Genesis 18 17

Genesis 18:17

ESV: The LORD said, "Shall I hide from Abraham what I am about to do,

KJV: And the LORD said, Shall I hide from Abraham that thing which I do;

NIV: Then the LORD said, "Shall I hide from Abraham what I am about to do?

NKJV: And the LORD said, "Shall I hide from Abraham what I am doing,

NLT: "Should I hide my plan from Abraham?" the LORD asked.

Meaning

This verse captures a rhetorical question posed by the LORD, indicating a pivotal moment in God's interaction with Abraham. It reveals God's contemplation of whether to withhold His impending actions, specifically the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, from His chosen servant and friend, Abraham. The underlying meaning emphasizes Abraham's unique, privileged status and profound relationship with the LORD, implying that withholding such critical information would be unfitting for their established covenant. It underscores God's trust in Abraham and prepares the reader for Abraham's subsequent intercession, demonstrating that God desires His chosen ones to understand His righteous judgments.

Cross References

Context

This verse follows directly after the divine visitation to Abraham at Mamre, where the LORD, along with two angels, has reiterated the promise of Isaac's birth despite Sarah's old age. As the LORD and His companions depart toward Sodom, a dramatic shift occurs. The narrative moves from a focus on Abraham's future family to a broader theme of divine judgment. God pauses, seemingly in soliloquy, contemplating whether to disclose His impending judgment upon the wicked cities of Sodom and Gomorrah to Abraham. This intimate moment sets the stage for Abraham's unique role as an intercessor, underscoring his spiritual stature as the "friend of God" and progenitor of a nation through whom all the families of the earth would be blessed, a nation that must understand and uphold God's righteous standards of justice and judgment.

Word analysis

• And the LORD: The Hebrew term is יְהוָה (YHWH), the sacred covenant name of God. This indicates it is the divine, personal, and covenant-keeping God who is speaking, not just an angelic messenger. This direct involvement highlights the significance of the upcoming disclosure and the intimacy of the relationship with Abraham.
• said: The Hebrew verb is אָמַר ('amar), meaning to say, speak, or declare. Here, it introduces a crucial statement that reflects internal deliberation on God's part, framing it as a thoughtful and deliberate decision rather than an impulsive one.
• Shall I hide: The Hebrew verb is כָסָה (kasah), meaning to cover, conceal, or keep secret. Posed as a rhetorical question, this emphasizes that God is actively choosing to reveal, not compelled. It signifies the immense privilege granted to Abraham. God is not ignorant, but considering a deliberate act of revelation or concealment. This question draws the reader into the divine council.
• from Abraham: The Hebrew is מֵאַבְרָהָם (me'Avraham). This specific naming emphasizes that Abraham is individually singled out for this unique communication. It highlights his exceptional position among humanity due to his covenant relationship and his destined role.
• that thing which I do: The Hebrew phrase is אֲשֶׁר אֲנִי עֹשֶׂה ('asher 'ani 'oseh), literally "that which I am doing" or "that which I am about to do." This refers to the imminent and certain divine action against Sodom and Gomorrah. It's not a mere possibility but a resolved act of judgment, reinforcing God's sovereignty and His unwavering commitment to righteousness. The present participle form implies an action already set in motion or determined.
• "And the LORD said, Shall I hide from Abraham?": This is a profound divine soliloquy. It's not God genuinely asking Himself, as if He were unsure, but rather revealing His character and Abraham's esteemed status. It is a rhetorical device that elevates Abraham, signaling God's high regard for His covenant partner. This intimate reflection shows God valuing not just obedience, but understanding and partnership with His chosen one. It contrasts sharply with pagan deities who often act whimsically and hide their intentions from mortals.
• "hide from Abraham that thing which I do?": This specific phrasing underscores God's intentionality and relationship-focused nature. God is deciding against acting unilaterally without His friend's awareness, especially concerning an event so pivotal for Abraham's family and future lineage, which would inherit the promised land bordering these cities. It demonstrates God's desire for Abraham to grasp divine justice, so that his descendants may also live righteously.

Commentary

Genesis 18:17 is a cornerstone verse, offering profound insight into the character of God and the depth of His relationship with Abraham. It's not a literal query where God seeks advice, but a divine deliberation, voiced aloud to invite the reader and to underscore Abraham's unparalleled position. God considers whether to reveal His plans concerning the impending destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. This rhetorical question highlights Abraham's status as the "friend of God," chosen not merely to obey, but to understand God's righteous ways. God knows Abraham's character (Gen 18:19) and his destined role as the progenitor of a nation through whom all nations would be blessed (Gen 12:3; 18:18). Therefore, it is fitting for Abraham to comprehend God's justice, especially regarding the destruction of wicked cities neighboring the land promised to his offspring. This revelation empowers Abraham for the significant intercessory role he is about to play, affirming that genuine faith involves not only trusting God's power but also understanding His holy standards and sharing His concern for righteousness. It foreshadows the broader principle that God reveals His deep counsel to those who genuinely know and fear Him (Ps 25:14; Amos 3:7).

Bonus section

• Divine Anthropomorphism and Deliberation: God’s "soliloquy" here is an example of anthropomorphism, portraying God as thinking and speaking in human terms. This literary device helps humans understand God's profound thought processes and moral reasoning, making His justice comprehensible and accessible. It’s not indicative of indecision, but of a profound, relational engagement.
• Foundation for Prophetic Revelation: This verse lays a significant foundation for understanding the nature of prophetic revelation throughout the Bible. Just as God revealed His secret plans to Abraham, He continues to do so through His servants, the prophets (Amos 3:7), sharing His wisdom and purpose with humanity, not arbitrarily but purposefully to those He calls into close relationship and ministry.
• Covenantal Partnership: The interaction implies a unique covenantal partnership where Abraham is elevated beyond a mere recipient of commands to someone who partakes in divine knowledge and even counsel. This intimate level of communion is a profound aspect of God's covenant with His people, desiring them to know His heart.
• Theological Contrast: This direct, open deliberation by the LORD about His actions stands in stark contrast to the pagan deities of the ancient Near East, who were often depicted as capricious, secretive, and manipulative, making decisions arbitrarily and keeping humanity in the dark. Yahweh, in this passage, reveals Himself as a God of justice, discernment, and relationship, desiring His chosen ones to understand His character.

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