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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 />Then Abraham spoke up again: &#8220Now that I have been so bold as to speak to the Lord, though I am nothing but dust and ashes,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/genesis/18.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Then Abraham spoke again. “Since I have begun, let me speak further to my Lord, even though I am but dust and ashes.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/genesis/18.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Abraham answered and said, “Behold, I have undertaken to speak to the Lord, I who am but dust and ashes.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/genesis/18.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then Abraham answered, “Now that I have ventured to speak to the Lord—though I am but dust and ashes—<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/genesis/18.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />And Abraham answered and said, Behold now, I have taken upon me to speak unto the Lord, which <i>am but</i> dust and ashes:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/genesis/18.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Then Abraham answered and said, “Indeed now, I who <i>am</i> <i>but</i> dust and ashes have taken it upon myself to speak to the Lord:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/genesis/18.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />And Abraham replied, “Now behold, I have ventured to speak to the Lord, although I am <i>only</i> dust and ashes.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/genesis/18.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />And Abraham replied, &#8220Now behold, I have ventured to speak to the Lord, although I am but dust and ashes.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/genesis/18.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />And Abraham answered and said, “Now behold, I have ventured to speak to the Lord, although I am <i>but</i> dust and ashes.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/genesis/18.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />And Abraham answered and said, “Now behold, I have ventured to speak to the Lord, although I am <i>but</i> dust and ashes.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/genesis/18.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Abraham answered, “Now behold, I who am but dust [in origin] and ashes have decided to speak to the Lord.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/genesis/18.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then Abraham answered, “Since I have ventured to speak to my lord—even though I am dust and ashes—<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/genesis/18.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then Abraham answered, &#8220Since I have ventured to speak to the Lord—even though I am dust and ashes—<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/genesis/18.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And Abraham answered and said, Behold now, I have taken upon me to speak unto the Lord, who am but dust and ashes:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/genesis/18.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Abraham answered, "I am nothing more than the dust of the earth. Please forgive me, LORD, for daring to speak to you like this. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/genesis/18.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And Abraham answered and said, Behold now, I have taken upon me to speak unto the Lord, which am but dust and ashes:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/genesis/18.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Abraham asked, "Consider now, if I may be so bold as to ask you, although I'm [only] dust and ashes,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/genesis/18.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Abraham spoke again: "Please forgive my boldness in continuing to speak to you, Lord. I am only a man and have no right to say anything. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/genesis/18.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Abraham answered, "Look, even though I am only dust and ashes, I've ventured to speak to my LORD. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/genesis/18.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then Abraham answered, ?Now that I have ventured to speak to the Lord?though I am but dust and ashes?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/genesis/18.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Then Abraham asked, "Since I have undertaken to speak to the Lord (although I am but dust and ashes),<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/genesis/18.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Abraham answered, "See now, I have taken it on myself to speak to the Lord, I who am but dust and ashes.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/genesis/18.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And Abraham answered and said, Behold now, I, who am dust and ashes, have taken upon me to speak to the Lord.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/genesis/18.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Abraham answered, “See now, I have taken it on myself to speak to the Lord, although I am dust and ashes. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/genesis/18.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />And Abraham answers and says, “Now behold, I have willed to speak to the Lord, and I [am] dust and ashes;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/genesis/18.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> And Abraham answereth and saith, 'Lo, I pray thee, I have willed to speak unto the Lord, and I -- dust and ashes;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/genesis/18.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And Abraham will answer and say, Behold now, I have undertaken to speak to my Lord, and I dust and ashes.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/genesis/18.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And Abraham answered, and said: Seeing I have once begun, I will speak to my Lord, whereas I am dust and ashes. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/genesis/18.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />And Abraham responded by saying: “Since now I have begun, I will speak to my Lord, though I am dust and ashes.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/genesis/18.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Abraham spoke up again: “See how I am presuming to speak to my Lord, though I am only dust and ashes!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/genesis/18.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Abraham answered, “Let me take it upon myself to speak to the Lord, I who am but dust and ashes.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/genesis/18.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />And Abraham answered and said, Behold, I have ventured to speak before the LORD, and yet I am but dust and ashes;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/genesis/18.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And Abraham answered and said, “Behold, I have begun to speak before LORD JEHOVAH, and I am dust and ashes.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/genesis/18.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />And Abraham answered and said: 'Behold now, I have taken upon me to speak unto the Lord, who am but dust and ashes.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/genesis/18.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And Abraam answered and said, Now I have begun to speak to my Lord, and I am earth and ashes.