Genesis 18:29

29 Abraham asked him again, "What if 40 are found there?" He answered, "For the sake of the 40 I will not do it."

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 asked, "Consider now, if I may be so bold as to ask you, although I'm [only] dust and ashes,

28 what if there are 45 innocent people? Will you destroy the whole city because of 5 fewer people?" The LORD answered, "I will not destroy it if I find 45 there."

29 Abraham asked him again, "What if 40 are found there?" He answered, "For the sake of the 40 I will not do it."

30 "Please don't be angry if I speak again," Abraham said. "What if 30 are found there?" He answered, "If I find 30 there, I will not do it."

31 "Look now, if I may be so bold as to ask you," Abraham said. "What if 20 are found there?" He answered, "I will not destroy it for the sake of the 20."