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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 18:8 Then Abraham brought curds and milk and the calf that had been prepared, and he set them before the men and stood by them under the tree as they ate.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/genesis/18-8.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/1/01_Gen_18_08.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Genesis 18:8 - The Three Visitors" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Then Abraham brought curds and milk and the calf that had been prepared, and he set them before the men and stood by them under the tree as they ate." /><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/18-8.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/18-8.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 8</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="/ad8.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/18-7.htm" title="Genesis 18:7">◄</a> Genesis 18:8 <a href="/genesis/18-9.htm" title="Genesis 18:9">►</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">Verse<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"><a href="/niv/genesis/18.htm">New International Version</a> He then brought some curds and milk and the calf that had been prepared, and set these before them. While they ate, he stood near them under a tree. <a href="/nlt/genesis/18.htm">New Living Translation</a> When the food was ready, Abraham took some yogurt and milk and the roasted meat, and he served it to the men. As they ate, Abraham waited on them in the shade of the trees. <a href="/esv/genesis/18.htm">English Standard Version</a> Then he took curds and milk and the calf that he had prepared, and set it before them. And he stood by them under the tree while they ate. <a href="/bsb/genesis/18.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> Then Abraham brought curds and milk and the calf that had been prepared, and he set them before the men and stood by them under the tree as they ate. <a href="/kjv/genesis/18.htm">King James Bible</a> And he took butter, and milk, and the calf which he had dressed, and set it before them; and he stood by them under the tree, and they did eat. <a href="/nkjv/genesis/18.htm">New King James Version</a> So he took butter and milk and the calf which he had prepared, and set it before them; and he stood by them under the tree as they ate. <a href="/nasb_/genesis/18.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> He took curds and milk and the calf which he had prepared, and set it before them; and he was standing by them under the tree as they ate. <a href="/nasb/genesis/18.htm">NASB 1995</a> He took curds and milk and the calf which he had prepared, and placed it before them; and he was standing by them under the tree as they ate. <a href="/nasb77/genesis/18.htm">NASB 1977 </a> And he took curds and milk and the calf which he had prepared, and placed it before them; and he was standing by them under the tree as they ate. <a href="/lsb/genesis/18.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> Then he took curds and milk and the calf which he had prepared, and placed it before them; and he was standing by them under the tree, and they ate. <a href="/amp/genesis/18.htm">Amplified Bible</a> Then he took curds and milk and the calf which he had prepared, and set it before the men; and he stood beside them under the tree while they ate. <a href="/csb/genesis/18.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> Then Abraham took curds and milk, as well as the calf that he had prepared, and set them before the men. He served them as they ate under the tree. <a href="/hcsb/genesis/18.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> Then Abraham took curds and milk, and the calf that he had prepared, and set them before the men. He served them as they ate under the tree.&#8221 <a href="/asv/genesis/18.htm">American Standard Version</a> And he took butter, and milk, and the calf which he had dressed, and set it before them; and he stood by them under the tree, and they did eat. <a href="/cev/genesis/18.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> He then served his guests some yogurt and milk together with the meat. While they were eating, he stood near them under the tree, <a href="/erv/genesis/18.htm">English Revised Version</a> And he took butter, and milk, and the calf which he had dressed, and set it before them; and he stood by them under the tree, and they did eat. <a href="/gwt/genesis/18.