And the men turned their faces from thence, and went toward Sodom: but Abraham stood yet before the LORD.

GENESIS 18:22KJV
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Genesis 18:22 (KJV)

What does Genesis 18:22 mean?

Genesis 18:22 describes how the men who had been visiting Abraham turned and headed toward Sodom, while Abraham remained standing before the LORD. This verse marks the moment when Abraham stays behind to speak directly with God as the others leave.

In the story, three visitors had come to Abraham’s tent—two of them now leave for Sodom, but Abraham stays to address God. The verse sets up the following conversation where Abraham pleads for Sodom, highlighting Abraham’s unique relationship with God and his concern for others.

The Hebrew behind Genesis 18:22

  • "men" (אֲנָשִׁים, ʾanashim): This word refers to the visitors who are later revealed to be angels. The use of "men" emphasizes their human appearance in this encounter.
  • "stood" (עָמַד, ʿamad): The word means to stand or remain in place. Abraham’s act of standing before the LORD (יְהוָה, YHWH) shows respect and readiness to speak, highlighting his boldness and humility.
  • "before" (לִפְנֵי, lifnei): This word means "in the presence of" or "before." It underscores the idea that Abraham is directly facing God, not just physically but in a position to speak openly.

Why Genesis 18:22 matters

  • Genesis 18:22 clarifies that Abraham is not just a passive observer but someone who actively engages with God, setting the stage for his intercession for Sodom.
  • The verse draws a clear line between the actions of the visitors and Abraham’s unique role, emphasizing his relationship with God and his willingness to speak up for others.
  • This moment connects to the larger theme of the chapter, where hospitality, justice, and mercy are explored through Abraham’s interactions with both the visitors and God.

Where else these words appear

“yet” Hebrew H5750 · used in 30 verses

  • Genesis 4:25 And Adam knew his wife again; and she bare a son, and called his name Seth: For God, said she, hath appointed me another seed instead of Abel, whom Cain slew.
  • Genesis 48:7 And as for me, when I came from Padan, Rachel died by me in the land of Canaan in the way, when yet there was but a little way to come unto Ephrath: and I buried her there in the way of Ephrath; the same is Bethlehem.
  • Judges 2:14 And the anger of the LORD was hot against Israel, and he delivered them into the hands of spoilers that spoiled them, and he sold them into the hands of their enemies round about, so that they could not any longer stand before their enemies.

“Sodom” Hebrew H5467 · used in 38 verses

  • Genesis 10:19 And the border of the Canaanites was from Sidon, as thou comest to Gerar, unto Gaza; as thou goest, unto Sodom, and Gomorrah, and Admah, and Zeboim, even unto Lasha.
  • Genesis 18:16 And the men rose up from thence, and looked toward Sodom: and Abraham went with them to bring them on the way.
  • Isaiah 13:19 And Babylon, the glory of kingdoms, the beauty of the Chaldees' excellency, shall be as when God overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah.

“faces” Hebrew H6437 · used in 128 verses

  • Genesis 24:31 And he said, Come in, thou blessed of the LORD; wherefore standest thou without? for I have prepared the house, and room for the camels.
  • Judges 18:21 So they turned and departed, and put the little ones and the cattle and the carriage before them.
  • Psalms 119:132 Look thou upon me, and be merciful unto me, as thou usest to do unto those that love thy name.