Genesis 18:26 (KJV)

What does Genesis 18:26 mean?

Genesis 18:26 means that God tells Abraham He will spare the entire city of Sodom if He finds fifty righteous people living there. God is willing to show mercy to everyone in the city for the sake of these righteous individuals.

In this scene, the LORD (God) is speaking directly to Abraham, who is interceding for Sodom. Abraham is concerned about the fate of the city, and he asks if God would destroy it even if there are good people there. God’s answer shows a willingness to spare many for the sake of a few who are upright, highlighting both God’s justice and mercy.

The Hebrew behind Genesis 18:26

• LORD (יְהוָה, Yahweh): This is the personal name for God in the Hebrew Bible, emphasizing that it is the God of Israel who is speaking directly and personally to Abraham.
• righteous (צַדִּיק, tsaddiq): This word means someone who is just, upright, or living according to God’s standards. The focus is on moral character, not just outward actions.
• spare (נָשָׂא, nasa’): This verb often means “to lift,” “to carry,” or “to forgive.” Here, it carries the sense of “to pardon” or “to withhold judgment,” showing God’s willingness to forgive the whole city for the sake of the righteous.

Why Genesis 18:26 matters

• Genesis 18:26 clarifies that God’s judgment is not arbitrary; He is attentive to the presence of righteousness and is willing to spare many for the sake of a few.
• This verse sets the tone for the rest of Abraham’s conversation with God, where Abraham continues to negotiate the number downward, revealing both Abraham’s compassion and God’s patience.
• The verse highlights a key biblical theme: the influence and value of righteous people within a community, and God’s readiness to show mercy when justice and goodness are present.