and said, “O Lord, if I have found favor in your sight, do not pass by your servant.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Abraham's request, "pass not away, I pray thee, from thy servant," reveals a profound understanding of hospitality. It’s not just about offering food, but about not letting the divine presence—or a divine messenger—slip away from his care, treating it as a sacred opportunity he must not miss. This shows his deep respect and eagerness to honor the visitor, whoever they might be.
and said, “O Lord, if I have found favor in your sight, do not pass by your servant.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Just moments before, three visitors appeared to Abraham, and he, recognizing their dignity and treating them with profound respect, rushed to offer them hospitality. Now, as two of the visitors prepare to depart toward Sodom, Abraham addresses the one who remains, pleading with him not to pass by so quickly but to accept his offering and rest. This interaction is part of God's unfolding plan to reveal His judgment on Sodom to Abraham, as well as to confirm His promises to the patriarch.
Abraham’s immediate reaction to visitors wasn't just politeness; it was a sacred duty rooted in profound respect.
When three men appeared at his tent, Abraham didn't hesitate. He rose immediately and bowed low, a sign of deep respect common in the ancient East.
A Welcoming Spirit
His urgent invitation – "Do not pass by your servant" – wasn't just about offering a meal. It was about recognizing the divine in the everyday. This wasn't just about feeding strangers; it was about honoring them as potential messengers or guests of great significance.
Beyond Obligation
His offer wasn't just a civic duty; it was a demonstration of profound humility and generosity. He saw their arrival as providential, a divine appointment, and he treated them with the utmost honor, offering them rest, water for their feet, and food. This level of hospitality was a way of honoring God by honoring His creation, even when the guests' true identity was unknown.
Abraham’s address, "My Lord," and his self-description reveal a stunning awareness of his place before God.
When Abraham speaks to the divine visitor, he uses the term 'Adonai,' a title of respect and authority. While he didn't yet fully know he was speaking with God in human form, his reverence was profound.
Acknowledging Divine Authority
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His plea, "if I have found favor in your sight," isn't born of doubt but of a deep-seated humility. It's a way of saying, 'If I am acceptable to you, please grant me this small request.'
"Dust and Ashes" Awareness
Later in the narrative, Abraham calls himself "dust and ashes." This isn't self-deprecation in a negative way, but a profound acknowledgment of his utter dependence on God. He understands that any favor or standing he has comes solely from God's grace, not his own merit. This humility is the foundation for his bold intercession.
Understand the original words
chen · Hebrew Noun
Unmerited kindness, grace, or approval granted by a superior to an inferior, often used in the context of seeking God's blessing or presence.
ebed · Hebrew Noun
A person who serves another, often used in the Bible to describe the humble posture of a believer or prophet in relation to God's sovereign authority.
c. 2000 BC— this verse
Abraham settles in Hebron
Abraham and his household, including his nephew Lot, were living in the region of Hebron, a significant Canaanite city at the time.
c. 2000 BC
Divine visitors appear
Three divine beings, understood by Abraham as men, appeared to Abraham as he sat by his tent during the heat of the day.
c. 2000 BC
Abraham's hospitable welcome
Abraham eagerly welcomed the visitors, offering them water, shade, and a meal, demonstrating the strong value placed on hospitality in that culture.
c. 2000 BC
Divine judgment on Sodom revealed
The visitors, revealed to be divine messengers, informed Abraham that they were going to inspect the wickedness of Sodom and Gomorrah.
c. 2000 BC
Abraham intercedes for Sodom
Abraham began a fervent negotiation with the Lord, pleading for the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah, demonstrating his deep concern for justice and mercy.
Jesus, appearing to His disciples on the road to Emmaus, is asked to stay with them because 'it is toward evening, and the day is now far spent.' This echoes Abraham's urgent plea for his divine visitors to rest, showing a consistent theme of welcoming and honoring God's presence.
Hebrews 13:2This passage explicitly references Abraham's encounter, stating, 'Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it.' It highlights the profound significance of Abraham's act of kindness, even before he knew his guests were heavenly beings.
Genesis 19:1Immediately following this plea, the narrative shows the two angels entering Sodom. This verse illustrates the consequence of Abraham's successful request, as the divine visitors paused their journey to accept his hospitality, leading to further unfolding of God's plan.
John 1:14The verse 'The Word became flesh and dwelt among us' resonates with Abraham's interaction. His humble request to host 'the Lord' reflects a deep yearning for God's presence, foreshadowing the ultimate 'dwelling' of God among humanity in Jesus.
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…
gillGenesis 18:3: "And said, My Lord, if now I have found favour in thy sight, pass not away, I pray thee, from thy servant:"
And said, my Lord,.... He addressed himself to one of them who appeared to him to be the greatest and most honourable, either by the appearance of his countenance, or by his dress, or by the situation in which he was between the other two, and by their carriage and behaviour to him: if now I have found favour in thy sight; signifying he should esteem it an honour done him, t…
Abraham's request, "pass not away, I pray thee, from thy servant," reveals a profound understanding of hospitality. It’s not just about offering food, but about not letting the divine presence—or a divine messenger—slip away from his care, treating it as a sacred opportunity he must not miss. This shows his deep respect and eagerness to honor the visitor, whoever they might be.
Just moments before, three visitors appeared to Abraham, and he, recognizing their dignity and treating them with profound respect, rushed to offer them hospitality. Now, as two of the visitors prepare to depart toward Sodom, Abraham addresses the one who remains, pleading with him not to pass by so quickly but to accept his offering and rest. This interaction is part of God's unfolding plan to reveal His judgment on Sodom to Abraham, as well as to confirm His promises to the patriarch.
Just moments before, three visitors appeared to Abraham, and he, recognizing their dignity and treating them with profound respect, rushed to offer them hospitality. Now, as two of the visitors prepare to depart toward Sodom, Abraham addresses the one who remains, pleading with him not to pass by so quickly but to accept his offering and rest. This interaction is part of God's unfolding plan to reveal His judgment on Sodom to Abraham, as well as to confirm His promises to the patriarch.
"and said, “O Lord, if I have found favor in your sight, do not pass by your servant." — Abraham's request, "pass not away, I pray thee, from thy servant," reveals a profound understanding of hospitality. It’s not just about offering food, but about not letting the divine presence—or a d…
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Last reviewed October 2026