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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Genesis 18:1 Then the LORD appeared to Abraham by the Oaks of Mamre in the heat of the day, while he was sitting at the entrance of his tent.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/genesis/18-1.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/13/01_Gen_18_01.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Genesis 18:1 - The Three Visitors" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Then the LORD appeared to Abraham by the Oaks of Mamre in the heat of the day, while he was sitting at the entrance of his tent." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/genesis/18-1.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/genesis/18-1.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/genesis/">Genesis</a> > <a href="/genesis/18.htm">Chapter 18</a> > Verse 1</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad1.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/genesis/17-27.htm" title="Genesis 17:27">◄</a> Genesis 18:1 <a href="/genesis/18-2.htm" title="Genesis 18:2">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/genesis/18.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/genesis/18.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />The LORD appeared to Abraham near the great trees of Mamre while he was sitting at the entrance to his tent in the heat of the day.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/genesis/18.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />The LORD appeared again to Abraham near the oak grove belonging to Mamre. One day Abraham was sitting at the entrance to his tent during the hottest part of the day.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/genesis/18.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />And the LORD appeared to him by the oaks of Mamre, as he sat at the door of his tent in the heat of the day.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/genesis/18.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then the LORD appeared to Abraham by the Oaks of Mamre in the heat of the day, while he was sitting at the entrance of his tent.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/genesis/18.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />And the LORD appeared unto him in the plains of Mamre: and he sat in the tent door in the heat of the day;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/genesis/18.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Then the LORD appeared to him by the terebinth trees of Mamre, as he was sitting in the tent door in the heat of the day.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/genesis/18.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Now the LORD appeared to Abraham by the oaks of Mamre, while he was sitting at the tent door in the heat of the day.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/genesis/18.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Now the LORD appeared to him by the oaks of Mamre, while he was sitting at the tent door in the heat of the day.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/genesis/18.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Now the LORD appeared to him by the oaks of Mamre, while he was sitting at the tent door in the heat of the day.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/genesis/18.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Then Yahweh appeared to him by the oaks of Mamre, while he was sitting at the tent door in the heat of the day.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/genesis/18.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Now the LORD appeared to Abraham by the terebinth <i>trees</i> of Mamre [in Hebron], while he was sitting at the tent door in the heat of the day.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/genesis/18.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />The LORD appeared to Abraham at the oaks of Mamre while he was sitting at the entrance of his tent during the heat of the day.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/genesis/18.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then the LORD appeared to Abraham at the oaks of Mamre while he was sitting in the entrance of his tent during the heat of the day. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/genesis/18.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And Jehovah appeared unto him by the oaks of Mamre, as he sat in the tent door in the heat of the day;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/genesis/18.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />One hot summer afternoon while Abraham was sitting by the entrance to his tent near the sacred trees of Mamre, the LORD appeared to him. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/genesis/18.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And the LORD appeared unto him by the oaks of Mamre, as he sat in the tent door in the heat of the day;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/genesis/18.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />The LORD appeared to Abraham by the oak trees belonging to Mamre as he was sitting at the entrance of his tent during the hottest part of the day.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/genesis/18.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />The LORD appeared to Abraham at the sacred trees of Mamre. As Abraham was sitting at the entrance of his tent during the hottest part of the day, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/genesis/18.