Genesis 18:31

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.

Genesis 18:31 (KJV)

Context

Abraham speaks here during a longer conversation with the Lord. God had revealed His plan to judge Sodom and Gomorrah because of their great wickedness. Abraham’s nephew Lot lived in Sodom, so Abraham cared deeply about what would happen there.

This verse is the sixth of seven requests Abraham makes. He had already asked whether God would spare the city for fifty, forty-five, forty, and thirty righteous people. Now he asks about twenty.

Meaning

Abraham begins with a humble phrase: “Behold now, I have taken upon me to speak unto the Lord.” He knows he is speaking to the sovereign God, and he does not take that privilege lightly. The Hebrew word for “Lord” here is Adonai, a title of respect and authority, not the covenant name Yahweh.

The word “Peradventure” means “perhaps.” Abraham does not presume to know God’s will. He makes his request with deference, showing that he trusts God’s wisdom even while he pleads for mercy.

God answers simply: “I will not destroy it for twenty’s sake.” This shows God’s willingness to show mercy for the sake of a small number of righteous people. His justice is always tempered by His mercy.

Biblical connections

Earlier in the chapter, God says He chose Abraham so that he would “command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the Lord, to do justice and judgment” (Genesis 18:19). Abraham’s intercession here is a direct expression of that calling. He pleads for the righteous within the city, not for the wicked city as a whole.

Application

Abraham’s example teaches believers to approach God with humility and persistence. He does not argue with God or demand an answer. He simply presents his request and waits for God’s response. This is a model for prayer: reverent, honest, and willing to accept God’s decision.

God’s patience in listening to repeated petitions encourages believers to keep praying, even when the answer is not yet clear. He hears the cries of His people and responds according to His perfect will.

Reflection

Abraham’s faith gave him boldness to speak to the Creator. His trust in God’s righteousness allowed him to ask hard questions without fear. Believers today can share that same confidence, knowing that God is both just and merciful.