And I will fetch a morsel of bread, and comfort ye your hearts; after that ye shall pass on: for therefore are ye come to your servant. And they said, So do, as thou hast said.

GENESIS 18:5KJV
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Genesis 18:5 (KJV)

What does Genesis 18:5 mean?

Genesis 18:5 shows Abraham offering bread and hospitality to three visitors, saying he will bring them a small meal to refresh themselves before they continue their journey, and the visitors agree to his offer. This verse highlights Abraham’s eagerness to serve and his respectful attitude toward guests.

Abraham is speaking to three men who have appeared near his tent, whom the story later reveals as messengers from God. He refers to himself as their "servant" and offers them a "morsel of bread" (a small amount of food) to "comfort" their hearts, which means to give them rest and strength. The visitors’ acceptance of his offer sets the stage for the important conversation that follows in the chapter.

The Hebrew behind Genesis 18:5

  • "Morsel" (פַּת־, pat): This word means a small piece or portion, emphasizing Abraham’s humility—he offers only a little, though he actually prepares much more.
  • "Comfort" (וְסַעֲדוּ, vesad'u, from the root סעד, sa'ad): This carries the sense of supporting or strengthening, so Abraham is offering not just food but refreshment and renewal for his guests’ journey.
  • "Hearts" (לֵב, lev): In Hebrew thought, "heart" often means the inner self or spirit, so Abraham’s offer is about caring for their whole well-being, not just their physical hunger.
  • "Servant" (עֶבֶד, eved): Abraham calls himself their servant, showing deep respect and humility toward his guests, which was a valued part of ancient hospitality.

Why Genesis 18:5 matters

  • This verse shows the cultural importance of hospitality in Abraham’s time, where welcoming strangers with food and rest was a sign of honor and righteousness.
  • Abraham’s modest offer ("a morsel of bread") contrasts with the generous meal he actually provides, highlighting his humility and willingness to do more than he promises.
  • The verse sets up the rest of the chapter, where the visitors reveal their true identity and deliver a message from God, making Abraham’s hospitality a turning point in the story.

Where else these words appear

“ye” Hebrew H5582 · used in 12 verses

  • Judges 19:5 And it came to pass on the fourth day, when they arose early in the morning, that he rose up to depart: and the damsel's father said unto his son in law, Comfort thine heart with a morsel of bread, and afterward go your way.
  • Psalms 18:35 Thou hast also given me the shield of thy salvation: and thy right hand hath holden me up, and thy gentleness hath made me great.
  • Psalms 104:15 And wine that maketh glad the heart of man, and oil to make his face to shine, and bread which strengtheneth man's heart.

“morsel” Hebrew H6595 · used in 15 verses

  • Leviticus 2:6 Thou shalt part it in pieces, and pour oil thereon: it is a meat offering.
  • 1 Samuel 2:36 And it shall come to pass, that every one that is left in thine house shall come and crouch to him for a piece of silver and a morsel of bread, and shall say, Put me, I pray thee, into one of the priests' offices, that I may eat a piece of bread.
  • Psalms 147:17 He casteth forth his ice like morsels: who can stand before his cold?

“to” Hebrew H5921 · used in 48 verses

  • Genesis 1:2 And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters.
  • Genesis 32:11 Deliver me, I pray thee, from the hand of my brother, from the hand of Esau: for I fear him, lest he will come and smite me, and the mother with the children.
  • 1 Chronicles 9:28 And certain of them had the charge of the ministering vessels, that they should bring them in and out by tale.