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Later, the LORD appeared to Abraham by the oaks belonging to Mamre. As Abraham was sitting near the entrance to his tent during the hottest part of the day, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/genesis/18.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then the LORD appeared to Abraham by the Oaks of Mamre in the heat of the day, while he was sitting at the entrance of his tent.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/genesis/18.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />The LORD appeared to Abraham by the oaks of Mamre while he was sitting at the entrance to his tent during the hottest time of the day.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/genesis/18.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />And God appeared to him by the oaks of Mamre, as he sat in the tent door in the heat of the day.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/genesis/18.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And the LORD appeared to him in the plains of Mamre: and he sat in the tent door in the heat of the day;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/genesis/18.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Yahweh appeared to him by the oaks of Mamre, as he sat in the tent door in the heat of the day. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/genesis/18.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />And YHWH appears to him among the oaks of Mamre, and he is sitting at the opening of the tent, about the heat of the day;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/genesis/18.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> And Jehovah appeareth unto him among the oaks of Mamre, and he is sitting at the opening of the tent, about the heat of the day;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/genesis/18.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And Jehovah will be seen to him at the oaks of Mamra: and he will sit at the entrance of his tent at the heat of the day.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/genesis/18.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And the Lord appeared to him in the vale of Mambre as he was sitting at the door of his tent, in the very heat of the day. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/genesis/18.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Then the Lord appeared to him, in the steep valley of Mamre, when he was sitting at the door of his tent, in the very heat of the day.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/genesis/18.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />The LORD appeared to Abraham by the oak of Mamre, as he sat in the entrance of his tent, while the day was growing hot.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/genesis/18.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />The LORD appeared to Abraham by the oaks of Mamre, as he sat at the entrance of his tent in the heat of the day.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/genesis/18.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />AND the LORD revealed himself to him by the oak of Mamre, as he was sitting at the door of the tent in the heat of the day;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/genesis/18.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And he lifted his eyes, and he saw, and behold, three men standing over by him, and he saw them and he ran to meet them from the door of the tent, and he bowed on the ground,<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/genesis/18.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />And the LORD appeared unto him by the terebinths of Mamre, as he sat in the tent door in the heat of the day;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/genesis/18.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And God appeared to him by the oak of Mambre, as he sat by the door of his tent at noon.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/genesis/18-1.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/7ehevn8iSgc?start=3695" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/genesis/18.htm">The Three Visitors</a></span><br> <span class="reftext">1</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/3068.htm" title="3068: Yah·weh (N-proper-ms) -- The proper name of the God of Israel. From hayah; self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God.">Then the LORD</a> <a href="/hebrew/7200.htm" title="7200: way·yê·rā (Conj-w:: V-Nifal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To see. A primitive root; to see, literally or figuratively.">appeared</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’ê·lāw (Prep:: 3ms) -- To, into, towards. ">to Abraham</a> <a href="/hebrew/436.htm" title="436: bə·’ê·lō·nê (Prep-b:: N-mpc) -- A terebinth. Prolonged from 'ayil; an oak or other strong tree.">by the Oaks</a> <a href="/hebrew/4471.htm" title="4471: mam·rê (N-proper-fs) -- A place in Pal., also an ally of Abraham. From mara'; lusty; Mamre, an Amorite.">of Mamre</a> <a href="/hebrew/2527.htm" title="2527: kə·ḥōm (Prep-k:: N-msc) -- Heat. From chamam; heat.">in the heat</a> <a href="/hebrew/3117.htm" title="3117: hay·yō·wm (Art:: N-ms) -- Day. From an unused root meaning to be hot; a day, whether literal, or figurative.">of the day,</a> <a href="/hebrew/1931.htm" title="1931: wə·hū (Conj-w:: Pro-3ms) -- He, she, it. ">while he</a> <a href="/hebrew/3427.htm" title="3427: yō·šêḇ (V-Qal-Prtcpl-ms) -- A primitive root; properly, to sit down; by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry.">was sitting</a> <a href="/hebrew/6607.htm" title="6607: pe·ṯaḥ- (N-msc) -- Opening, doorway, entrance. From pathach; an opening, i.e. Door or entrance way.">at the entrance</a> <a href="/hebrew/168.htm" title="168: hā·’ō·hel (Art:: N-ms) -- A tent. From 'ahal; a tent.">of his tent.