Genesis 18:23-25
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Abraham bravely confronts God, not with demands, but with a plea rooted in the very nature of divine justice: "Will you indeed sweep away the righteous with the wicked?" This question reveals a profound understanding that God's justice isn't arbitrary, but inherently seeks to distinguish between innocence and guilt, a principle he stakes his entire intercession upon.
Then Abraham drew near and said, “Will you indeed sweep away the righteous with the wicked? Suppose there are fifty righteous within the city. Will you then sweep away the place and not spare it for the fifty righteous who are in it? Far be it from you to do such a thing, to put the righteous to death with the wicked, so that the righteous fare as the wicked! Far be that from you! Shall not the Judge of all the earth do what is just?”
English Standard Version (ESV)
After God reveals his intention to destroy Sodom and Gomorrah because of their immense wickedness, Abraham boldly steps forward. He pleads with God, not to spare the wicked cities outright, but to consider whether the innocent should suffer alongside the guilty. This conversation marks a critical moment where Abraham’s faith and relationship with God are tested and deepened, leading to a profound negotiation over the fate of the cities.
When we see injustice, do we shrink back, or do we step forward? Abraham's prayer in this moment reveals a profound willingness to draw near to the Almighty.
Abraham doesn't just passively witness God's impending judgment; he actively draws near. This isn't just physical proximity; it's an approach in prayer, a bold yet humble engagement with the Divine. The Hebrew word here suggests not just coming closer, but advancing with a purpose, as one might approach a king. It signifies a growing confidence born from a relationship with God, a trust that allows for honest questioning and earnest petition, even when facing the awesome power of divine judgment.
Abraham raises a critical question: Can a perfectly just God condemn the innocent alongside the guilty? This strikes at the very heart of divine character.
Abraham's question, 'Will you indeed sweep away the righteous with the wicked?', isn't an accusation, but an appeal to God's established character. He's not questioning God's power to judge, but His justice in judgment. He appeals to the principle that God, as the ultimate Judge, would not equate the righteous with the wicked. This reveals a deep understanding that God's actions are not arbitrary but are rooted in perfect righteousness and fairness. Abraham's plea is a testament to the belief that God's justice must differentiate between those who follow Him and those who do not.
Understand the original words
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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.
nasa' · Hebrew Verb
To forgive, hold back punishment, or refrain from destroying. It suggests an act of grace where judgment is withheld for the sake of mercy.
shaphat · Hebrew Noun
God acting as the ultimate arbiter of human affairs. This title emphasizes God’s moral supremacy and His responsibility to uphold divine law and truth throughout the world.
mishpat · Hebrew Noun
The quality of being morally right, fair, and in accordance with God’s holy standard. It encompasses both the internal state of righteousness and external conduct that aligns with God's character.
Abraham's plea to God reveals a profound understanding of divine justice and mercy. It underscores the principle that God values righteousness, even amidst widespread wickedness, and that sincere intercession can impact divine judgment.
c. 2000 BC
Abraham settles in Canaan
Abraham, called by God, leaves his homeland to settle in the land of Canaan. This period marks the beginning of God's covenant relationship with him and his descendants.
c. 1900 BC
Abraham rescues Lot
Abraham leads his trained men to rescue his nephew Lot and his family, who had been captured during a conflict between local kings. This event highlights Abraham's willingness to intervene for those he cared about.
c. 1900 BC
God appears to Abraham near Mamre
The Lord appears to Abraham near the oaks of Mamre, accompanied by two angelic messengers. This divine encounter sets the stage for the revelation concerning Sodom and Gomorrah.
c. 1900 BC— this verse
God reveals His judgment on Sodom
The Lord tells Abraham of His intention to judge and destroy the wicked cities of Sodom and Gomorrah due to their overwhelming sin.
c. 1900 BC
Abraham intercedes for Sodom
Abraham boldly pleads with God, questioning if the righteous will be swept away with the wicked, and repeatedly bargains for the cities' sparing if a certain number of righteous people are found.
c. 1900 BC
Sodom and Gomorrah are destroyed
Despite Abraham's intercession, the cities are ultimately destroyed by fire and brimstone, with only Lot, his wife (who looks back and is turned into a pillar of salt), and their two daughters escaping.
This passage directly echoes Abraham's plea, asking if God delights in the death of the wicked or if He would rather they turn from their ways and live.
Jeremiah 5:1Similar to Abraham's intercession, the prophet Jeremiah is sent to search Jerusalem for just individuals, highlighting the divine principle of sparing a place for the sake of the righteous.
Romans 3:5-6Abraham appeals to God's justice, and Paul later grapples with this same concept, asking if God is unjust for bringing judgment, concluding that He cannot be.
Luke 18:7-8Jesus tells a parable about a persistent widow seeking justice, illustrating the power of persistent prayer that echoes Abraham's determined intercession for Sodom.
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 bravely confronts God, not with demands, but with a plea rooted in the very nature of divine justice: "Will you indeed sweep away the righteous with the wicked?" This question reveals a profound understanding that God's justice isn't arbitrary, but inherently seeks to distinguish between innocence and guilt, a principle he stakes his entire intercession upon.
After God reveals his intention to destroy Sodom and Gomorrah because of their immense wickedness, Abraham boldly steps forward. He pleads with God, not to spare the wicked cities outright, but to consider whether the innocent should suffer alongside the guilty. This conversation marks a critical moment where Abraham’s faith and relationship with God are tested and deepened, leading to a profound negotiation over the fate of the cities.
After God reveals his intention to destroy Sodom and Gomorrah because of their immense wickedness, Abraham boldly steps forward. He pleads with God, not to spare the wicked cities outright, but to consider whether the innocent should suffer alongside the guilty. This conversation marks a critical moment where Abraham’s faith and relationship with God are tested and deepened, leading to a profound negotiation over the fate of the cities.
"Then Abraham drew near and said, “Will you indeed sweep away the righteous with the wicked? Suppose there are fifty righteous within the city. Will you then sweep away the place and not spare it for the fifty righteous who are in it? Far b…" — Abraham bravely confronts God, not with demands, but with a plea rooted in the very nature of divine justice: "Will you indeed sweep away the righteous with the wicked?" This question reveals a profo…
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Last reviewed October 2026
