—to kill the righteous with the wicked, so that the righteous and the wicked are treated alike. Far be it from You! Will not the Judge of all the earth do what is right?”

26 So the LORD replied, “If I find fifty righteous ones within the city of Sodom, on their account I will spare the whole place.”

27 Then Abraham answered, “Now that I have ventured to speak to the Lord—though I am but dust and ashes—

28 suppose the fifty righteous ones lack five. Will You destroy the whole city for the lack of five?” He replied, “If I find forty-five there, I will not destroy it.”