</a> </span><span class="reftext">2</span>And Abraham looked up and saw three men standing nearby. When he saw them, he ran from the entrance of his tent to meet them and bowed low to the ground.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/13-2.htm">Hebrews 13:2</a></span><br />Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/19-1.htm">Genesis 19:1</a></span><br />Now the two angels arrived at Sodom in the evening, and Lot was sitting in the gateway of the city. When Lot saw them, he got up to meet them, bowed facedown,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/judges/6-11.htm">Judges 6:11-14</a></span><br />Then the angel of the LORD came and sat down under the oak in Ophrah that belonged to Joash the Abiezrite, where his son Gideon was threshing wheat in a winepress to hide it from the Midianites. / And the angel of the LORD appeared to Gideon and said, “The LORD is with you, O mighty man of valor.” / “Please, my Lord,” Gideon replied, “if the LORD is with us, why has all this happened to us? And where are all His wonders of which our fathers told us, saying, ‘Has not the LORD brought us up out of Egypt?’ But now the LORD has forsaken us and delivered us into the hand of Midian.” ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/3-2.htm">Exodus 3:2</a></span><br />There the angel of the LORD appeared to him in a blazing fire from within a bush. Moses saw the bush ablaze with fire, but it was not consumed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/17-1.htm">Genesis 17:1</a></span><br />When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the LORD appeared to him and said, “I am God Almighty. Walk before Me and be blameless.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/12-7.htm">Genesis 12:7</a></span><br />Then the LORD appeared to Abram and said, “I will give this land to your offspring.” So Abram built an altar there to the LORD, who had appeared to him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/32-24.htm">Genesis 32:24-30</a></span><br />So Jacob was left all alone, and there a man wrestled with him until daybreak. / When the man saw that he could not overpower Jacob, he struck the socket of Jacob’s hip and dislocated it as they wrestled. / Then the man said, “Let me go, for it is daybreak.” But Jacob replied, “I will not let you go unless you bless me.” ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/1-14.htm">John 1:14</a></span><br />The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us. We have seen His glory, the glory of the one and only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/24-15.htm">Luke 24:15-16</a></span><br />And as they talked and deliberated, Jesus Himself came up and walked along with them. / But their eyes were kept from recognizing Him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/7-30.htm">Acts 7:30</a></span><br />After forty years had passed, an angel appeared to Moses in the flames of a burning bush in the desert near Mount Sinai.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/22-11.htm">Genesis 22:11</a></span><br />Just then the angel of the LORD called out to him from heaven, “Abraham, Abraham!” “Here I am,” he replied.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/35-9.htm">Genesis 35:9</a></span><br />After Jacob had returned from Paddan-aram, God appeared to him again and blessed him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/16-7.htm">Genesis 16:7</a></span><br />Now the angel of the LORD found Hagar by a spring of water in the desert—the spring along the road to Shur.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/33-11.htm">Exodus 33:11</a></span><br />Thus the LORD would speak to Moses face to face, as a man speaks to his friend. Then Moses would return to the camp, but his young assistant Joshua son of Nun would not leave the tent.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/joshua/5-13.htm">Joshua 5:13-15</a></span><br />Now when Joshua was near Jericho, he looked up and saw a man standing in front of him with a drawn sword in His hand. Joshua approached Him and asked, “Are You for us or for our enemies?” / “Neither,” He replied. “I have now come as Commander of the LORD’s army.” Then Joshua fell facedown in reverence and asked Him, “What does my Lord have to say to His servant?” / The Commander of the LORD’s army replied, “Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy.” And Joshua did so.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And the LORD appeared to him in the plains of Mamre: and he sat in the tent door in the heat of the day;</p><p class="hdg">appeared.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/15-1.htm">Genesis 15:1</a></b></br> After these things the word of the LORD came unto Abram in a vision, saying, Fear not, Abram: I <i>am</i> thy shield, <i>and</i> thy exceeding great reward.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/17-1.htm">Genesis 17:1-3,22</a></b></br> And when Abram was ninety years old and nine, the LORD appeared to Abram, and said unto him, I <i>am</i> the Almighty God; walk before me, and be thou perfect… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/26-2.htm">Genesis 26:2</a></b></br> And the LORD appeared unto him, and said, Go not down into Egypt; dwell in the land which I shall tell thee of:</p><p class="hdg">Mamre.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/13-18.htm">Genesis 13:18</a></b></br> Then Abram removed <i>his</i> tent, and came and dwelt in the plain of Mamre, which <i>is</i> in Hebron, and built there an altar unto the LORD.