Then Abraham drew near and said, “Will you indeed sweep away the righteous with the wicked?
English Standard Version (ESV)
Abraham doesn't just ask if God will destroy the righteous with the wicked; the phrasing implies he's pushing back, suggesting that such an action would be contrary to God's very nature as a just judge. This isn't merely a question, but a bold assertion of a divine standard of righteousness that even God Himself upholds.
Then Abraham drew near and said, “Will you indeed sweep away the righteous with the wicked?
English Standard Version (ESV)
God has just revealed to Abraham His intention to judge and destroy Sodom and Gomorrah because of their great wickedness. As the divine visitors turn towards Sodom, Abraham lingers, engaging in a profound intercession. This conversation highlights Abraham's compassion and his understanding of God's justice, questioning if the innocent would truly perish alongside the guilty.
Imagine standing before the King of the universe. Would you feel bold or timid? Abraham approaches God with a unique blend of awe and confidence, demonstrating a deep understanding of his relationship with the Almighty.
The verse states, "Abraham drew near." This isn't just a physical movement; it signifies Abraham's spiritual posture. He approaches the Lord, not as a distant, terrifying deity, but as a Father figure with whom he has a relationship. This 'drawing near' is rooted in faith and a recognition of God's character, particularly His covenant with Abraham. It shows that those who are in relationship with God can come before Him with confidence, even to question or intercede on behalf of others.
Abraham's question, 'Will you indeed sweep away the righteous with the wicked?' isn't just a plea for Lot. It's a profound theological statement about the nature of God.
Abraham's core concern is that God's justice would be compromised by punishing the innocent alongside the guilty. He appeals to God's own character as the "Judge of all the earth" (Genesis 18:25). This highlights a crucial biblical principle: God's judgment is not arbitrary. While His wrath against sin is fierce, His justice demands that the righteous are not condemned for the wicked's actions. This doesn't mean God's judgment is limited; rather, it's perfectly administered. Abraham's intercession rests on the assurance that God's actions align with His righteous nature.
Abraham wasn't just arguing theology; he was driven by a deep concern for others. His prayer reveals the heart of a true intercessor.
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Abraham's willingness to 'draw near' and question God stems from his compassion, likely motivated by concern for his nephew Lot and his family. He appeals to the possibility of righteous individuals existing within Sodom. This shows that faith isn't passive; it often compels us to act as advocates for others. Abraham's persistent questioning, gradually lowering the number of righteous individuals needed for the city's salvation, demonstrates his earnestness and the profound empathy driving his prayer. It’s a powerful example of how we, as God's friends, can intercede for those who might otherwise face judgment.
Understand the original words
nagash · Hebrew Verb
To come into the presence of God; in a religious context, it signifies the privilege of the believer to approach God in prayer, often implying intimacy, reverence, and boldness rooted in relationship.
tsaddiq · Hebrew Adjective
Refers to those who are morally upright, blameless, and compliant with God’s standard of holiness. In a biblical context, it describes a person whose life aligns with the will of God through faith and obedience.
rasha' · Hebrew Adjective
Those who depart from the divine standard of morality, showing hostility toward God and His ways. It describes people who live in defiance of God’s law and oppress others.
Abraham's bold intercession highlights God's commitment to justice, showing that even in the face of widespread wickedness, the righteous will be spared, and emphasizing the profound value God places on even a small number of faithful individuals.
c. 2091 BC
Abraham's Covenant Renewal
God appears to Abraham, reaffirms His covenant, and promises him descendants and the land. This interaction sets the stage for God revealing His plans.
c. 2091 BC— this verse
Divine Council Visits Abraham
Three visitors, representing God, appear to Abraham near Mamre. Abraham's hospitality and their subsequent conversation reveal God's intention to judge Sodom and Gomorrah.
c. 2091 BC
Abraham's Intercession for Sodom
Abraham pleads with God, bargaining for the lives of the righteous in Sodom, demonstrating his deep concern for justice and the value of even a few righteous individuals.
c. 2091 BC
Lot's Rescue from Sodom
The angels accompanying Lot lead him, his wife, and his two daughters out of Sodom just before its destruction.
c. 2091 BC
Destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah
God rains down fire and sulfur on Sodom and Gomorrah, utterly destroying them and the surrounding cities due to their extreme wickedness.
This passage echoes Abraham's concern, highlighting God's search for someone to stand in the gap and intercede, emphasizing the divine desire for justice and mercy.
Jeremiah 5:1Similar to Abraham's plea, God asks for a diligent search in Jerusalem for any righteous person, illustrating the principle that even one righteous individual can be a reason for sparing a city.
Romans 3:5-6This passage directly addresses the theological question Abraham poses, affirming that God's justice makes it impossible for Him to destroy the righteous with the wicked; God's actions are never arbitrary.
Luke 18:7-8Jesus' parable about the persistent widow shows that God hears the cries of His elect and will act justly on their behalf, underscoring the power and effectiveness of persistent prayer, much like Abraham's intercession.
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…
wesleyGenesis 18:23: "And Abraham drew near, and said, Wilt thou also destroy the righteous with the wicked?"
18:23 Abraham drew near - This expression intimates, A holy concern. A holy confidence; he drew near with an assurance of faith, drew near as a prince, Job 31:37.
Abraham doesn't just ask if God will destroy the righteous with the wicked; the phrasing implies he's pushing back, suggesting that such an action would be contrary to God's very nature as a just judge. This isn't merely a question, but a bold assertion of a divine standard of righteousness that even God Himself upholds.
God has just revealed to Abraham His intention to judge and destroy Sodom and Gomorrah because of their great wickedness. As the divine visitors turn towards Sodom, Abraham lingers, engaging in a profound intercession. This conversation highlights Abraham's compassion and his understanding of God's justice, questioning if the innocent would truly perish alongside the guilty.
God has just revealed to Abraham His intention to judge and destroy Sodom and Gomorrah because of their great wickedness. As the divine visitors turn towards Sodom, Abraham lingers, engaging in a profound intercession. This conversation highlights Abraham's compassion and his understanding of God's justice, questioning if the innocent would truly perish alongside the guilty.
"Then Abraham drew near and said, “Will you indeed sweep away the righteous with the wicked?" — Abraham doesn't just ask if God will destroy the righteous with the wicked; the phrasing implies he's pushing back, suggesting that such an action would be contrary to God's very nature as a just j…
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Last reviewed October 2026