Genesis 18:1-8

Abraham's Three Visitors

1 Then the Lord appeared to Abraham at the oaks of Mamre^[a] while he was sitting in the entrance of his tent during the heat of the day.

2 He looked up, and he saw three men standing near him. When he saw them, he ran from the entrance of the tent to meet them and bowed to the ground.

3 Then he said, "My lord,^[b] if I have found favor in your sight, please do not go on past your servant.

4 Let a little water be brought, that you may wash your feet and rest yourselves under the tree.

5 I will bring a bit of bread so that you may strengthen yourselves.^[c] This is why you have passed your servant's [way]. Later, you can continue on." "Yes," they replied, "do as you have said."

6 So Abraham hurried into the tent and said to Sarah, "Quick! Knead three measures^[d] of fine flour and make bread."^[e]

7 Meanwhile, Abraham ran to the herd and got a tender, choice calf. He gave it to a young man, who hurried to prepare it.

8 Then Abraham took curds^[f] and milk, and the calf that he had prepared, and set [them] before the men. He served^[g] them as they ate under the tree.

Genesis 18:1-8 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO GENESIS 18

Another appearance of God to Abraham is here recorded; three persons are seen by him in an human form, whom he kindly invites to stop with him, and generously entertains them, Ge 18:1-8; they inquire concerning Sarah his wife, and one of them renews the promise of her bearing a son to him, which occasions laughter in her, for which she is reproved, Ge 18:9-15; upon their departure the Lord thought fit, for reasons given, to make known to Abraham his intention to destroy Sodom and Gomorrah, Ge 18:16-22; when Abraham intercedes for the preservation of those cities in a most importunate and affectionate manner, Ge 18:23-33.

Footnotes

• [a]. Gn 13:18; 14:13; 23:17-19
• [b]. Or My Lord, or The Lord
• [c]. Lit may sustain your heart
• [d]. Lit three seahs; about 21 quarts
• [e]. A round, thin, unleavened bread
• [f]. Or butter
• [g]. Lit was standing by