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/14-13.htm">Genesis 14:13</a></b></br> And there came one that had escaped, and told Abram the Hebrew; for he dwelt in the plain of Mamre the Amorite, brother of Eshcol, and brother of Aner: and these <i>were</i> confederate with Abram.</p><p class="hdg">and he sat.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/genesis/17-26.htm">Abraham</a> <a href="/genesis/17-1.htm">Appeared</a> <a href="/genesis/6-16.htm">Door</a> <a href="/mark/14-68.htm">Doorway</a> <a href="/revelation/20-3.htm">Entrance</a> <a href="/genesis/17-20.htm">Great</a> <a href="/genesis/8-22.htm">Heat</a> <a href="/genesis/14-13.htm">Holy</a> <a href="/genesis/14-24.htm">Mamre</a> <a href="/genesis/15-10.htm">Middle</a> <a href="/genesis/14-13.htm">Oaks</a> <a href="/genesis/4-7.htm">Opening</a> <a href="/john/4-35.htm">Plains</a> <a href="/revelation/21-5.htm">Sat</a> <a href="/revelation/21-5.htm">Seated</a> <a href="/revelation/21-5.htm">Sitting</a> <a href="/genesis/13-18.htm">Tent</a> <a href="/numbers/11-10.htm">Tent-Door</a> <a href="/genesis/14-13.htm">Terebinths</a> <a href="/genesis/13-18.htm">Tree</a> <a href="/genesis/14-13.htm">Trees</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/genesis/18-2.htm">Abraham</a> <a href="/genesis/19-14.htm">Appeared</a> <a href="/genesis/18-2.htm">Door</a> <a href="/genesis/19-6.htm">Doorway</a> <a href="/genesis/18-2.htm">Entrance</a> <a href="/genesis/18-18.htm">Great</a> <a href="/genesis/30-41.htm">Heat</a> <a href="/genesis/21-33.htm">Holy</a> <a href="/genesis/23-17.htm">Mamre</a> <a href="/genesis/19-29.htm">Middle</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/11-30.htm">Oaks</a> <a href="/genesis/18-11.htm">Opening</a> <a href="/numbers/22-1.htm">Plains</a> <a href="/genesis/19-1.htm">Sat</a> <a href="/genesis/19-1.htm">Seated</a> <a href="/genesis/19-1.htm">Sitting</a> <a href="/genesis/18-2.htm">Tent</a> <a href="/genesis/18-2.htm">Tent-Door</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/11-30.htm">Terebinths</a> <a href="/genesis/18-4.htm">Tree</a> <a href="/genesis/23-17.htm">Trees</a><div class="vheading2">Genesis 18</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/18-1.htm">The Lord appears to Abraham, who entertains angels.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">9. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/18-9.htm">Sarah is reproved for laughing at the promise of a son.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">16. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/18-16.htm">The destruction of Sodom is revealed to Abraham.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">23. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/18-23.htm">Abraham makes intercession for its inhabitants.</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; 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In the Old Testament, such appearances are significant, often marking pivotal moments in God's covenant relationship with His people. The LORD here is understood as Yahweh, the covenant name of God, emphasizing His personal relationship with Abraham. This appearance prefigures the incarnation of Christ, where God would again appear to humanity in a tangible form.<p><b>by the Oaks of Mamre</b><br>The Oaks of Mamre, also known as the terebinths of Mamre, were located near Hebron in the land of Canaan. This site is significant as it was a place where Abraham had previously built an altar to the LORD (<a href="/genesis/13-18.htm">Genesis 13:18</a>). The location is associated with divine encounters and promises, reinforcing the sacredness of the land promised to Abraham and his descendants. Archaeological evidence suggests that this area was a significant settlement during the time of the patriarchs.<p><b>in the heat of the day</b><br>The mention of the heat of the day suggests a time of rest and inactivity, typical in the ancient Near East due to the intense midday sun. This detail highlights the unexpected nature of the divine visitation, as it occurs during a time when Abraham would not typically expect visitors. It underscores the idea that God’s interventions in human affairs often come at unexpected times.<p><b>while he was sitting at the entrance of his tent</b><br>Abraham's position at the entrance of his tent indicates a posture of readiness and hospitality, common in nomadic cultures. The tent symbolizes a temporary dwelling, reflecting Abraham's status as a sojourner in the land. This setting foreshadows the hospitality Abraham will extend to his visitors, a key theme in the subsequent narrative. The tent also serves as a metaphor for the tabernacle, where God would later dwell among His people, pointing forward to the ultimate dwelling of God with humanity in Jesus Christ.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_lord.htm">The LORD</a></b><br>The passage begins with the LORD appearing to Abraham. In the Hebrew text, the term used is "YHWH," indicating the covenant name of God, emphasizing His personal relationship with Abraham.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/a/abraham.htm">Abraham</a></b><br>The patriarch of the Israelites, Abraham is sitting at the entrance of his tent. His posture suggests a readiness to receive visitors, which is significant in the context of Middle Eastern hospitality.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/o/oaks_of_mamre.htm">Oaks of Mamre</a></b><br>A location near Hebron, the Oaks of Mamre is a significant place where Abraham had previously built an altar to the LORD. It serves as a setting for divine encounters and covenantal promises.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/t/tent.htm">Tent</a></b><br>The tent symbolizes Abraham's nomadic lifestyle and his status as a sojourner in the land promised to him by God.