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> Abraham took cheese and milk, as well as the meat, and set these in front of them. Then he stood by them under the tree as they ate. <a href="/gnt/genesis/18.htm">Good News Translation</a> He took some cream, some milk, and the meat, and set the food before the men. There under the tree he served them himself, and they ate. <a href="/isv/genesis/18.htm">International Standard Version</a> Then he took curds, milk, and the calf that had been prepared, placed the food in front of them, and stood near them under the tree while they ate. <a href="/msb/genesis/18.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> Then Abraham brought curds and milk and the calf that had been prepared, and he set them before the men and stood by them under the tree as they ate. <a href="/net/genesis/18.htm">NET Bible</a> Abraham then took some curds and milk, along with the calf that had been prepared, and placed the food before them. They ate while he was standing near them under a tree. <a href="/nheb/genesis/18.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> He took curds, milk, and the calf that he had prepared, and set it before them. He stood by them under the tree, and they ate. <a href="/wbt/genesis/18.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> And he took butter, and milk, and the calf which he had dressed, and set it before them; and he stood by them under the tree, and they ate. <a href="/web/genesis/18.htm">World English Bible</a> He took butter, milk, and the calf which he had dressed, and set it before them. He stood by them under the tree, and they ate. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/genesis/18.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> and he takes butter and milk, and the son of the herd which he has prepared, and sets before them; and he is standing by them under the tree, and they eat. <a href="/ylt/genesis/18.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> and he taketh butter and milk, and the son of the herd which he hath prepared, and setteth before them; and he is standing by them under the tree, and they do eat. <a href="/slt/genesis/18.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And he will take curdled milk, and new milk, and the son of the cow which he did, and he will give before their face; and he stood by them under the tree, and they shall eat.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/genesis/18.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> He took also butter and milk, and the calf which he had boiled, and set before them: but he stood by them under the tree. <a href="/cpdv/genesis/18.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> Likewise, he took butter and milk, and the calf which he had boiled, and he placed it before them. Yet truly, he himself stood near them under the tree. <a href="/nabre/genesis/18.htm">New American Bible</a> Then he got some curds and milk, as well as the calf that had been prepared, and set these before them, waiting on them under the tree while they ate. <a href="/nrsvce/genesis/18.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> Then he took curds and milk and the calf that he had prepared, and set it before them; and he stood by them under the tree while they ate.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/genesis/18.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> And he took butter and milk and the calf which he had prepared, and set them before them; and he stood by them under the tree, and they ate. <a href="/hpbt/genesis/18.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> And he took butter and milk and the calf that he prepared and set before them, and he stood over them under the tree, and they ate.<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/genesis/18.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> And he took curd, and milk, and the calf which he had dressed, and set it before them; and he stood by them under the tree, and they did eat. <a href="/sep/genesis/18.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> And he took butter and milk, and the calf which he had dressed; and he set them before them, and they did eat, and he stood by them under the tree. <a href="/parallel/genesis/18-8.