Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version The LORD said, “If I find fifty righteous people in the city of Sodom, I will spare the whole place for their sake.” New Living Translation And the LORD replied, “If I find fifty righteous people in Sodom, I will spare the entire city for their sake.” English Standard Version And the LORD said, “If I find at Sodom fifty righteous in the city, I will spare the whole place for their sake.” Berean Standard Bible So the LORD replied, “If I find fifty righteous ones within the city of Sodom, on their account I will spare the whole place.” King James Bible And the LORD said, If I find in Sodom fifty righteous within the city, then I will spare all the place for their sakes. New King James Version So the LORD said, “If I find in Sodom fifty righteous within the city, then I will spare all the place for their sakes.” New American Standard Bible So the LORD said, “If I find in Sodom fifty righteous within the city, then I will spare the entire place on their account.” NASB 1995 So the LORD said, “If I find in Sodom fifty righteous within the city, then I will spare the whole place on their account.” NASB 1977 So the LORD said, “If I find in Sodom fifty righteous within the city, then I will spare the whole place on their account.” Legacy Standard Bible So Yahweh said, “If I find in Sodom fifty righteous within the city, then I will spare the whole place on their account.” Amplified Bible So the LORD said, “If I find within the city of Sodom fifty righteous [people], then I will spare the entire place for their sake.” Christian Standard Bible The LORD said, “If I find fifty righteous people in the city of Sodom, I will spare the whole place for their sake.” Holman Christian Standard Bible The LORD said, “If I find 50 righteous people in the city of Sodom, I will spare the whole place for their sake.” American Standard Version And Jehovah said, If I find in Sodom fifty righteous within the city, then I will spare all the place for their sake. Contemporary English Version The LORD replied, "If I find 50 good people in Sodom, I will save the city to keep them from being killed." English Revised Version And the LORD said, If I find in Sodom fifty righteous within the city, then I will spare all the place for their sake. GOD'S WORD® Translation The LORD said, "If I find 50 innocent people inside the city of Sodom, I will spare the whole place for their sake." Good News Translation The LORD answered, "If I find fifty innocent people in Sodom, I will spare the whole city for their sake." International Standard Version The LORD said, "If I find 50 righteous people within Sodom, I'll forgive the whole place for their sake." NET Bible So the LORD replied, "If I find in the city of Sodom fifty godly people, I will spare the whole place for their sake." New Heart English Bible God said, "If I find in Sodom fifty righteous within the city, then I will spare all the place for their sake." Webster's Bible Translation And the LORD said, If I find in Sodom fifty righteous within the city, then I will spare all the place for their sakes. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleSo the LORD replied, “If I find fifty righteous ones within the city of Sodom, on their account I will spare the whole place.” World English Bible Yahweh said, “If I find in Sodom fifty righteous within the city, then I will spare the whole place for their sake.” Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd YHWH says, “If I find in Sodom fifty righteous in the midst of the city, then have I borne with all the place for their sake.” Young's Literal Translation And Jehovah saith, 'If I find in Sodom fifty righteous in the midst of the city, then have I borne with all the place for their sake.' Smith's Literal Translation And Jehovah will say, If I shall find in Sodom fifty just, in the midst of the city, I forgive all the place for their sakes. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd the Lord said to him: If I And in Sodom fifty just within the city, I will spare the whole place for their sake. Catholic Public Domain Version And the Lord said to him, “If I find in Sodom fifty of the just in the midst of the city, I will release the entire place because of them.” New American Bible The LORD replied: If I find fifty righteous people in the city of Sodom, I will spare the whole place for their sake. New Revised Standard Version And the LORD said, “If I find at Sodom fifty righteous in the city, I will forgive the whole place for their sake.” Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd the LORD said, If I find in Sodom fifty righteous within the city, then I will spare the whole country for their sake. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And LORD JEHOVAH said: “If I shall find in Sadom fifty righteous within the city, I shall forgive all the place because of them.” OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And the LORD said: 'If I find in Sodom fifty righteous within the city, then I will forgive all the place for their sake.' Brenton Septuagint Translation And the Lord said, If there should be in Sodom fifty righteous in the city, I will spare the whole city, and the whole place for their sakes. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Abraham Begs for Sodom…25Far be it from You to do such a thing—to kill the righteous with the wicked, so that the righteous and the wicked are treated alike. Far be it from You! Will not the Judge of all the earth do what is right?” 26So the LORD replied, “If I find fifty righteous ones within the city of Sodom, on their account I will spare the whole place.” 27Then Abraham answered, “Now that I have ventured to speak to the Lord—though I am but dust and ashes—… Cross References Exodus 32:14 So the LORD relented from the calamity He had threatened to bring on His people. Jeremiah 5:1 “Go up and down the streets of Jerusalem. Look now and take note; search her squares. If you can find a single person, anyone who acts justly, anyone who seeks the truth, then I will forgive the city. Ezekiel 22:30 I searched for a man among them to repair the wall and stand in the gap before Me on behalf of the land, so that I should not destroy it. But I found no one. Amos 7:3 So the LORD relented from this plan. “It will not happen,” He said. Amos 7:6 So the LORD relented from this plan. “It will not happen either,” said the Lord GOD. Jonah 3:10 When God saw their actions—that they had turned from their evil ways—He relented from the disaster He had threatened to bring upon them. 2 Chronicles 7:14 and if My people who are called by My name humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, forgive their sin, and heal their land. Isaiah 1:9 Unless the LORD of Hosts had left us a few survivors, we would have become like Sodom, we would have resembled Gomorrah. Isaiah 65:8 This is what the LORD says: “As the new wine is found in a cluster of grapes, and men say, ‘Do not destroy it, for it contains a blessing,’ so I will act on behalf of My servants; I will not destroy them all. Jeremiah 18:8 But if that nation I warned turns from its evil, then I will relent of the disaster I had planned to bring. Matthew 11:23-24 And you, Capernaum, will you be lifted up to heaven? No, you will be brought down to Hades! For if the miracles that were performed in you had been performed in Sodom, it would have remained to this day. / But I tell you that it will be more bearable for Sodom on the day of judgment than for you.” Matthew 12:41 The men of Nineveh will stand at the judgment with this generation and condemn it; for they repented at the preaching of Jonah, and now One greater than Jonah is here. Luke 10:12-13 I tell you, it will be more bearable on that day for Sodom than for that town. / Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the miracles that were performed in you had been performed in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago, sitting in sackcloth and ashes. Luke 11:32 The men of Nineveh will stand at the judgment with this generation and condemn it; for they repented at the preaching of Jonah, and now One greater than Jonah is here. Romans 9:29 It is just as Isaiah foretold: “Unless the Lord of Hosts had left us descendants, we would have become like Sodom, we would have resembled Gomorrah.” Treasury of Scripture And the LORD said, If I find in Sodom fifty righteous within the city, then I will spare all the place for their sakes. Isaiah 6:13 But yet in it shall be a tenth, and it shall return, and shall be eaten: as a teil tree, and as an oak, whose substance is in them, when they cast their leaves: so the holy seed shall be the substance thereof. Isaiah 10:22 For though thy people Israel be as the sand of the sea, yet a remnant of them shall return: the consumption decreed shall overflow with righteousness. Isaiah 19:24 In that day shall Israel be the third with Egypt and with Assyria, even a blessing in the midst of the land: Jump to Previous Account Borne City Fifty Find Forgive Mercy Midst Righteous Sake Sakes Sodom Spare Upright Whole WithinJump to Next Account Borne City Fifty Find Forgive Mercy Midst Righteous Sake Sakes Sodom Spare Upright Whole WithinGenesis 18 1. The Lord appears to Abraham, who entertains angels.9. Sarah is reproved for laughing at the promise of a son. 16. The destruction of Sodom is revealed to Abraham. 