Genesis 18:5

5 I will bring a bit of bread so that you may strengthen yourselves.^[a] This is why you have passed your servant's [way]. Later, you can continue on." "Yes," they replied, "do as you have said."

Genesis 18:5 Meaning and Commentary

Genesis 18:5

And I will fetch a morsel of bread
A piece or a loaf of bread, as De Dieu shows the word signifies; bread being put for all the necessaries of life:

and comfort ye your hearts;
eat to refresh your spirits and renew your strength, that ye may be able to pursue your journey: and

after that ye shall pass on
your way; I will retard you no longer:

for therefore are ye come to your servant;
not that he thought they came this way on purpose to take some refreshment with him, but so it was ordered by the providence of God; and since it was, he desires that they would accept of his invitation:

and they said, so do as thou hast said;
they agreed to it, that water should be fetched to wash their feet, and food for them to eat.

Genesis 18:5 In-Context

3 Then he said, "My lord, if I have found favor in your sight, please do not go on past your servant.

4 Let a little water be brought, that you may wash your feet and rest yourselves under the tree.

5 I will bring a bit of bread so that you may strengthen yourselves. This is why you have passed your servant's [way]. Later, you can continue on." "Yes," they replied, "do as you have said."

6 So Abraham hurried into the tent and said to Sarah, "Quick! Knead three measures of fine flour and make bread."

7 Meanwhile, Abraham ran to the herd and got a tender, choice calf. He gave it to a young man, who hurried to prepare it.

Footnotes

• [a] Lit may sustain your heart