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/7ehevn8iSgc?start=3758" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/genesis/18.htm">The Three Visitors</a> …7Meanwhile, Abraham ran to the herd, selected a tender and choice calf, and gave it to a servant, who hurried to prepare it. 8<a href="/hebrew/3947.htm" title="3947: way·yiq·qaḥ (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To take. A primitive root; to take.">Then Abraham brought</a> <a href="/hebrew/2529.htm" title="2529: ḥem·’āh (N-fs) -- Curd. Or chemah; from the same root as chowmah; curdled milk or cheese.">curds</a> <a href="/hebrew/2461.htm" title="2461: wə·ḥā·lāḇ (Conj-w:: N-ms) -- Milk. From the same as cheleb; milk.">and milk</a> <a href="/hebrew/1121.htm" title="1121: ū·ḇen- (Conj-w:: N-msc) -- Son. From banah; a son, in the widest sense (like 'ab, 'ach, etc.).">and the calf</a> <a href="/hebrew/1241.htm" title="1241: hab·bā·qār (Art:: N-ms) -- Cattle, herd, an ox. From baqar; beef cattle or an animal of the ox family of either gender; collectively, a herd."></a> <a href="/hebrew/834.htm" title="834: ’ă·šer (Pro-r) -- Who, which, that. A primitive relative pronoun; who, which, what, that; also when, where, how, because, in order that, etc.">that</a> <a href="/hebrew/6213.htm" title="6213: ‘ā·śāh (V-Qal-Perf-3ms) -- To do, make. A primitive root; to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application.">had been prepared,</a> <a href="/hebrew/5414.htm" title="5414: way·yit·tên (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To give, put, set. A primitive root; to give, used with greatest latitude of application.">and he set them</a> <a href="/hebrew/6440.htm" title="6440: lip̄·nê·hem (Prep-l:: N-mpc:: 3mp) -- Face, faces. Plural of an unused noun; the face; used in a great variety of applications; also as a preposition.">before the men</a> <a href="/hebrew/1931.htm" title="1931: wə·hū- (Conj-w:: Pro-3ms) -- He, she, it. ">and</a> <a href="/hebrew/5975.htm" title="5975: ‘ō·mêḏ (V-Qal-Prtcpl-ms) -- To take one's stand, stand. A primitive root; to stand, in various relations.">stood</a> <a href="/hebrew/5921.htm" title="5921: ‘ă·lê·hem (Prep:: 3mp) -- Properly, the same as al used as a preposition; above, over, upon, or against in a great variety of applications.">by them</a> <a href="/hebrew/8478.htm" title="8478: ta·ḥaṯ (Prep) -- Underneath, below, instead of. From the same as Towach; the bottom; only adverbially, below, in lieu of, etc.">under</a> <a href="/hebrew/6086.htm" title="6086: hā·‘êṣ (Art:: N-ms) -- Tree, trees, wood. From atsah; a tree; hence, wood.">the tree</a> <a href="/hebrew/398.htm" title="398: way·yō·ḵê·lū (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp) -- To eat. A primitive root; to eat.">as they ate.</a> <div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/hebrews/13-2.htm">Hebrews 13:2</a> Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it. <a href="/judges/6-18.htm">Judges 6:18-19</a> Please do not depart from this place until I return to You. Let me bring my offering and set it before You.” And the LORD said, “I will stay until you return.” / So Gideon went in and prepared a young goat and unleavened bread and an ephah of flour. He placed the meat in a basket and the broth in a pot and brought them out to present to Him under the oak. <a href="/1_samuel/28-24.htm">1 Samuel 28:24</a> The woman had a fattened calf at her house, and she quickly slaughtered it. She also took flour, kneaded it, and baked unleavened bread. <a href="/luke/24-30.htm">Luke 24:30</a> While He was reclining at the table with them, He took bread, spoke a blessing and broke it, and gave it to them. <a href="/1_kings/17-10.htm">1 Kings 17:10-15</a> So Elijah got up and went to Zarephath. When he arrived at the city gate, there was a widow gathering sticks. Elijah called to her and said, “Please bring me a little water in a cup, so that I may drink.” / And as she was going to get it, he called to her and said, “Please bring me a piece of bread.” / But she replied, “As surely as the LORD your God lives, I have no bread—only a handful of flour in a jar and a little oil in a jug. Look, I am gathering a couple of sticks to take home and prepare a meal for myself and my son, so that we may eat it and die.” ... <a href="/matthew/22-4.htm">Matthew 22:4</a> Again, he sent other servants and said, ‘Tell those who have been invited that I have prepared my dinner. My oxen and fattened cattle have been killed, and everything is ready. Come to the wedding banquet.’ <a href="/1_samuel/9-24.htm">1 Samuel 9:24</a> So the cook picked up the leg and what was attached to it and set it before Saul. Then Samuel said, “Here is what was kept back. It was set apart for you. Eat, for it has been kept for you for this occasion, from the time I said, ‘I have invited the people.’” So Saul dined with Samuel that day. <a href="/luke/10-8.htm">Luke 10:8</a> If you enter a town and they welcome you, eat whatever is set before you. <a href="/1_kings/19-21.htm">1 Kings 19:21</a> So Elisha turned back from him, took his pair of oxen, and slaughtered them. Using the oxen’s equipment for fuel, he cooked the meat and gave it to the people, and they ate. Then he set out to follow and serve Elijah. <a href="/acts/16-34.htm">Acts 16:34</a> Then he brought them into his home and set a meal before them. So he and all his household rejoiced that they had come to believe in God. <a href="/2_samuel/12-4.htm">2 Samuel 12:4</a> Now a traveler came to the rich man, who refrained from taking one of his own sheep or cattle to prepare for the traveler who had come to him. Instead, he took the poor man’s lamb and prepared it for his guest.” <a href="/luke/24-42.htm">Luke 24:42-43</a> So they gave Him a piece of broiled fish, / and He took it and ate it in front of them. <a href="/1_kings/4-22.htm">1 Kings 4:22-23</a> Solomon’s provisions for a single day were thirty cors of fine flour, sixty cors of meal, / ten fat oxen, twenty range oxen, and a hundred sheep, as well as deer, gazelles, roebucks, and fattened poultry. <a href="/john/12-2.htm">John 12:2</a> So they hosted a dinner for Jesus there. Martha served, and Lazarus was among those reclining at the table with Him. <a href="/2_kings/4-42.htm">2 Kings 4:42-44</a> Now a man from Baal-shalishah came to the man of God with a sack of twenty loaves of barley bread from the first ripe grain. “Give it to the people to eat,” said Elisha. / But his servant asked, “How am I to set twenty loaves before a hundred men?” “Give it to the people to eat,” said Elisha, “for this is what the LORD says: ‘They will eat and have some left over.’” / So he set it before them, and they ate and had some left over, according to the word of the LORD.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>And he took butter, and milk, and the calf which he had dressed, and set it before them; and he stood by them under the tree, and they did eat.he took.<a href="/genesis/19-3.htm">Genesis 19:3</a> And he pressed upon them greatly; and they turned in unto him, and entered into his house; and he made them a feast, and did bake unleavened bread, and they did eat.<a href="/deuteronomy/32-14.htm">Deuteronomy 32:14</a> Butter of kine, and milk of sheep, with fat of lambs, and rams of the breed of Bashan, and goats, with the fat of kidneys of wheat; and thou didst drink the pure blood of the grape.<a href="/judges/5-25.htm">Judges 5:25</a> He asked water, and she gave him milk; she brought forth butter in a lordly dish.stood.<a href="/nehemiah/12-44.htm">Nehemiah 12:44</a> And at that time were some appointed over the chambers for the treasures, for the offerings, for the firstfruits, and for the tithes, to gather into them out of the fields of the cities the portions of the law for the priests and Levites: for Judah rejoiced for the priests and for the Levites that waited.<a href="/luke/12-37.htm">Luke 12:37</a> Blessed are those servants, whom the lord when he cometh shall find watching: verily I say unto you, that he shall gird himself, and make them to sit down to meat, and will come forth and serve them.<a href="/luke/17-8.htm">Luke 17:8</a> And will not rather say unto him, Make ready wherewith I may sup, and gird thyself, and serve me, till I have eaten and drunken; and afterward thou shalt eat and drink?and they.<a href="/genesis/19-3.htm">Genesis 19:3</a> And he pressed upon them greatly; and they turned in unto him, and entered into his house; and he made them a feast, and did bake unleavened bread, and they did eat.<a href="/judges/13-15.htm">Judges 13:15</a> And Manoah said unto the angel of the LORD, I pray thee, let us detain thee, until we shall have made ready a kid for thee.