Genesis 18:28

28 Suppose five of the fifty righteous are lacking. Will you destroy the whole city for lack of five? ” And he said, “I will not 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 And the Lord said, “If I find at Sodom fifty righteous in the city, I will spare the whole place for their sake. ”

27 Abraham answered and said, “Behold, I have undertaken to speak to the Lord, I who am but dust and ashes.

28 Suppose five of the fifty righteous are lacking. Will you destroy the whole city for lack of five? ” And he said, “I will not destroy it if I find forty-five there. ”

29 Again he spoke to him and said, “Suppose forty are found there. ” He answered, “For the sake of forty I will not do it. ”

30 Then he said, “Oh let not the Lord be angry, and I will speak. Suppose thirty are found there. ” He answered, “I will not do it, if I find thirty there. ”