Genesis 18:29 (KJV)

What does Genesis 18:29 mean?

Genesis 18:29 shows Abraham continuing to ask God if He would spare the city of Sodom if forty righteous people could be found there, and God agrees not to destroy the city for the sake of forty. This verse highlights Abraham’s persistence and God’s willingness to listen and respond with mercy.

In this scene, Abraham is speaking directly to God, negotiating for the lives of people in Sodom. Abraham has already asked about higher numbers, and here he lowers the count to forty, showing his concern for the righteous. The verse is part of a back-and-forth conversation where Abraham respectfully presses God, and God patiently answers.

The Hebrew behind Genesis 18:29

• The word “spake” (דָּבַר, dabar) means to speak or communicate, emphasizing Abraham’s active role in this conversation with God.
• The word “again” (יָסַף, yasaf) means to add or continue, showing that Abraham is not making a new request but building on what he has already asked.
• The word “forty” (אַרְבָּעִים, arba‘im) is the specific number Abraham mentions, marking a step down from his previous request and showing the careful negotiation.
• The word “found” (מָצָא, matsa) means to find or discover, focusing on the possibility of locating righteous people within the city.

Why Genesis 18:29 matters

• This verse helps clear up the idea that God is unapproachable or unwilling to listen; it shows a real conversation where God responds to human concern.
• The verse emphasizes Abraham’s courage and compassion, as he keeps interceding for others even when the numbers get smaller.
• Genesis 18:29 fits into a larger passage where the character of both Abraham and God is revealed—Abraham as an intercessor, and God as patient and just.