<a href="/luke/24-30.htm">Luke 24:30,43</a> And it came to pass, as he sat at meat with them, he took bread, and blessed it, and brake, and gave to them… <div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/genesis/3-17.htm">Ate</a> <a href="/isaiah/7-22.htm">Butter</a> <a href="/genesis/18-7.htm">Calf</a> <a href="/isaiah/7-22.htm">Curd</a> <a href="/ezekiel/34-3.htm">Curds</a> <a href="/revelation/21-2.htm">Dressed</a> <a href="/genesis/9-4.htm">Eat</a> <a href="/genesis/14-24.htm">Food</a> <a href="/genesis/18-7.htm">Herd</a> <a href="/1_peter/2-2.htm">Milk</a> <a href="/genesis/18-7.htm">Ox</a> <a href="/genesis/3-24.htm">Placed</a> <a href="/genesis/6-7.htm">Prepared</a> <a href="/genesis/18-6.htm">Ready</a> <a href="/genesis/18-2.htm">Standing</a> <a href="/genesis/18-2.htm">Stood</a> <a href="/genesis/15-17.htm">Thick</a> <a href="/genesis/18-4.htm">Tree</a> <a href="/genesis/8-10.htm">Waiting</a> <a href="/genesis/18-7.htm">Young</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/genesis/19-3.htm">Ate</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/32-14.htm">Butter</a> <a href="/exodus/22-30.htm">Calf</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/32-14.htm">Curd</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/32-14.htm">Curds</a> <a href="/genesis/41-42.htm">Dressed</a> <a href="/genesis/19-3.htm">Eat</a> <a href="/genesis/19-3.htm">Food</a> <a href="/genesis/24-35.htm">Herd</a> <a href="/genesis/32-15.htm">Milk</a> <a href="/genesis/32-5.htm">Ox</a> <a href="/genesis/22-6.htm">Placed</a> <a href="/genesis/19-3.htm">Prepared</a> <a href="/genesis/19-3.htm">Ready</a> <a href="/genesis/18-22.htm">Standing</a> <a href="/genesis/18-22.htm">Stood</a> <a href="/exodus/10-22.htm">Thick</a> <a href="/genesis/21-15.htm">Tree</a> <a href="/genesis/18-22.htm">Waiting</a> <a href="/genesis/19-4.htm">Young</a><div class="vheading2">Genesis 18</div>1. <a href="/genesis/18-1.htm">The Lord appears to Abraham, who entertains angels.</a> 9. <a href="/genesis/18-9.htm">Sarah is reproved for laughing at the promise of a son.</a> 16. <a href="/genesis/18-16.htm">The destruction of Sodom is revealed to Abraham.</a> 23. <a href="/genesis/18-23.htm">Abraham makes intercession for its inhabitants.</a> </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'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/genesis/18.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/genesis/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/genesis/18.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>Then Abraham brought curds and milk and the calf that had been prepared In the ancient Near Eastern culture, hospitality was a significant virtue, and Abraham's actions reflect this cultural norm. The offering of curds and milk, along with a prepared calf, indicates a meal of high quality, suggesting respect and honor towards the guests. The preparation of a calf, a costly and time-consuming endeavor, underscores Abraham's willingness to serve generously. This act of hospitality is reminiscent of the sacrificial system later established in the Mosaic Law, where offerings were made to honor God. The meal can also be seen as a type of fellowship offering, symbolizing peace and communion.and he set them before the men Abraham's act of setting the food before the men demonstrates humility and servitude. In the context of <a href="/genesis/18.htm">Genesis 18</a>, these "men" are later revealed to be the LORD and two angels. This encounter prefigures theophanies, where God appears in human form, and points to the incarnation of Christ, who would later dwell among humanity. The act of serving these divine visitors foreshadows the Last Supper, where Jesus serves His disciples, establishing a new covenant.and stood by them under the tree as they ate Abraham's position of standing by while his guests ate is indicative of a servant's role, emphasizing his humility and readiness to attend to any further needs. The setting under the tree provides a natural and serene environment, possibly an oak or terebinth, which were common in the region and often associated with significant biblical events. This scene under the tree can be seen as a precursor to the Garden of Gethsemane, where Jesus prayed before His crucifixion, highlighting themes of service, sacrifice, and divine encounter.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/a/abraham.htm">Abraham</a> The patriarch of the Israelites, known for his faith and obedience to God. In this passage, he demonstrates hospitality to three visitors. 2. <a href="/topical/t/the_three_visitors.htm">The Three Visitors</a> Traditionally understood as the Lord and two angels, who visit Abraham to deliver a message about the birth of Isaac and the impending judgment on Sodom and Gomorrah. 