Genesis 18:33

Old Testament Law (Torah) ASV (1901)

What does Genesis 18:33 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “And Jehovah went his way, as soon as he had left off communing with Abraham: and Abraham returned unto his place.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

And Jehovah went his way, as soon as he had left off communing with Abraham: and Abraham returned unto his place.
Genesis 18:33 — American Standard Version

Context — Genesis 18

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
33And Jehovah went his way, as soon as he had left off communing with Abraham: and Abraham returned unto his place.

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 the Lord went his way, as soon as he had left communing with Abraham, etc.] It is great and wonderful condescension for God to commune with a creature; it is an act of sovereignty how long he will continue to do so; communion with him always is not to be expected in this life; he communes for a while, and then leaves off and goes his way, (see <241408> Jeremiah 14:8); the Son of God in an human form, as soon as he had done talking with Abraham, perhaps disappeared to him, and went his way to Sodom, for there we find him in the next chapter: and Abraham returned unto his place; to his tent in the plains of Mamre, waiting to observe or hear what would be the issue and event of things…”
Read attributed excerpt →
Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“the Lord . . . left communing . . . and Abraham returned unto his place--Why did Abraham cease to carry his intercessions farther? Either because he fondly thought that he was now sure of the cities being preserved (Luk 13:9), or because the Lord restrained his mind from further intercession (Jer 7:16; Jer 11:14). But there were not ten "righteous persons." There was only one, and he might without injustice have perished in the general overthrow (Ecc 9:2). But a difference is sometimes made, and on this occasion the grace of God was manifested in a signal manner for the sake of Abraham. What a blessing to be connected with a saint of God! Next: Genesis Chapter 19”
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