Genesis 18 5

Genesis 18:5

ESV: while I bring a morsel of bread, that you may refresh yourselves, and after that you may pass on ? since you have come to your servant." So they said, "Do as you have said."

KJV: And I will fetch a morsel of bread, and comfort ye your hearts; after that ye shall pass on: for therefore are ye come to your servant. And they said, So do, as thou hast said.

NIV: Let me get you something to eat, so you can be refreshed and then go on your way?now that you have come to your servant." "Very well," they answered, "do as you say."

NKJV: And I will bring a morsel of bread, that you may refresh your hearts. After that you may pass by, inasmuch as you have come to your servant." They said, "Do as you have said."

NLT: And since you've honored your servant with this visit, let me prepare some food to refresh you before you continue on your journey." "All right," they said. "Do as you have said."

Meaning

Genesis 18:5 describes Abraham's initial, humble offer of hospitality to three travelers, whom he soon discerns to be divine. He proposes providing a simple "morsel of bread" to sustain them and "comfort their hearts" for their journey, humbly suggesting their visit to his tent was the divine reason for their stop. This verse profoundly illustrates Abraham's spontaneous generosity, his deep spiritual perception, and the sacred nature of hospitality in welcoming what might be a heavenly encounter.

Cross References

Context

This verse is situated immediately after Abraham spots three men approaching his tent by the oaks of Mamre. The preceding verses establish Abraham's attentiveness and eagerness to welcome travelers. He runs from his tent door to meet them, bows down to the ground, and offers to provide water for them to wash their feet and rest. This particular verse (Gen 18:5) follows as he further extends his hospitality, offering a small refreshment before they continue their journey. The historical and cultural context underscores the immense importance of hospitality in the ancient Near East, where travelers relied on the goodwill of strangers for survival. For Abraham, a man of faith, this act of hospitality was not merely a social custom but a spiritual duty and an expression of his relationship with God, who often manifested Himself or His messengers in human form. It anticipates the greater revelation of one of the men being the Lord Himself.

Word analysis

• "I will fetch": (Hebrew: וְאֶקְחָה, ve'eq'khah). Implies an immediate, active, and willing intent on Abraham's part to personally procure and serve, underscoring his enthusiasm and humility, despite his age and status.
• "a morsel": (Hebrew: פַּת, pat). Signifies a small, broken piece or fragment. It deliberately understates what Abraham actually provides later (a rich meal, including a fattened calf, curds, milk, and bread). This serves to humble the offering, perhaps as a test of the visitors' humility, or simply Abraham's extreme politeness in not presuming on their time or appetite.
• "of bread": (Hebrew: לֶחֶם, lekhem). While literally "bread," in broader Hebrew usage, lekhem can denote food or a meal in general, the staple for sustenance. Its combination with pat (morsel) paints a picture of simple provision.
• "and comfort ye your hearts": (Hebrew: וְסַעֲדוּ לִבְּכֶם, ve-sa'adu lib'khem).
  • "comfort" / "strengthen": (Hebrew: סַעֲדוּ, sa'adu from root sa'ad). Means "to support," "sustain," "strengthen." It implies physical refreshment and vigor, allowing for continued activity.
  • "your hearts": (Hebrew: לִבְּכֶם, lib'khem). In Hebrew thought, the heart (lev) is the seat of intellect, will, emotion, and life-force. To "comfort the heart" or "strengthen the heart" means to restore the entire being, physically and mentally, from the weariness of travel.
• "after that ye shall pass on": (Hebrew: אַחַר כֵּן תַּעֲבֹרוּ, akhar ken ta'avoru). Indicates Abraham’s understanding that their stop is temporary and their journey is ongoing. His offering is meant to facilitate their continuing travel.
• "for therefore are ye come": (Hebrew: עַל־כֵּן בָּאתֶם, al-ken ba'tem). The Hebrew al-ken signifies "for this reason" or "therefore." Abraham politely suggests that their presence near his tent (and thus their encounter with him) was the very divine reason or purpose for their pause in journey. It displays his respect and implicit awareness of a greater purpose behind their visitation, framing his hospitality as a service to their true itinerary.
• "to your servant": (Hebrew: עַל־עַבְדְּכֶם, al 'avdekhem). Abraham refers to himself as their "servant." This is a profound act of humility, characteristic of his posture before God and those he respected. It elevates the guests and positions Abraham in a role of devoted service, demonstrating deference and respect.

Commentary

Genesis 18:5 encapsulates Abraham's deep-seated virtue of hospitality, which is often cited as exemplary in the Bible. What begins as an offer of "a morsel of bread" quickly escalates to an elaborate feast in subsequent verses, revealing Abraham's characteristic generosity that far exceeds mere societal obligation. This underestimation serves both to express Abraham's profound humility and perhaps to avoid burdening his guests. The phrase "comfort ye your hearts" reflects a holistic view of human need, recognizing the need for both physical and inner replenishment. Abraham's swift and eager response to strangers foreshadows the New Testament teaching to "entertain angels unawares" (Heb 13:2), as he ultimately discovers the divine identity of at least one of his visitors. His humility in referring to himself as "your servant" even before discerning their true nature demonstrates a consistent and praiseworthy posture of service towards God and others. This encounter portrays a beautiful reciprocity where God, in His condescension, accepts human hospitality, and humanity, through faithful service, encounters the divine.

Bonus section

The verb "comfort ye your hearts" (סַעֲדוּ לִבְּכֶם, sa'adu lib'khem) has an underlying sense of 'prop up' or 'support'. It implies strengthening from within, akin to bracing a building. This signifies not just eating for physical energy but restoring vigor to the entire inner person, which aligns with the biblical understanding of the "heart" as the center of one's being. Abraham's extraordinary act of hospitality in this passage, going from offering a "morsel" to a grand feast (Gen 18:6-8), sets a high benchmark for practical application of faith, teaching believers the importance of giving sacrificially and spontaneously, especially when one perceives a divine appointment or need. This scene illustrates that true hospitality often requires exceeding what is initially stated or expected.

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