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/h/heat_of_the_day.htm">Heat of the Day</a></b><br>This detail sets the scene, indicating a time when people would typically rest, highlighting Abraham's alertness and readiness to serve.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/d/divine_encounters_in_everyday_life.htm">Divine Encounters in Everyday Life</a></b><br>God often meets us in the ordinary moments of life, as He did with Abraham. We should remain spiritually alert and open to His presence.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_hospitality.htm">The Importance of Hospitality</a></b><br>Abraham's readiness to welcome visitors reflects a biblical principle of hospitality. We are called to be hospitable, as it can lead to divine blessings and encounters.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/f/faith_and_obedience.htm">Faith and Obedience</a></b><br>Abraham's life exemplifies faith and obedience. His willingness to serve and his relationship with God are models for our own walk with the Lord.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_faithfulness_to_his_promises.htm">God's Faithfulness to His Promises</a></b><br>The setting at the Oaks of Mamre reminds us of God's faithfulness to His promises, as He continues to appear and reaffirm His covenant with Abraham.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_genesis_18.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Genesis 18</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_did_abraham_host_the_lord_as_travelers.htm">How could Abraham host and feed three travelers identified as the Lord in human form (Genesis 18:1–5) without any hint of deception or strangeness? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/where_can_he_find_a_place_to_stay.htm">Where can he find a place to stay?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_claim_god_is_present_with_abraham.htm">Why does the text claim God is physically present and conversing with Abraham if other passages emphasize God’s transcendence (Genesis 18:1, 22)? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/who_visited_abraham_in_genesis_18.htm">Who were the three men visiting Abraham in Genesis 18?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/genesis/18.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>XVIII.<p>VISIT OF ANGELS TO ABRAHAM AT MAMRE; AND OVERTHROW OF SODOM.</span><p>(1) <span class= "bld">And the Lord (Jehovah)</span> <span class= "bld">appeared unto him.</span>--No new section could begin in this way, but evidently this is a continuation of the narrative of the circumcision. We thus find a Jehovistic section coupled in the closest way with one which is Elohistic (comp. <a href="/context/genesis/17-22.htm" title="And he left off talking with him, and God went up from Abraham.">Genesis 17:22-23</a>); and even here it is Elohim who for Abraham's sake delivers Lot (<a href="/genesis/19-29.htm" title="And it came to pass, when God destroyed the cities of the plain, that God remembered Abraham, and sent Lot out of the middle of the overthrow, when he overthrew the cities in the which Lot dwelled.">Genesis 19:29</a>). Far more important, however, is it to notice that this familiar intercourse, and clear revelation of Jehovah to Abraham, follows upon his closer relation to God by virtue of the sacrament of circumcision. Jewish tradition adds that this visit was made to Abraham on the third day after the rite had been performed, and was for the purpose of healing him from the painful consequences of it. It was on this account, as they think, that Abraham was resting at home, instead of being with his herds in the field.<p><span class= "bld">The plains (Heb., <span class= "ital">the oaks</span>)</span> <span class= "bld">of Mamre.</span>--(See <a href="/genesis/13-18.htm" title="Then Abram removed his tent, and came and dwelled in the plain of Mamre, which is in Hebron, and built there an altar to the LORD.">Genesis 13:18</a>; <a href="/genesis/14-13.htm" title="And there came one that had escaped, and told Abram the Hebrew; for he dwelled in the plain of Mamre the Amorite, brother of Eshcol, and brother of Aner: and these were confederate with Abram.">Genesis 14:13</a>.) . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/genesis/18.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 1.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">And the Lord</span> - <span class="accented">Jehovah</span>, the Divine name employed throughout the present and succeeding chapters, which are accordingly assigned to the Jehovist (Tuch, Bleek, Davidson, Colenso), with the exception of <a href="/genesis/19-29.htm">Genesis 19:29</a>, which is commonly regarded as a fragment of the original Elohist's narration (vide <span class="accented">infra</span>) <span class="accented">- <span class="cmt_word"></span>appeared unto him</span>. The absence of Abraham's name has been thought to favor the idea that the present chapter should have begun at <a href="/genesis/17-23.htm">Genesis 17:23</a> (Quarry). That the time of this renewed Divine manifestation was shortly after the incidents recorded in the preceding chapter is apparent, as also that its object was the reassurance of the patriarch concerning the birth of Isaac. <span class="cmt_word">In the plains of Mamre.</span> Literally, <span class="accented">in the oaks of Mature</span> (<span class="accented">vide</span> <a href="/genesis/13-18.htm">Genesis 13:18</a>). <span class="cmt_word">And he sat in the tent door.</span> Literally, <span class="accented">in the opening of the tent</span>, a fold of which was fastened to a post near by to admit any air that might be stirring. <span class="cmt_word">In the heat of the day</span>, <span class="accented">i.e.</span> noontide (cf. <a href="/1_samuel/11-11.htm">1 Samuel 11:11</a>), as the cool of the day, or the wind of the day (<a href="/genesis/3-8.htm">Genesis 3:8</a>), means eventide. "<span class="accented">The</span> usual term for noon is <span class="accented">Tsoharim</span> (<a href="/genesis/43-16.htm">Genesis 43:16</a>), that is, the time of ' double or greatest light,' while a more poetical expression is 'the height of the day' (<a href="/proverbs/4-18.htm">Proverbs 4:18</a>), either because then the sun has reached its most exalted position, or because it appears to stand still in the zenith" (Kalisch). Among the Orientals the hour of noon is the time of rest (cf. <a href="/songs/1-7.htm">Song of Solomon 1:7</a>) and the time of dinner (<a href="/genesis/43-16.htm">Genesis 43:16, 25</a>). In this case the patriarch had probably dined and was resting after dinner, sines, on the arrival of his visitors, preparations had to be commenced for their entertainment. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/genesis/18-1.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">Then the LORD</span><br /><span class="heb">יְהוָ֔ה</span> <span class="translit">(Yah·weh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3068.htm">Strong's 3068: </a> </span><span class="str2">LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel</span><br /><br /><span class="word">appeared</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיֵּרָ֤א</span> <span class="translit">(way·yê·rā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Nifal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7200.htm">Strong's 7200: </a> </span><span class="str2">To see</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to</span><br /><span class="heb">אֵלָיו֙</span> <span class="translit">(’ê·lāw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_413.htm">Strong's 413: </a> </span><span class="str2">Near, with, among, to</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Abraham by the oaks</span><br /><span class="heb">בְּאֵלֹנֵ֖י</span> <span class="translit">(bə·’ê·lō·nê)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b | Noun - masculine plural construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_436.htm">Strong's 436: </a> </span><span class="str2">An oak, other strong tree</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of Mamre</span><br /><span class="heb">מַמְרֵ֑א</span> <span class="translit">(mam·rê)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4471.htm">Strong's 4471: </a> </span><span class="str2">Mamre -- a place in Palestine, also an ally of Abraham</span><br /><br /><span class="word">in the heat</span><br /><span class="heb">כְּחֹ֥ם</span> <span class="translit">(kə·ḥōm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-k | Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2527.htm">Strong's 2527: </a> </span><span class="str2">Heat</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of the day,</span><br /><span class="heb">הַיּֽוֹם׃</span> <span class="translit">(hay·yō·wm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3117.htm">Strong's 3117: </a> </span><span class="str2">A day</span><br /><br /><span class="word">while he</span><br /><span class="heb">וְה֛וּא</span> <span class="translit">(wə·hū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Pronoun - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1931.htm">Strong's 1931: </a> </span><span class="str2">He, self, the same, this, that, as, are</span><br /><br /><span class="word">was sitting</span><br /><span class="heb">יֹשֵׁ֥ב</span> <span class="translit">(yō·šêḇ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3427.htm">Strong's 3427: </a> </span><span class="str2">To sit down, to dwell, to remain, to settle, to marry</span><br /><br /><span class="word">at the entrance</span><br /><span class="heb">פֶּֽתַח־</span> <span class="translit">(pe·ṯaḥ-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6607.htm">Strong's 6607: </a> </span><span class="str2">An opening, door, entrance way</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to his tent.</span><br /><span class="heb">הָאֹ֖הֶל</span> <span class="translit">(hā·’ō·hel)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_168.htm">Strong's 168: </a> </span><span class="str2">A tent</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/genesis/18-1.htm">Genesis 18:1 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/genesis/18-1.htm">Genesis 18:1 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/genesis/18-1.htm">Genesis 18:1 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/genesis/18-1.htm">Genesis 18:1 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/genesis/18-1.htm">Genesis 18:1 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/genesis/18-1.htm">Genesis 18:1 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/genesis/18-1.htm">Genesis 18:1 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/genesis/18-1.htm">Genesis 18:1 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/genesis/18-1.htm">Genesis 18:1 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/genesis/18-1.htm">Genesis 18:1 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/genesis/18-1.htm">OT Law: Genesis 18:1 Yahweh appeared to him by the oaks (Gen. Ge Gn)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/genesis/17-27.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Genesis 17:27"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Genesis 17:27" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/genesis/18-2.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Genesis 18:2"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Genesis 18:2" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>