Genesis 18:21

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Genesis

Genesis 18

21 that I will go down and see if what they have done is as bad as the outcry that has reached me. If not, I will know.”

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Genesis 18:21 in Other Translations

KJV

21 I will go down now, and see whether they have done altogether according to the cry of it, which is come unto me; and if not, I will know.

ESV

21 I will go down to see whether they have done altogether according to the outcry that has come to me. And if not, I will know."

NLT

21 I am going down to see if their actions are as wicked as I have heard. If not, I want to know.”

MSG

21 I'm going down to see for myself, see if what they're doing is as bad as it sounds. Then I'll know."

CSB

21 I will go down to see if what they have done justifies the cry that has come up to Me. If not, I will find out."

Genesis 18:21 Meaning and Commentary

Genesis 18:21

I will go down now
The Son of God in an human form now with Abraham, who proposes to go from the place where he was, which perhaps was on higher ground, to the plain in which Sodom and Gomorrah stood; and whither it seems certain he did go down, after he had done talking with Abraham, see ( Genesis 19:24 ) : and see whether they have done altogether;
committed all the sins, and in such manner, and with such circumstances as reported; or, "have made a full end" ^F3, have tilled up the measure of their iniquities, and so are ripe for ruin: according to the cry of it which is come unto me;
this is spoken after the manner of men; for otherwise God saw all their wickedness, and knew full well the nature and circumstances of it, and how general it was; but this method he proposes to take, to show the justice of his proceedings, and to instruct judges, and set an example to them, not to condemn any without thoroughly examining their cause: and if not, I will know:
the reason of this cry, and what is proper to be done. The note of Aben Ezra is,

``if they have so done (according to the cry) I will make a consumption among them (so he takes the sense of the word ^F4 we render "altogether"); but if not, "I will know", I will have mercy on them.''

FOOTNOTES:

F3 (hlk wve) "fecerint consummationem", Pagninus, Montanus, Munster, Vatablus, Drusius, Cocceius.
F4 "Fecerint consumptionem", Piscator, Schmidt; so the Targums of Jonathan and Jerusalem.

Taken from John Gill's Exposition of the Bible

Genesis 18:21 In-Context

19 For I have chosen him, so that he will direct his children and his household after him to keep the way of the LORD by doing what is right and just, so that the LORD will bring about for Abraham what he has promised him.”

20 Then the LORD said, “The outcry against Sodom and Gomorrah is so great and their sin so grievous

21 that I will go down and see if what they have done is as bad as the outcry that has reached me. If not, I will know.”

22 The men turned away and went toward Sodom, but Abraham remained standing before the LORD.

23 Then Abraham approached him and said: “Will you sweep away the righteous with the wicked?