Genesis 18:28

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

Genesis 18:28 Meaning and Commentary

Genesis 18:28

Peradventure there should lack five of the fifty righteous,
&c.] Or there should be but forty five; for Abraham perceived, by the Lord's answer, that there were not fifty righteous persons in the place: wilt thou destroy all the city for [lack of] five?
Abraham proceeds gradually in his requests, and does not ask too much at once, lest he should not succeed: and he said, if l find there forty and five, I will not destroy [it];
that is, forty five righteous persons.

Genesis 18:28 In-Context

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."

29 He spoke to him yet again: "What if forty are found there?" He said, "For the sake of the forty I won't do it."

30 He said, "I hope Adonai won't be angry if I speak. What if thirty are found there?" He said, "I won't do it if I find thirty there."