Genesis 18:21

Old Testament Law (Torah) ASV (1901)

What does Genesis 18:21 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “I will go down now, and see whether they have done altogether according to the cry of it, which is come unto me; and if not, I will know.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

I will go down now, and see whether they have done altogether according to the cry of it, which is come unto me; and if not, I will know.
Genesis 18:21 — American Standard Version

Context — Genesis 18

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
21I will go down now, and see whether they have done altogether according to the cry of it, which is come unto me; and if not, I will know.

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“I will go down now, etc.] The Son of God in an human form now with Abraham, who proposes to go from the place where he was, which perhaps was on higher ground, to the plain in which Sodom and Gomorrah stood; and whither it seems certain he did go down, after he had done talking with Abraham, (see <011924>Genesis 19:24): and see whether they have done altogether; committed all the sins, and in such manner, and with such circumstances as reported; or, “have made a full end” f1130, have tilled up the measure of their iniquities, and so are ripe for ruin: according to the cry of it which is come unto me; this is spoken after the manner of men; for otherwise God saw all their wickedness, and knew…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“I will go down . . . and see--language used after the manner of men. These cities were to be made examples to all future ages of God's severity; and therefore ample proof given that the judgment was neither rash nor excessive (Eze 18:23; Jer 18:7).”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“- The Visit of the Lord to Abraham 2. השׂתחיה vayı̂śtachû “bow,” or bend the body in token of respect to God or man. The attitude varies from a slight inclination of the body to entire prostration with the forehead touching the ground. 6. סאה se'ah a “seah,” about an English peck, the third part of an ephah. The ephah contained ten omers. The omer held about five pints. This chapter describes Abraham’s fellowship with God. On the gracious assurance of the Redeemer and Vindicator, “Fear not, I am thy shield and thy exceeding great reward,” he ceased to fear, and believed. On the solemn announcement of the Conqueror of evil and the Quickener of the dead, “I am God Almighty; walk before me…”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification