Genesis 18:29

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

31 He pushed on, "I know I'm trying your patience, Master, but how about for twenty?" "I won't destroy it for twenty."