And he lift up his eyes and looked, and, lo, three men stood by him: and when he saw them, he ran to meet them from the tent door, and bowed himself toward the ground,

GENESIS 18:2KJV
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Genesis 18:2 (KJV)

What does Genesis 18:2 mean?

Genesis 18:2 describes Abraham looking up and seeing three men standing near him; when he notices them, he quickly runs from his tent entrance to greet them and bows low to the ground. This verse shows Abraham’s immediate and respectful response to unexpected visitors.

Abraham is the main figure here, sitting at his tent during the heat of the day. The three men appear suddenly, and Abraham’s actions—running to meet them and bowing—show both eagerness and deep respect. This moment sets the stage for the important conversation that follows, where these visitors will deliver a significant message to Abraham and Sarah.

The Hebrew behind Genesis 18:2

  • נָשָׂא (nasa’, “lift up”): This word means to lift or raise, and here it emphasizes that Abraham actively lifts his eyes, suggesting alertness or expectation rather than a casual glance.
  • שָׁלוֹשׁ (shalosh, “three”): The word for “three” highlights that Abraham sees not just one visitor, but three, which will become important as the story unfolds.
  • אֲנָשִׁים (anashim, “men”): This is the common word for “men,” but in this context, these “men” will soon be revealed as more than ordinary travelers.
  • שָׁחָה (shachah, “bowed”): This word means to bow down or prostrate oneself, a gesture of deep respect or even reverence, showing Abraham’s humility toward his guests.

Why Genesis 18:2 matters

  • Genesis 18:2 clarifies that Abraham’s response to strangers is immediate and deeply respectful, which was a key value in ancient hospitality.
  • The verse introduces the three visitors whose identity and message will become central to the story, connecting this moment to the promises made to Abraham and Sarah.
  • Abraham’s act of bowing shows humility and honor, setting an example of how to treat others, especially those who might carry an important message.

Where else these words appear

“stood” Hebrew H5324 · used in 75 verses

  • Genesis 21:28 And Abraham set seven ewe lambs of the flock by themselves.
  • Numbers 23:17 And when he came to him, behold, he stood by his burnt offering, and the princes of Moab with him. And Balak said unto him, What hath the LORD spoken?
  • 1 Kings 9:23 These were the chief of the officers that were over Solomon's work, five hundred and fifty, which bare rule over the people that wrought in the work.

“ran” Hebrew H7323 · used in 92 verses

  • Genesis 18:7 And Abraham ran unto the herd, and fetcht a calf tender and good, and gave it unto a young man; and he hasted to dress it.
  • 2 Samuel 18:23 But howsoever, said he, let me run. And he said unto him, Run. Then Ahimaaz ran by the way of the plain, and overran Cushi.
  • Job 9:25 Now my days are swifter than a post: they flee away, they see no good.

“meet” Hebrew H7125 · used in 117 verses

  • Genesis 14:17 And the king of Sodom went out to meet him after his return from the slaughter of Chedorlaomer, and of the kings that were with him, at the valley of Shaveh, which is the king's dale.
  • Judges 7:24 And Gideon sent messengers throughout all mount Ephraim, saying, Come down against the Midianites, and take before them the waters unto Bethbarah and Jordan. Then all the men of Ephraim gathered themselves together, and took the waters unto Bethbarah and Jordan.
  • 1 Kings 2:8 And, behold, thou hast with thee Shimei the son of Gera, a Benjamite of Bahurim, which cursed me with a grievous curse in the day when I went to Mahanaim: but he came down to meet me at Jordan, and I sware to him by the LORD, saying, I will not put thee to death with the sword.