Old Testament
Genesis 18:31
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In this conversation, Abraham is negotiating with God about the fate of a city that is known for its wickedness.
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Moses
- Written
- Around 1400 BC
- Genre
- Law (Pentateuch)
- Original Audience
- The Israelites in the wilderness
Abraham said, "I know I have been bold to speak to the LORD, but what if only twenty are found there?" He replied, "I will not destroy it for the sake of twenty."
And he said, Behold now, I have taken upon me to speak unto the LORD: Peradventure there shall be twenty found there. And he said, I will not destroy it for twenty’s sake.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this conversation, Abraham is negotiating with God about the fate of a city that is known for its wickedness. He approaches God with humility, acknowledging that he is being bold in his request. Abraham asks if God would spare the city if just twenty righteous people could be found there. God responds with compassion, assuring Abraham that He would not destroy the city for the sake of those twenty individuals. This exchange highlights the importance of intercession and the value of even a small number of righteous people. It shows that God is willing to listen to our concerns and is merciful in His judgments. Abraham's boldness in speaking to God reflects a deep relationship built on trust and understanding. This moment serves as a reminder that our prayers and pleas can make a difference, even in dire situations. It emphasizes the idea that every individual matters to God, and that His mercy can prevail over judgment when righteousness is present in the community.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Genesis 18:31 to your life
When faced with difficult situations, remember that your voice matters. Just as Abraham spoke up for the city, you can advocate for others in prayer. Trust that God hears you and values every righteous act. Your faith can influence outcomes in ways you may not see immediately. Be bold in your requests to God, knowing He cares deeply for all people involved.
Curated for this public verse page. Genesis Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Genesis 18:31 teach about intercession?
Genesis 18:31 illustrates the power of intercession through Abraham's dialogue with God. Abraham boldly asks if God would spare a wicked city for the sake of twenty righteous individuals. This shows that our prayers and pleas can influence God's decisions, emphasizing the importance of standing in the gap for others. It teaches us that even a small number of righteous people can have a significant impact on God's mercy.
How does this verse reflect God's mercy?
In Genesis 18:31, God's response to Abraham highlights His mercy. Despite the city's wickedness, God assures Abraham that He would not destroy it if twenty righteous people were found there. This demonstrates that God's judgment is tempered by His compassion and willingness to spare the innocent. It reassures us that God values righteousness and is open to mercy, even in dire circumstances.
What can we learn about boldness in prayer from this verse?
Genesis 18:31 encourages us to be bold in our prayers, as seen in Abraham's approach to God. He acknowledges his boldness but still speaks up for the city, showing that we can bring our concerns to God without fear. This teaches us that God welcomes our honesty and vulnerability in prayer, and that we should not hesitate to advocate for others or ourselves, trusting in His willingness to listen.
Why is the number twenty significant in this context?
The number twenty in Genesis 18:31 serves as a specific benchmark for righteousness in a corrupt city. It highlights that even a small group of righteous individuals can influence God's judgment. This specificity underscores the idea that every individual matters to God, and that the presence of even a few righteous people can lead to mercy rather than destruction. It invites reflection on the impact of community and individual righteousness.
The Book of Genesis
Genesis 1: Creation
God creates the heaven and the earth, and the earth is without form and void, covered in darkness as His Spirit moves upon the waters. He speaks light into existence, separates it from darkness, and names them Day and Night. He divides the waters with a firmament called Heaven, gathers the lower waters to reveal dry land called Earth, and commands the earth to bring forth grass, herbs, and fruit trees yielding seed after their kind. He sets the sun, moon, and stars in the firmament to divide day from night, to give light, and to mark seasons, days, and years. He fills the waters with living creatures and the air with fowl, blessing them to multiply, then creates cattle, creeping things, and beasts of the earth. Finally, He creates man in His own image, male and female, gives them dominion over all living things, and appoints every herb and tree for food, and He sees that all He has made is very good.
Unlock the full Genesis summary
Continue reading every chapter — themes, structure, and turning points.
The complete summary of Genesis — a chapter-by-chapter breakdown covering all 50 chapters.
What you get
Every chapter of Genesis summarized in clear, modern English
How each section connects — narrative flow, key themes, and turning points
Permanent access — read anytime, on any device
Best value • Save over 90%
One-time purchase • Access anytime
ClearBible summaries are proprietary content and may not be copied, republished, or resold.
Checkout works as a guest. After payment, you create an account to claim your unlock.