I will go down to see whether they have done altogether according to the outcry that has come to me. And if not, I will know.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
God declares He will "go down" to investigate, not because He is unsure of the facts, but to demonstrate to Abraham (and to us) the meticulous justice behind His judgment. This emphasizes that God doesn't act on mere rumor, but thoroughly examines the extent of sin before bringing His reckoning.
I will go down to see whether they have done altogether according to the outcry that has come to me. And if not, I will know.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
God, speaking to Abraham, reveals His intention to investigate the wickedness of Sodom and Gomorrah because their cries of sin have reached Him. This declaration comes after Abraham's display of hospitality and during a conversation where God considers confiding in Abraham due to his righteousness and future role in God's plan. Abraham, sensing God's judgment is imminent, immediately begins to intercede for the cities.
Does God really need to 'go down' to see what's happening? What does this phrase reveal about His character and justice?
When Genesis 18:21 says, 'I will go down... and see,' it's not because God is unaware. God is omniscient; He knows everything. Instead, this is a powerful literary way to describe His active engagement with the world and His commitment to justice.
A Judge's Process
Think of a human judge. They don't just read a report and issue a sentence. They need to hear the evidence, examine the facts, and ensure the accusation matches the reality. God, in His infinite wisdom, models this for us. He is about to unleash judgment on Sodom and Gomorrah, but He first takes steps to ensure His judgment is perfectly just.
This 'going down' signifies God's willingness to personally investigate, to verify the 'cry' of sin against the reality on the ground. It demonstrates that His justice isn't arbitrary; it's based on thorough knowledge and righteous evaluation.
What does the 'cry' of a city mean? And what does it mean for sin to be 'altogether' a certain way?
The 'cry' of Sodom and Gomorrah isn't just a metaphorical sound; it represents the intense, accumulated weight of their wickedness reaching a point where it demands divine attention. It signifies that their sin has become so pervasive and grievous that it can no longer be ignored.
Filling the Measure
Ask a follow-up
The phrase 'altogether according to the cry' implies a standard of wickedness that has been met, or perhaps, is about to be 'completed.' This doesn't mean God is surprised by their sin. Rather, it highlights that their actions have reached a critical mass, a fullness that warrants judgment.
This concept is echoed later in Scripture, where the 'measure of sin' is spoken of (like in Matthew 23:32). It's a reminder that while God is patient, there are indeed limits. The 'cry' is the evidence that these limits have been reached, and God's response is one of perfect, albeit severe, justice.
Understand the original words
tse'aqah · Hebrew Noun
In Scripture, this refers to a loud, piercing cry, often denoting the extreme distress of the oppressed or victims of injustice, demanding divine attention and intervention.
This verse reveals God's righteous judgment, showing He does not act without thorough investigation, even in the face of overwhelming outcry. It emphasizes divine justice and provides a model for judges to seek truth before passing sentence.
c. 2000-1800 BC
Abraham sojourns in Canaan
Abraham and his descendants live as nomadic or semi-nomadic people in the land of Canaan, establishing patriarchal authority and covenantal relationships with God.
c. 1900-1800 BC
Growth of Sodom and Gomorrah
The cities of Sodom and Gomorrah, located in the fertile Jordan plain, grow in prosperity and population, but also in wickedness and iniquity.
c. 1890 BC
Abduction of Lot
During a conflict between regional kings, Lot, Abraham's nephew, is captured and taken away from Sodom, prompting Abraham to gather his forces to rescue him.
c. 1890 BC
Abraham rescues Lot
Abraham leads his trained men in a swift pursuit and decisive victory over the kings, rescuing Lot and the other captives, and restoring all the goods.
c. 1890 BC— this verse
Divine visitation and promise
God appears to Abraham near Mamre, reiterating His covenant promises and Sarah's future motherhood, while also revealing His intent to judge Sodom.
c. 1890 BC
Judgment of Sodom and Gomorrah
Following Abraham's intercession, the cities are ultimately destroyed by divine judgment, with only Lot and his daughters escaping.
This passage echoes the theme of God's justice, where the prophet questions why the wicked prosper, and God responds by revealing the wickedness that prompts His judgment, similar to how God investigates Sodom's cry.
Romans 3:5-6This passage directly relates to Abraham's question, 'Shall not the Judge of all the earth do what is right?' It affirms God's perfect justice and righteousness, underscoring that His judgments are always fair.
Matthew 23:32Jesus speaks of 'filling up the measure of your fathers,' which parallels the idea in Genesis 18:21 where God inquires if Sodom has 'done altogether according to the cry of it,' implying a completion of sin that warrants judgment.
Luke 19:41-44Jesus wept over Jerusalem, lamenting its coming destruction due to its unresponsiveness to God's coming judgment. This parallels God's sorrow and deliberate investigation before enacting judgment on Sodom, showing divine concern even in impending doom.
calvinGenesis 18:1-33: "And the LORD appeared unto him in the plains of Mamre: and he sat in the tent door in the heat of the day;"
Then Sarah denied, saying, I laughed not; for she was afraid. And he said, Nay; but thou didst laugh.
Et negavit Sarah, dicendo, Non risi: quia timuit. Et dixit, Nequaquam, quia risisti.
And the men rose up from thence, and looked toward Sodom: and Abraham went with them to bring them on the way.
Et surrexerunt inde viri, et respexerunt contra faciem S…
clarkeGenesis 18:21: "I will go down now, and see whether they have done altogether according to the cry of it, which is come unto me; and if not, I will know."
I will go down now, etc. - A lesson to magistrates, teaching them not to judge according to report, but accurately to inquire into the facts themselves - Jarchi.
God declares He will "go down" to investigate, not because He is unsure of the facts, but to demonstrate to Abraham (and to us) the meticulous justice behind His judgment. This emphasizes that God doesn't act on mere rumor, but thoroughly examines the extent of sin before bringing His reckoning.
God, speaking to Abraham, reveals His intention to investigate the wickedness of Sodom and Gomorrah because their cries of sin have reached Him. This declaration comes after Abraham's display of hospitality and during a conversation where God considers confiding in Abraham due to his righteousness and future role in God's plan. Abraham, sensing God's judgment is imminent, immediately begins to intercede for the cities.
God, speaking to Abraham, reveals His intention to investigate the wickedness of Sodom and Gomorrah because their cries of sin have reached Him. This declaration comes after Abraham's display of hospitality and during a conversation where God considers confiding in Abraham due to his righteousness and future role in God's plan. Abraham, sensing God's judgment is imminent, immediately begins to intercede for the cities.
"I will go down to see whether they have done altogether according to the outcry that has come to me. And if not, I will know.”" — God declares He will "go down" to investigate, not because He is unsure of the facts, but to demonstrate to Abraham (and to us) the meticulous justice behind His judgment. This emphasizes that God do…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Last reviewed October 2026