Old Testament
Genesis 18:21
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
I will go down now and see if their actions fully match the outcry that has reached me. If not, I will find out.
Compare translations
I will go down now, and see whether they have done altogether according to the cry of it, which is come unto me; and if not, I will know.
What Genesis 18:21 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this passage, God expresses His intention to investigate the situation in a city where the cries of injustice have reached Him. He is not just reacting to the noise but is committed to understanding the truth behind the outcry. This shows that God is attentive to the suffering and wrongdoing in the world. He wants to ensure that His judgment is based on reality, not just hearsay. By saying He will 'go down,' it emphasizes His personal involvement in the situation. God is not distant; He cares deeply about what happens on Earth. This moment highlights the importance of accountability and the need for justice. It reminds us that our actions have consequences and that God sees everything. Ultimately, it reassures us that God is aware of our struggles and injustices, and He will act accordingly when the time is right. His desire to know the truth encourages us to reflect on our own actions and their impact on others, fostering a sense of responsibility in our lives and communities.
How to apply Genesis 18:21 to your life
This passage encourages us to be mindful of our actions and their effects on others. It reminds us that God sees everything and cares about justice. We should strive to act with integrity and compassion, knowing that our choices matter in the grand scheme of life. Let's be proactive in addressing injustices around us, fostering a better community for all. We can make a difference by standing up for what is right and supporting those
Curated for this public verse page. Genesis Summary
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Abraham's story: Abraham Pleads for Sodom (Genesis 18:16–33)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Abraham
Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002725043). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Nablus and Mount Gerizim, West Bank; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Shechem
Where God promised the land to Abram, and where Joshua led Israel to renew the covenant.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Genesis 18:21
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Genesis 18:21
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Genesis
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Moses
- Written
- Around 1400 BC
- Genre
- Law (Pentateuch)
- Original Audience
- The Israelites in the wilderness
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Genesis 18:21 mean?
Genesis 18:21 means that God is going to investigate the situation in a city where there are cries of injustice. It shows His commitment to understanding the truth behind these cries before making a judgment.
What is the meaning of 'I will go down' in Genesis 18:21?
The phrase 'I will go down' indicates God's personal involvement in the situation. It emphasizes that He is not distant but actively cares about the injustices happening on Earth.
How does Genesis 18:21 relate to justice?
Genesis 18:21 relates to justice by illustrating that God is attentive to the cries of injustice and seeks to understand the reality of the situation before acting. It emphasizes the importance of truth in the pursuit of justice.
What themes are present in Genesis 18:21?
The themes present in Genesis 18:21 include justice, accountability, God's presence, truth, and the reality of injustice. These themes highlight God's concern for human actions and the need for fairness.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.