Genesis 18:8-18

8 And he took butter and milk, and the calf which he had dressed; and he set them before them, and they did eat, and he stood by them under the tree.

9 And he said to him, Where is Sarrha thy wife? And he answered and said, Behold! in the tent.

10 And he said, I will return and come to thee according to this period seasonably, and Sarrha thy wife shall have a son; and Sarrha heard at the door of the tent, being behind him.

11 And Abraam and Sarrha were old, advanced in days, and the custom of women ceased with Sarrha.

12 And Sarrha laughed in herself, saying, The thing has not as yet happened to me, even until now, and my lord is old.

13 And the Lord said to Abraam, Why is it that Sarrha has laughed in herself, saying, Shall I then indeed bear? but I am grown old.

14 Shall anything be impossible with the Lord? At this time I will return to thee seasonably, and Sarrha shall have a son.

15 But Sarrha denied, saying, I did not laugh, for she was afraid. And he said to her, Nay, but thou didst laugh.

16 And the men having risen up from thence looked towards Sodom and Gomorrha. And Abraam went with them, attending them on their journey.

17 And the Lord said, Shall I hide from Abraam my servant what things I intend to do?

18 But Abraam shall become a great and populous nation, and in him shall all the nations of the earth be blest.

Genesis 18:8-18 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]. Gr. The difference turns on the word Heb. pleasure. Gr until now.