3. <a href="/topical/t/the_tree.htm">The Tree</a> Likely a terebinth or oak tree, providing shade and a setting for this encounter. It symbolizes a place of rest and hospitality. 4. <a href="/topical/t/the_meal.htm">The Meal</a> Consisting of curds, milk, and a prepared calf, this meal reflects the customs of hospitality in the ancient Near East, emphasizing generosity and respect. 5. <a href="/topical/m/mamre.htm">Mamre</a> The location where Abraham was dwelling, near Hebron, known for its association with Abraham's covenantal relationship with God.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_hospitality.htm">The Importance of Hospitality</a> Abraham's actions remind us of the biblical call to be hospitable, reflecting God's love and care to others. <a href="/topical/s/service_with_humility.htm">Service with Humility</a> Abraham stood by while his guests ate, showing a servant's heart. We are called to serve others with humility and respect. <a href="/topical/g/god's_presence_in_the_ordinary.htm">God's Presence in the Ordinary</a> The divine encounter happened during a simple meal, teaching us that God often meets us in everyday moments. <a href="/topical/f/faith_in_action.htm">Faith in Action</a> Abraham's hospitality was an expression of his faith. Our faith should be evident in our actions and interactions with others. <a href="/topical/p/preparation_for_god's_promises.htm">Preparation for God's Promises</a> Abraham's readiness to serve reflects a heart prepared to receive God's promises, encouraging us to be ready for God's work in our lives.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_genesis_18.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Genesis 18</a> <a href="/q/what_defines_an_altar.htm">What defines an altar?</a> <a href="/q/is_'bathing_steps_in_butter'_literal.htm">Is the image of “bathing his steps in butter” (Job 29:6) literal, and does it align with known ancient customs or practices?</a> <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> <a href="/q/how_is_abimelech_in_genesis_26_8_related.htm">How do we reconcile the figure called Abimelech here (Genesis 26:8) with the Abimelech who interacted with Abraham generations earlier?</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>(8) Butter.--Heb. curds, or curdled milk. Neither the Hebrews, Greeks, nor Romans knew how to make butter, and the word itself signifies cheese made of cows' milk. This is less prized in the East than that made from the milk of sheep, or of goats, while camels' milk is regarded by the Arabs as best for drinking. In a hot climate milk is more refreshing when slightly sour; but Abraham brought both fresh milk (probably from the camels) and sour milk (from the sheep), and this with the cakes and the calf made a stately repast. With noble courtesy "he stood by them, and they did eat." The Targum of Jonathan and other Jewish authorities translate "and they made show of eating," lest it should seem as though angels ate (<a href="/judges/13-16.htm" title="And the angel of the LORD said to Manoah, Though you detain me, I will not eat of your bread: and if you will offer a burnt offering, you must offer it to the LORD. For Manoah knew not that he was an angel of the LORD.">Judges 13:16</a>). There is the same mystery as regards our risen Lord (<a href="/luke/24-43.htm" title="And he took it, and did eat before them.">Luke 24:43</a>).<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/genesis/18.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 8. - And he took butter, - חֶמְאָה, from the root חמא, to curdle or become thick, signifies curdled milk, not butter (βούτυτρον, LXX.; butyrum, Vulgate), which was not used among Orientals except medicinally. The word occurs seven times in Scripture with four letters (<a href="/deuteronomy/32-14.htm">Deuteronomy 32:14</a>; <a href="/judges/5-25.htm">Judges 5:25</a>; <a href="/2_samuel/17-29.htm">2 Samuel 17:29</a>; <a href="/isaiah/7-15.htm">Isaiah 7:15</a>, .22; <a href="/proverbs/30-33.htm">Proverbs 30:33</a>; <a href="/job/20-17.htm">Job 20:17</a>), and once without א (<a href="/job/29-6.htm">Job 29:6</a>; vide Michaelis, 'Supplement,' p. 807) - and milk, - חָלָב, milk whilst still fresh, or containing its fatness, from a root signifying to be fat (cf. <a href="/genesis/49-12.htm">Genesis 49:12</a>; <a href="/proverbs/27-27.htm">Proverbs 27:27</a>) - and the calf which he - i.e. the young man - had dressed, and set it before them; and he stood by them under the tree, - a custom still observed among the Arabs, who honor their guests not by sitting to eat with, but by standing to wait upon, them - and they did eat. Not seemed to eat (Josephus, Philo, Jonathan), nor simply ate after an allegorical fashion, as fire consumes the materials put into it (Justin Martyr), but did so in reality (Tertullian, Delitzsch, Keil, Kurtz, Lange). Though the angel who appeared to Manoah (<a href="/judges/13-16.htm">Judges 13:16</a>) refused to partake of food, the risen Savior ate with his disciples (<a href="/luke/24-43.htm">Luke 24:43</a>). Physiologically inexplicable, this latter action on the part of Christ was not a mere φαινόμενον or simulation, but a veritable manducation of material food, to which Christ appealed in confirmation of the reality of his resurrection; and the acceptance of Abraham's hospitality on the part of Jehovah and his angels may in like manner have been designed to prove that their visit to his tent at Mamre was not a dream or a vision, but a genuine external manifestation. <a href="/commentaries/genesis/18-8.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>Then Abraham brought וַיִּקַּ֨ח (way·yiq·qaḥ) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3947.htm">Strong's 3947: </a> To take curds חֶמְאָ֜ה (ḥem·’āh) Noun - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2529.htm">Strong's 2529: </a> Curdled milk, cheese and milk וְחָלָ֗ב (wə·ḥā·lāḇ) Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2461.htm">Strong's 2461: </a> Milk and the calf וּבֶן־ (ū·ḇen-) Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1121.htm">Strong's 1121: </a> A son that אֲשֶׁ֣ר (’ă·šer) Pronoun - relative <a href="/hebrew/strongs_834.htm">Strong's 834: </a> Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that had been prepared, עָשָׂ֔ה (‘ā·śāh) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6213.htm">Strong's 6213: </a> To do, make and he set וַיִּתֵּ֖ן (way·yit·tên) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5414.htm">Strong's 5414: </a> To give, put, set them before the men לִפְנֵיהֶ֑ם (lip̄·nê·hem) Preposition-l | Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6440.htm">Strong's 6440: </a> The face and וְהֽוּא־ (wə·hū-) Conjunctive waw | Pronoun - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1931.htm">Strong's 1931: </a> He, self, the same, this, that, as, are stood עֹמֵ֧ד (‘ō·mêḏ) Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5975.htm">Strong's 5975: </a> To stand, in various relations by them עֲלֵיהֶ֛ם (‘ă·lê·hem) Preposition | third person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5921.htm">Strong's 5921: </a> Above, over, upon, against under תַּ֥חַת (ta·ḥaṯ) Preposition <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8478.htm">Strong's 8478: </a> The bottom, below, in lieu of the tree הָעֵ֖ץ (hā·‘êṣ) Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6086.htm">Strong's 6086: </a> Tree, trees, wood as they ate. וַיֹּאכֵֽלוּ׃ (way·yō·ḵê·lū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_398.htm">Strong's 398: </a> To eat <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/genesis/18-8.htm">Genesis 18:8 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/genesis/18-8.htm">Genesis 18:8 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/genesis/18-8.htm">Genesis 18:8 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/genesis/18-8.htm">Genesis 18:8 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/genesis/18-8.htm">Genesis 18:8 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/genesis/18-8.htm">Genesis 18:8 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/genesis/18-8.htm">Genesis 18:8 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/genesis/18-8.htm">Genesis 18:8 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/genesis/18-8.htm">Genesis 18:8 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/genesis/18-8.htm">Genesis 18:8 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/genesis/18-8.htm">OT Law: Genesis 18:8 He took butter milk and the calf (Gen. Ge Gn)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/genesis/18-7.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Genesis 18:7"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Genesis 18:7" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/genesis/18-9.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Genesis 18:9"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Genesis 18:9" /></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>