Genesis 18:3 - and said, “My lord, if now I have found favor in your sight, please don’t go away from your servant.
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What does "Genesis 18:3" mean?
This verse, Genesis 18:3, is part of the story of Abraham's encounter with three visitors, who are understood to be divine messengers (and in some interpretations, even a pre-incarnate manifestation of God). Let's break down the meaning:
"and said, 'My lord'": Abraham addresses one of the visitors as "My lord" (Hebrew: Adonai). This is a term of respect and submission, acknowledging the visitor's superior status. While "lord" can sometimes refer to a human leader, in this context, it is often understood as an address to God.
"if now I have found favor in your sight": This is a polite and humble expression. Abraham is acknowledging that he is dependent on the goodwill of the visitor. He's not presuming anything. He's expressing his desire to please and be seen as someone deserving of kindness. "Finding favor" implies that Abraham believes he has done something to earn the visitor's approval, or at least hopes to be considered worthy of it.
"please don't go away from your servant": This is the core of the request. Abraham is begging the visitor to stay. He clearly values the visitor's presence and doesn't want them to leave. "Your servant" is another expression of humility, further emphasizing Abraham's subordinate position.
In essence, the verse expresses:
Respect and Humility: Abraham is addressing someone he perceives as powerful and important.
A Plea for Connection: He desires to have the visitor stay and continue interacting with him.
Acknowledgement of Dependence: He understands he is dependent on the visitor's goodwill and favor.
Desire to Serve: By calling himself a "servant," Abraham is implicitly offering to serve and care for the visitors.
Why is this significant?
This verse sets the stage for the rest of the chapter, which includes:
Abraham and Sarah's hospitality: They offer the visitors food and a place to rest.
The promise of a son: The visitors promise Sarah, who is old and barren, that she will have a son within a year.
Abraham's intercession for Sodom and Gomorrah: Abraham bargains with God to spare the cities if righteous people are found there.
The verse highlights Abraham's faith, humility, and his willingness to extend hospitality. These qualities are seen as virtues in the biblical narrative and are crucial to understanding God's later interactions with Abraham. By showing such reverence and kindness, Abraham positions himself to receive the blessings and bear the responsibility that will follow.
Genesis 18:3 - and said, “My lord, if now I have found favor in your sight, please don’t go away from your servant.
What does "Genesis 18:3" mean?
This verse, Genesis 18:3, is part of the story of Abraham's encounter with three visitors, who are understood to be divine messengers (and in some interpretations, even a pre-incarnate manifestation of God). Let's break down the meaning:
"and said, 'My lord'": Abraham addresses one of the visitors as "My lord" (Hebrew: Adonai). This is a term of respect and submission, acknowledging the visitor's superior status. While "lord" can sometimes refer to a human leader, in this context, it is often understood as an address to God.
"if now I have found favor in your sight": This is a polite and humble expression. Abraham is acknowledging that he is dependent on the goodwill of the visitor. He's not presuming anything. He's expressing his desire to please and be seen as someone deserving of kindness. "Finding favor" implies that Abraham believes he has done something to earn the visitor's approval, or at least hopes to be considered worthy of it.
"please don't go away from your servant": This is the core of the request. Abraham is begging the visitor to stay. He clearly values the visitor's presence and doesn't want them to leave. "Your servant" is another expression of humility, further emphasizing Abraham's subordinate position.
In essence, the verse expresses:
Respect and Humility: Abraham is addressing someone he perceives as powerful and important.
A Plea for Connection: He desires to have the visitor stay and continue interacting with him.
Acknowledgement of Dependence: He understands he is dependent on the visitor's goodwill and favor.
Desire to Serve: By calling himself a "servant," Abraham is implicitly offering to serve and care for the visitors.
Why is this significant?
This verse sets the stage for the rest of the chapter, which includes:
Abraham and Sarah's hospitality: They offer the visitors food and a place to rest.
The promise of a son: The visitors promise Sarah, who is old and barren, that she will have a son within a year.
Abraham's intercession for Sodom and Gomorrah: Abraham bargains with God to spare the cities if righteous people are found there.
The verse highlights Abraham's faith, humility, and his willingness to extend hospitality. These qualities are seen as virtues in the biblical narrative and are crucial to understanding God's later interactions with Abraham. By showing such reverence and kindness, Abraham positions himself to receive the blessings and bear the responsibility that will follow.