Old Testament
Genesis 18:31
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
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."
Compare translations
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.
What Genesis 18:31 means
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.
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
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 18:31
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 18:31
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 18:31 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.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.