Genesis 18:29

29 Abraham spoke again: "Perhaps there will be only forty." He replied, "I will not destroy it if there are forty."

Genesis 18:29 Meaning and Commentary

Genesis 18:29

And he spake [unto him] yet again, and said
Being encouraged by such a gracious answer: Peradventure there shall be forty found there;
forty righteous persons; and, from preceding passages, it must be supplied,

``wilt thou destroy and not spare the place for their sakes?''

and he said, I will not do [it] for forty's sake;
but spare them for their sake.

Genesis 18:29 In-Context

27 Abraham spoke again: "Please forgive my boldness in continuing to speak to you, Lord. I am only a man and have no right to say anything.

28 But perhaps there will be only forty-five innocent people instead of fifty. Will you destroy the whole city because there are five too few?" The Lord answered, "I will not destroy the city if I find forty-five innocent people."

29 Abraham spoke again: "Perhaps there will be only forty." He replied, "I will not destroy it if there are forty."

30 Abraham said, "Please don't be angry, Lord, but I must speak again. What if there are only thirty?" He said, "I will not do it if I find thirty."

31 Abraham said, "Please forgive my boldness in continuing to speak to you, Lord. Suppose that only twenty are found?" He said, "I will not destroy the city if I find twenty."