23. Abraham makes intercession for its inhabitants. So the LORD replied This phrase indicates a direct communication from God, emphasizing His personal involvement in human affairs. The use of "LORD" in all caps signifies the divine name YHWH, highlighting God's covenant relationship with Abraham. This interaction is part of a larger narrative where God reveals His plans to Abraham, showcasing His willingness to engage with humanity. If I find fifty righteous ones within the city of Sodom on their account I will spare the whole place Persons / Places / Events 1. The LORDThe central figure in this passage, representing God's justice and mercy. The Hebrew name used here is "YHWH," emphasizing His covenant relationship with Abraham. 2. Abraham The patriarch who intercedes for Sodom, demonstrating his role as a mediator and his deep concern for righteousness and justice. 3. Sodom A city known for its wickedness, which God intends to judge. It serves as a backdrop for the discussion of divine justice and mercy. 4. Righteous Ones The individuals whose presence could spare the city, highlighting the value of righteousness in God's eyes. Teaching Points The Power of IntercessionAbraham's dialogue with God shows the importance and power of intercessory prayer. Believers are encouraged to pray for others, trusting in God's willingness to listen. God's Justice and Mercy This passage highlights the balance between God's justice and His mercy. While God is just and must punish sin, He is also merciful and willing to spare for the sake of the righteous. The Value of Righteousness The presence of even a few righteous individuals can have a significant impact. Believers are called to live righteously, understanding their potential influence on their communities. God's Relational Nature The interaction between God and Abraham demonstrates that God desires a relationship with His people, where they can communicate openly and honestly with Him. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Genesis 18:26?2. How does Genesis 18:26 demonstrate God's willingness to spare the righteous? 3. What does "fifty righteous" reveal about God's justice and mercy? 4. How can we intercede for others like Abraham in Genesis 18:26? 5. Connect Genesis 18:26 with other scriptures about God's mercy towards the righteous. 6. How can we apply God's justice in Genesis 18:26 to our daily lives? 7. How does Genesis 18:26 reflect God's justice and mercy? 8. Why does God negotiate with Abraham in Genesis 18:26? 9. What does Genesis 18:26 reveal about God's character? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Genesis 18? 11. How can an entire city's fate hinge on a negotiation between God and one individual (Genesis 18:23-33)? 12. (Psalm 26:9-10) Why would a just God punish the psalmist alongside evildoers if everyone is equally flawed? 13. Why would God threaten a city in Jeremiah 5:1 if one righteous person could save it, unlike the mercy shown in Genesis 18? 14. Ezekiel 33:17 - If God's ways are truly just, why do we see instances of collective punishment and suffering elsewhere in Scripture? What Does Genesis 18:26 Mean So the LORD replied• Abraham has just voiced concern for any godly people who might live in Sodom (Genesis 18:23–25). The Lord’s immediate response shows He is neither distant nor indifferent to intercession. • Scripture consistently presents the Lord as answering those who call on Him: “The LORD is near to all who call on Him, to all who call on Him in truth” (Psalm 145:18); “Call to Me and I will answer you” (Jeremiah 33:3). • The personal name “LORD” (YHWH) reminds us that the covenant-keeping God is speaking—He is faithful, relational, and utterly dependable (Exodus 34:6–7). If I find fifty righteous ones • God is not guessing; He will “find” or investigate. His judgments are always informed and precise (Deuteronomy 32:4). • “Righteous ones” are those who walk in faith-fueled obedience, standing in right relationship with God (Habakkuk 2:4; Romans 4:3). • The number fifty is substantial for one city; it underscores that God is willing to spare many wicked for the sake of comparatively few who