Genesis 18:28

28 But if the fifty righteous should be diminished to forty-five, wilt thou destroy the whole city because of the five ? And he said, I will not destroy it, if I should find there forty-five.

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 there should be in Sodom fifty righteous in the city, I will spare the whole city, and the whole place for their sakes.

27 And Abraam answered and said, Now I have begun to speak to my Lord, and I am earth and ashes.

28 But if the fifty righteous should be diminished to forty-five, wilt thou destroy the whole city because of the five ? And he said, I will not destroy it, if I should find there forty-five.

29 And he continued to speak to him still, and said, But if there should be found there forty? And he said, I will not destroy it for the forty's sake.

30 And he said, Will there be anything , Lord, if I shall speak? but if there be found there thirty? And he said, I will not destroy it for the thirty's sake.