For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the LORD, to do justice and judgment; that the LORD may bring upon Abraham that which he hath spoken of him.

GENESIS 18:19KJV
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Genesis 18:19 (KJV)

What does Genesis 18:19 mean?

Genesis 18:19 says that God knows Abraham will instruct his children and household to follow God’s ways, living with justice and fairness, so that God’s promises to Abraham can be fulfilled. This verse highlights Abraham’s role in guiding his family to uphold what is right according to God’s standards.

In this scene, God is speaking about Abraham as He considers sharing His plans regarding Sodom and Gomorrah with him. The verse explains why Abraham was chosen: not just for personal faith, but because he would lead his family and descendants to live by God’s ways. The focus is on Abraham’s responsibility to teach his household to do what is just and right, connecting God’s promises to Abraham’s ongoing faithfulness and leadership.

The Hebrew behind Genesis 18:19

  • יָדַע (yada‘, “know”): This word means more than simple awareness; it often carries the sense of choosing or having a special relationship. Here, it shows God’s intentional relationship with Abraham, emphasizing trust and purpose.
  • צִוָּה (tsivvah, “command”): This word means to give a direct order or instruction. The verse stresses that Abraham is expected to actively instruct his family, not just hope they follow God’s ways on their own.
  • דֶּרֶךְ (derekh, “way”): This word refers to a path or manner of life. “The way of the LORD” points to a whole way of living shaped by God’s character, not just isolated actions.
  • צְדָקָה (tsedaqah, “justice”) and מִשְׁפָּט (mishpat, “judgment”): These words together highlight both doing what is right (justice) and making fair decisions (judgment), showing that God’s way involves both personal integrity and social fairness.

Why Genesis 18:19 matters

  • Genesis 18:19 clarifies that Abraham’s calling was not only about receiving blessings, but also about passing on a way of life rooted in justice and righteousness.
  • The verse connects God’s promises to Abraham’s ongoing responsibility, showing that God’s plans involve human participation and faithful leadership.
  • This verse helps explain why Abraham is such a central figure in the Bible: he is chosen not just for himself, but to shape a people who live according to God’s standards.

Where else these words appear

“that” 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:

“justice” Hebrew H6666 · used in 150 verses

  • Genesis 15:6 And he believed in the LORD; and he counted it to him for righteousness.
  • Psalms 103:17 But the mercy of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear him, and his righteousness unto children's children;
  • Isaiah 56:1 Thus saith the LORD, Keep ye judgment, and do justice: for my salvation is near to come, and my righteousness to be revealed.