honor Him. • Compare Proverbs 11:10–11: “When the righteous thrive, the city rejoices… By the blessing of the upright a city is exalted.” within the city of Sodom • The Lord’s search is local and exact: He will look “within the city,” not merely in the surrounding plains. His omniscience penetrates every street and household (2 Chronicles 16:9). • Sodom is historically notorious for its sin (Genesis 13:13). By pinpointing the city, God highlights that no place is beyond His scrutiny (Psalm 139:7–12). • Jonah 3:3 shows a parallel: Nineveh was “an exceedingly great city,” yet God still evaluated it house by house. on their account • The presence of the righteous brings tangible blessing and protection to others. Lot’s household later experiences this principle when angels literally pull them out of danger (Genesis 19:15–16). • Isaiah 1:9 notes, “If the LORD of Hosts had not left us a few survivors, we would have become like Sodom.” A remnant can stay judgment. • Jesus picks up the same theme: “You are the salt of the earth” (Matthew 5:13). Salt preserves; so do God’s people. I will spare the whole place • God’s readiness to withhold destruction reveals His mercy. He does not delight in judgment but in showing compassion (Ezekiel 33:11; Jonah 4:2). • This line illustrates the principle of substitutionary grace: the righteousness of a few averts wrath for many. Ultimately this points to Christ, whose singular righteousness delivers all who believe (Romans 5:18–19). • 2 Peter 3:9 echoes the heart behind the promise: “The Lord is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” summary Genesis 18:26 portrays a God who listens, investigates, and delights to show mercy. Even a handful of faithful people can shield an entire community because righteousness matters that much to Him. The verse highlights His willingness to relent when He finds genuine godliness, underscoring both His justice—He will search out sin—and His grace—He longs to spare and save. Verse 26. - And the Lord said, If I find in Sodom fifty righteous within the city (thus accepting the test proposed by Abraham, but not necessarily thereby acquiescing in the absolute soundness of his logic), then I will spare (not as an act of justice, but as an exercise of mercy, and not because of any suspicions that might otherwise attach to my rectitude, but solely in vindication of my clemency) all the place (not the righteous merely, which was all that justice could have legitimately demanded) for their sakes, i.e. because of the claims upon my mercy which grace admits the righteous to prefer.Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew So the LORDיְהוָ֔ה (Yah·weh) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel replied, וַיֹּ֣אמֶר (way·yō·mer) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 559: To utter, say “If אִם־ (’im-) Conjunction Strong's 518: Lo!, whether?, if, although, Oh that!, when, not I find אֶמְצָ֥א (’em·ṣā) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - first person common singular Strong's 4672: To come forth to, appear, exist, to attain, find, acquire, to occur, meet, be present fifty חֲמִשִּׁ֥ים (ḥă·miš·šîm) Number - common plural Strong's 2572: Fifty righteous ones צַדִּיקִ֖ם (ṣad·dî·qim) Adjective - masculine plural Strong's 6662: Just, righteous within בְּת֣וֹךְ (bə·ṯō·wḵ) Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 8432: A bisection, the centre the city הָעִ֑יר (hā·‘îr) Article | Noun - feminine singular Strong's 5892: Excitement of Sodom, בִסְדֹ֛ם (ḇis·ḏōm) Preposition-b | Noun - proper - feminine singular Strong's 5467: Sodom -- a Canaanite city near the Dead Sea on their account בַּעֲבוּרָֽם׃ (ba·‘ă·ḇū·rām) Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine plural Strong's 5668: Crossed, transit, on account of, in order that I will spare וְנָשָׂ֥אתִי (wə·nā·śā·ṯî) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - first person common singular Strong's 5375: To lift, carry, take the whole לְכָל־ (lə·ḵāl) Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every place.” הַמָּק֖וֹם (ham·mā·qō·wm) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 4725: A standing, a spot, a condition Links Genesis 18:26 NIVGenesis 18:26 NLT Genesis 18:26 ESV Genesis 18:26 NASB Genesis 18:26 KJV Genesis 18:26 BibleApps.com Genesis 18:26 Biblia Paralela Genesis 18:26 Chinese Bible Genesis 18:26 French Bible Genesis 18:26 Catholic Bible OT Law: Genesis 18:26 Yahweh said If I find in Sodom (Gen. 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