And the LORD said, Shall I hide from Abraham that thing which I do;

GENESIS 18:17KJV
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Genesis 18:17 (KJV)

What does Genesis 18:17 mean?

Genesis 18:17 shows the LORD pausing to consider whether to reveal His plans to Abraham, asking Himself if He should hide what He is about to do. This verse highlights a moment where God weighs the idea of sharing His intentions with Abraham before acting.

In this scene, the LORD (the personal name for God, often written as "Yahweh") is speaking, but not directly to Abraham—He is thinking aloud or addressing others present, possibly the angels with Him. The context is just before God reveals to Abraham His plan concerning Sodom and Gomorrah. This verse sets up the idea that Abraham has a special relationship with God, one where God chooses to be open about His actions.

The Hebrew behind Genesis 18:17

  • LORD (יְהוָה, Yahweh): This is the personal, covenant name of God, emphasizing a close and faithful relationship with Abraham.
  • hide (כָּסָה, kasah): This word means to cover or conceal. The use here suggests God is considering whether to keep His plans secret or to be transparent with Abraham, highlighting the trust and openness in their relationship.
  • do (עָשָׂה, asah): This is a common Hebrew word for "to do" or "to make," but here it refers specifically to the significant actions God is about to take regarding Sodom and Gomorrah.

Why Genesis 18:17 matters

  • This verse clarifies that God’s relationship with Abraham is unique; God treats Abraham as someone worthy of knowing His plans, not just as a distant follower.
  • It sets the stage for Abraham’s later intercession for Sodom, showing that God’s openness invites human response and dialogue.
  • The verse helps readers see that God’s decisions are thoughtful and relational, not automatic or impersonal—He considers the impact of His actions on those He is in covenant with.

Where else these words appear

“which” Hebrew H834 · used in 105 verses

  • Genesis 1:7 And God made the firmament, and divided the waters which were under the firmament from the waters which were above the firmament: and it was so.
  • Genesis 38:10 And the thing which he did displeased the LORD: wherefore he slew him also.
  • Deuteronomy 12:2 Ye shall utterly destroy all the places, wherein the nations which ye shall possess served their gods, upon the high mountains, and upon the hills, and under every green tree:

“hide” Hebrew H3680 · used in 149 verses

  • Genesis 7:19 And the waters prevailed exceedingly upon the earth; and all the high hills, that were under the whole heaven, were covered.
  • 1 Samuel 19:13 And Michal took an image, and laid it in the bed, and put a pillow of goats' hair for his bolster, and covered it with a cloth.
  • Proverbs 24:31 And, lo, it was all grown over with thorns, and nettles had covered the face thereof, and the stone wall thereof was broken down.