Old Testament
Genesis 18:25
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
"Far be it from you to do such a thing — to kill the righteous with the wicked, treating the righteous the same as the wicked. Far be it from you! Will not the Judge of all the earth do what is right?"
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That be far from thee to do after this manner, to slay the righteous with the wicked: and that the righteous should be as the wicked, that be far from thee: Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right?
What Genesis 18:25 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Abraham is speaking to God, expressing his deep concern about justice. He questions how God could possibly treat the innocent the same as the guilty. Abraham believes that it is fundamentally wrong for the righteous to suffer alongside the wicked. He appeals to God's nature as the ultimate judge, insisting that true justice must prevail. This moment highlights Abraham's understanding of God's character and his commitment to righteousness. It shows that he trusts God to act justly, even in difficult situations. Abraham's plea is a reminder that we can approach God with our concerns about fairness and justice. It emphasizes the importance of standing up for what is right and trusting in God's judgment. Ultimately, this verse challenges us to reflect on our own sense of justice and how we view the world around us, encouraging us to seek fairness in our actions and decisions. It invites us to believe that God will always do what is right, even when circumstances seem unfair.
How to apply Genesis 18:25 to your life
When faced with injustice, remember that you can bring your concerns to God. Trust that He understands your struggles and will act justly. Stand firm in your commitment to righteousness, and seek to promote fairness in your own life and community. Your voice matters in the pursuit of justice and truth. Be a beacon of hope for others who feel overlooked or mistreated. “God will always do what is right.” “God will always do what
Curated for this public verse page. Genesis Summary
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Illustrated scene from Abraham's story: Abraham Pleads for Sodom (Genesis 18:16–33)
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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.
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Shechem
Where God promised the land to Abram, and where Joshua led Israel to renew the covenant.
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Keep studying Genesis 18:25
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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 18:25 mean?
Genesis 18:25 features Abraham questioning God about justice, expressing concern that the righteous should not be punished alongside the wicked. Abraham emphasizes that God, as the ultimate judge, must act justly and cannot treat the innocent the same as the guilty.
What is the significance of the phrase 'Judge of all the earth' in Genesis 18:25?
The phrase 'Judge of all the earth' highlights God's authority and role as the ultimate arbiter of justice. It underscores Abraham's belief that God will ensure fairness and righteousness in His judgments.
How does Genesis 18:25 relate to the theme of justice?
Genesis 18:25 directly addresses the theme of justice by illustrating Abraham's concern for fairness in God's actions. It shows that true justice requires distinguishing between the righteous and the wicked, reinforcing the belief that God will act justly.
What can we learn from Genesis 18:25 about approaching God with concerns?
From Genesis 18:25, we learn that it is acceptable to bring our concerns about fairness and justice to God. Abraham's example encourages us to trust in God's judgment and to advocate for righteousness in our own lives.
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