Let a little water, I pray you, be fetched, and wash your feet, and rest yourselves under the tree:

GENESIS 18:4KJV
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Genesis 18:4 (KJV)

What does Genesis 18:4 mean?

Genesis 18:4 shows Abraham offering hospitality to three visitors by inviting them to have some water to wash their feet and to rest under a tree. This verse highlights Abraham’s eagerness to care for his guests’ comfort and basic needs.

In the story, Abraham is speaking to three men who have appeared near his tent during the heat of the day. He quickly offers them water (for washing dusty feet, a common courtesy in that culture) and a shady place to rest. This sets the stage for the deeper conversation that follows and shows the importance of welcoming strangers in the ancient world.

The Hebrew behind Genesis 18:4

  • “little” (מְעַט, me‘at): This word means “a small amount” or “just a little.” Abraham’s offer is humble and unassuming, showing respect by not presuming on his guests.
  • “wash” (רָחַץ, rachats): This word means “to wash” or “cleanse.” Washing feet was a practical act of refreshment and respect, especially after travel in a dusty land.
  • “yourselves” (שָׁעַן, sha‘an): This word means “to lean” or “rest.” Abraham is inviting his guests to truly relax and be at ease, not just pause briefly.

Why Genesis 18:4 matters

  • This verse helps clear up that Abraham’s hospitality was not just about food, but also about comfort and care, including washing and rest.
  • The details show the cultural importance of welcoming travelers and strangers, which is a recurring theme in the Bible.
  • Genesis 18:4 sets the tone for the encounter that follows, where the visitors reveal themselves to be messengers from God, making Abraham’s humble service even more significant.

Where else these words appear

“you” 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 18:30 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.
  • 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.

“yourselves” Hebrew H8172 · used in 20 verses

  • Numbers 21:15 And at the stream of the brooks that goeth down to the dwelling of Ar, and lieth upon the border of Moab.
  • 2 Chronicles 13:18 Thus the children of Israel were brought under at that time, and the children of Judah prevailed, because they relied upon the LORD God of their fathers.
  • Proverbs 3:5 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.

“wash” Hebrew H7364 · used in 71 verses

  • Genesis 19:2 And he said, Behold now, my lords, turn in, I pray you, into your servant's house, and tarry all night, and wash your feet, and ye shall rise up early, and go on your ways. And they said, Nay; but we will abide in the street all night.
  • Leviticus 15:6 And he that sitteth on any thing whereon he sat that hath the issue shall wash his clothes, and bathe himself in water, and be unclean until the even.
  • Judges 19:21 So he brought him into his house, and gave provender unto the asses: and they washed their feet, and did eat and drink.

“little” Hebrew H4592 · used in 92 verses

  • Genesis 24:17 And the servant ran to meet her, and said, Let me, I pray thee, drink a little water of thy pitcher.
  • 1 Samuel 14:43 Then Saul said to Jonathan, Tell me what thou hast done. And Jonathan told him, and said, I did but taste a little honey with the end of the rod that was in mine hand, and, lo, I must die.
  • Proverbs 10:20 The tongue of the just is as choice silver: the heart of the wicked is little worth.