Genesis 18:24

Authorized King James Version

Peradventure there be fifty righteous within the city: wilt thou also destroy and not spare the place for the fifty righteous that are therein?

Word-by-Word Analysis

אוּלַ֥י

H194

if not; hence perhaps

יֵ֛שׁ

H3426

Peradventure there be

there is or are (or any other form of the verb to be, as may suit the connection)

חֲמִשִּׁ֥ים

H2572

fifty

הַצַּדִּיקִ֖ם

H6662

righteous

just

בְּת֣וֹךְ

H8432

within

a bisection, i.e., (by implication) the center

הָעִ֑יר

H5892

the city

a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

הַאַ֤ף

H637

meaning accession (used as an adverb or conjunction); also or yea; adversatively though

תִּסְפֶּה֙

H5595

wilt thou also destroy

properly, to scrape (literally, to shave; but usually figuratively) together (i.e., to accumulate or increase) or away (i.e., to scatter, remove, or r

וְלֹֽא

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

#10

תִשָּׂ֣א

H5375

and not spare

to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative

#11

לַמָּק֔וֹם

H4725

the place

properly, a standing, i.e., a spot; but used widely of a locality (general or specific); also (figuratively) of a condition (of body or mind)

#12

לְמַ֛עַן

H4616

for

properly, heed, i.e., purpose; used only adverbially, on account of (as a motive or an aim), teleologically, in order that

#13

חֲמִשִּׁ֥ים

H2572

fifty

#14

הַצַּדִּיקִ֖ם

H6662

righteous

just

#15

אֲשֶׁ֥ר

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

#16

בְּקִרְבָּֽהּ׃

H7130

that are therein

properly, the nearest part, i.e., the center, whether literal, figurative or adverbial (especially with preposition)

Analysis

The creation and providence theme here intersects with the broader canonical witness to God's character and purposes. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of progressive revelation that finds its culmination in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's consistent character and purposes.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the tribal and clan-based society of the ancient Near East. The author writes to address the foundational narrative for Israel's identity and relationship with God, making the emphasis on creation and providence particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about creation and providence?
How does this verse's literary context within Genesis chapter 18 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
How does the creation and providence theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

People

Study Resources

Biblical Timeline