Genesis 18:32

Old Testament Law (Torah) ASV (1901)

What does Genesis 18:32 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “And he said, Oh let not the Lord be angry, and I will speak yet but this once: peradventure ten shall be found there. And he said, I will not destroy it for the ten`s sake.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

And he said, Oh let not the Lord be angry, and I will speak yet but this once: peradventure ten shall be found there. And he said, I will not destroy it for the ten`s sake.
Genesis 18:32 — American Standard Version

Context — Genesis 18

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
32And he said, Oh let not the Lord be angry, and I will speak yet but this once: peradventure ten shall be found there. And he said, I will not destroy it for the ten`s sake.

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“And he said, Oh, let not the Lord be angry, and I will speak yet but this once, etc.] This should be the last request he should make on this account, and therefore he desired he might be heard without any marks of his displeasure; Peradventure ten shall be found there: how would the place be dealt with then? would it be consumed or not? and he said, I will not destroy [it] for ten’s sake; though no more righteous persons were found in it. Some of the Jewish writers say f1134, he ended at ten, because he supposed there were ten righteous persons in Lot’s family, Lot and his wife, and their four daughters, and their four husbands; but they forgot that two of Lot’s daughters were unmarried, and…”
Read attributed excerpt →
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…”
Read attributed excerpt →

Related study paths

Sources and verification