Genesis 18:28

28 What if the fifty fall short by five - would you destroy the city because of those missing five?" He said, "I won't destroy it if there are 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 God said, "If I find fifty decent people in the city of Sodom, I'll spare the place just for them."

27 Abraham came back, "Do I, a mere mortal made from a handful of dirt, dare open my mouth again to my Master?

28 What if the fifty fall short by five - would you destroy the city because of those missing five?" He said, "I won't destroy it if there are forty-five."

29 Abraham spoke up again, "What if you only find forty?" "Neither will I destroy it if for forty."

30 He said, "Master, don't be irritated with me, but what if only thirty are found?" "No, I won't do it if I find thirty."