And Abraham drew near, and said, Wilt thou also destroy the righteous with the wicked?

GENESIS 18:23KJV
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Genesis 18:23 (KJV)

What does Genesis 18:23 mean?

Genesis 18:23 shows Abraham approaching God and asking if God would really destroy righteous people along with the wicked. Abraham is questioning whether it is just for the innocent to suffer the same fate as the guilty.

In this scene, Abraham is speaking directly to God after learning that God plans to judge Sodom and Gomorrah for their wickedness. Abraham’s question highlights his concern for justice and mercy, and it sets the stage for his bold conversation with God about sparing the city if righteous people can be found there.

The Hebrew behind Genesis 18:23

  • The word for "drew near" is נָגַשׁ (nagash), which often means to approach with purpose or urgency. This shows Abraham’s boldness and respect as he comes close to speak with God directly.
  • The word for "righteous" is צַדִּיק (tsaddiq), meaning someone who is upright or just. Abraham is specifically asking about people who live rightly according to God’s standards.
  • The word for "wicked" is רָשָׁע (rasha‘), meaning those who are morally wrong or guilty. The contrast between צַדִּיק (tsaddiq) and רָשָׁע (rasha‘) is central to Abraham’s question about fairness in judgment.

Why Genesis 18:23 matters

  • This verse clears up the idea that God’s judgments are automatic or impersonal; Abraham’s question shows that God invites honest dialogue about justice.
  • The verse emphasizes the difference between the righteous and the wicked, making it clear that not everyone in a sinful city is the same in God’s eyes.
  • Genesis 18:23 sets up the rest of the conversation, where Abraham negotiates with God, showing the value God places on even a small number of righteous people.

Where else these words appear

“destroy” Hebrew H5595 · used in 20 verses

  • Genesis 18:24 Peradventure there be fifty righteous within the city: wilt thou also destroy and not spare the place for the fifty righteous that are therein?
  • Deuteronomy 32:23 I will heap mischiefs upon them; I will spend mine arrows upon them.
  • Proverbs 13:23 Much food is in the tillage of the poor: but there is that is destroyed for want of judgment.

“with” Hebrew H5973 · used in 26 verses

  • Genesis 24:12 And he said, O LORD God of my master Abraham, I pray thee, send me good speed this day, and shew kindness unto my master Abraham.
  • Exodus 22:14 And if a man borrow ought of his neighbour, and it be hurt, or die, the owner thereof being not with it, he shall surely make it good.
  • 1 Samuel 16:12 And he sent, and brought him in. Now he was ruddy, and withal of a beautiful countenance, and goodly to look to. And the LORD said, Arise, anoint him: for this is he.

“near” Hebrew H5066 · used in 112 verses

  • Genesis 19:9 And they said, Stand back. And they said again, This one fellow came in to sojourn, and he will needs be a judge: now will we deal worse with thee, than with them. And they pressed sore upon the man, even Lot, and came near to break the door.
  • Joshua 3:9 And Joshua said unto the children of Israel, Come hither, and hear the words of the LORD your God.
  • 2 Kings 4:5 So she went from him, and shut the door upon her and upon her sons, who brought the vessels to her; and she poured out.