And he said unto him, Oh let not the Lord be angry, and I will speak: Peradventure there shall thirty be found there. And he said, I will not do it, if I find thirty there.

GENESIS 18:30KJV
Know the Bible

Genesis 18:30 (KJV)

What does Genesis 18:30 mean?

Genesis 18:30 shows Abraham asking the Lord to spare Sodom if thirty good people can be found there. The Lord agrees to Abraham’s request. The exchange narrows the number of people Abraham has been asking about, while keeping the fate of the city in view.

Abraham begins by asking the Lord not to be angry as he speaks again. His careful words show that he recognizes he is making another request. “Peradventure” means “perhaps”: Abraham is proposing a possible number, not saying that thirty people have already been found.

The Hebrew behind Genesis 18:30

  • “Oh” — נָא (na): This word often makes a request more courteous or urgent, much like “please.” Here it helps convey Abraham’s respectful approach as he asks the Lord not to be angry.
  • “angry” — חָרָה (charah): This word can carry the picture of anger burning. Abraham’s request reflects his concern about how the Lord might receive his continued speaking.

Why Genesis 18:30 matters

  • The thirty are people whose conduct is at issue, not just any thirty residents. Earlier in the conversation, Abraham asks whether the city would be spared for the sake of the “righteous,” meaning people who do what is right (Genesis 18:24).
  • The Lord’s reply concerns the proposed action against the city. “I will not do it” answers Abraham’s earlier question about destroying Sodom (Genesis 18:23–25).
  • Abraham’s request is part of a continuing exchange rather than a single appeal. After asking about thirty, he goes on to ask about smaller numbers (Genesis 18:31–32).

Where else these words appear

“Oh” Hebrew H4994 · used in 9 verses

  • Genesis 12:11 And it came to pass, when he was come near to enter into Egypt, that he said unto Sarai his wife, Behold now, I know that thou art a fair woman to look upon:
  • Genesis 18:4 Let a little water, I pray you, be fetched, and wash your feet, and rest yourselves under the tree:
  • Judges 7:3 Now therefore go to, proclaim in the ears of the people, saying, Whosoever is fearful and afraid, let him return and depart early from mount Gilead. And there returned of the people twenty and two thousand; and there remained ten thousand.

“angry” Hebrew H2734 · used in 87 verses

  • Genesis 4:5 But unto Cain and to his offering he had not respect. And Cain was very wroth, and his countenance fell.
  • Deuteronomy 7:4 For they will turn away thy son from following me, that they may serve other gods: so will the anger of the LORD be kindled against you, and destroy thee suddenly.
  • 1 Chronicles 13:10 And the anger of the LORD was kindled against Uzza, and he smote him, because he put his hand to the ark: and there he died before God.