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/genesis/18-27.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=3932" 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">Abraham Begs for Sodom</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">26</span>So the LORD replied, “If I find fifty righteous ones within the city of Sodom, on their account I will spare the whole place.” <span class="reftext">27</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/85.htm" title="85: ’aḇ·rā·hām (N-proper-ms) -- Contracted from 'ab and an unused root; father of a multitude; Abraham, the later name of Abram.">Then Abraham</a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: way·yō·mar (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say."></a> <a href="/hebrew/6030.htm" title="6030: way·ya·‘an (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To answer, respond.">answered,</a> <a href="/hebrew/2009.htm" title="2009: hin·nêh- (Interjection) -- Lo! behold! Prolongation for hen; lo!">“Now that</a> <a href="/hebrew/4994.htm" title="4994: nā (Interjection) -- I (we) pray, now. "></a> <a href="/hebrew/2974.htm" title="2974: hō·w·’al·tî (V-Hifil-Perf-1cs) -- A primitive root; properly, to yield, especially assent; hence To undertake as an act of volition.">I have ventured</a> <a href="/hebrew/1696.htm" title="1696: lə·ḏab·bêr (Prep-l:: V-Piel-Inf) -- To speak. A primitive root; perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively, to speak; rarely to subdue.">to speak</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’el- (Prep) -- To, into, towards. ">to</a> <a href="/hebrew/136.htm" title="136: ’ă·ḏō·nāy (N-proper-ms) -- Lord. Am emphatic form of 'adown; the Lord.">the Lord—</a> <a href="/hebrew/595.htm" title="595: wə·’ā·nō·ḵî (Conj-w:: Pro-1cs) -- I. Sometimes; a primitive pro. I.">though I</a> <a href="/hebrew/6083.htm" title="6083: ‘ā·p̄ār (N-ms) -- Dry earth, dust. From aphar; dust; hence, clay, earth, mud.">am but dust</a> <a href="/hebrew/665.htm" title="665: wā·’ê·p̄er (Conj-w:: N-ms) -- Ashes. From an unused root meaning to bestrew; ashes.">and ashes—</a> </span><span class="reftext">28</span>suppose the fifty righteous ones lack five. Will You destroy the whole city for the lack of five?” He replied, “If I find forty-five there, I will not destroy it.”…<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="/job/42-6.htm">Job 42:6</a></span><br />Therefore I despise myself, and I repent in dust and ashes.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/6-5.htm">Isaiah 6:5</a></span><br />Then I said: “Woe is me, for I am ruined, because I am a man of unclean lips dwelling among a people of unclean lips; for my eyes have seen the King, the LORD of Hosts.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/18-13.htm">Luke 18:13</a></span><br />But the tax collector stood at a distance, unwilling even to lift up his eyes to heaven. Instead, he beat his breast and said, ‘God, have mercy on me, a sinner!’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/3-11.htm">Exodus 3:11</a></span><br />But Moses asked God, “Who am I, that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/8-38.htm">1 Kings 8:38-39</a></span><br />then may whatever prayer or petition Your people Israel make—each knowing his own afflictions and spreading out his hands toward this temple— / be heard by You from heaven, Your dwelling place. And may You forgive and act, and repay each man according to all his ways, since You know his heart—for You alone know the hearts of all men—<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/51-17.htm">Psalm 51:17</a></span><br />The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and a contrite heart, O God, You will not despise.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/3-14.htm">Matthew 3:14</a></span><br />But John tried to prevent Him, saying, “I need to be baptized by You, and do You come to me?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/7-18.htm">Romans 7:18</a></span><br />I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my flesh; for I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_timothy/1-15.htm">1 Timothy 1:15</a></span><br />This is a trustworthy saying, worthy of full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the worst.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_corinthians/12-11.htm">2 Corinthians 12:11</a></span><br />I have become a fool, but you drove me to it. In fact, you should have commended me, since I am in no way inferior to those “super-apostles,” even though I am nothing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/job/40-4.htm">Job 40:4-5</a></span><br />“Behold, I am insignificant. How can I reply to You? I place my hand over my mouth. / I have spoken once, but I have no answer—twice, but I have nothing to add.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/64-6.htm">Isaiah 64:6</a></span><br />Each of us has become like something unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags; we all wither like a leaf, and our iniquities carry us away like the wind.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/4-10.htm">James 4:10</a></span><br />Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will exalt you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/philippians/3-8.htm">Philippians 3:8</a></span><br />More than that, I count all things as loss compared to the surpassing excellence of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/5-5.htm">1 Peter 5:5-6</a></span><br />Young men, in the same way, submit yourselves to your elders. And all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” / Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, so that in due time He may exalt you.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And Abraham answered and said, Behold now, I have taken on me to speak to the LORD, which am but dust and ashes:</p><p class="hdg">I have.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/18-30.htm">Genesis 18:30-32</a></b></br> And he said <i>unto him</i>, Oh let not the Lord be angry, and I will speak: Peradventure there shall thirty be found there. And he said, I will not do <i>it</i>, if I find thirty there… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/ezra/9-6.htm">Ezra 9:6</a></b></br> And said, O my God, I am ashamed and blush to lift up my face to thee, my God: for our iniquities are increased over <i>our</i> head, and our trespass is grown up unto the heavens.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/job/42-6.htm">Job 42:6-8</a></b></br> Wherefore I abhor <i>myself</i>, and repent in dust and ashes… </p><p class="hdg">dust.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/2-7.htm">Genesis 2:7</a></b></br> And the LORD God formed man <i>of</i> the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/3-19.htm">Genesis 3:19</a></b></br> In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground; for out of it wast thou taken: for dust thou <i>art</i>, and unto dust shalt thou return.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/job/4-19.htm">Job 4:19</a></b></br> How much less <i>in</i> them that dwell in houses of clay, whose foundation <i>is</i> in the dust, <i>which</i> are crushed before the moth?</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/genesis/18-23.htm">Abraham</a> <a href="/revelation/10-9.htm">Although</a> <a href="/2_peter/2-6.htm">Ashes</a> <a href="/philemon/1-8.htm">Bold</a> <a href="/genesis/13-16.htm">Dust</a> <a href="/revelation/16-9.htm">Speak</a> <a href="/genesis/6-5.htm">Thoughts</a> <a href="/galatians/3-14.htm">Undertaken</a> <a href="/john/21-12.htm">Ventured</a> <a href="/philemon/1-14.htm">Willed</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/genesis/18-31.htm">Abraham</a> <a href="/genesis/31-37.htm">Although</a> <a href="/exodus/9-8.htm">Ashes</a> <a href="/genesis/18-31.htm">Bold</a> <a href="/genesis/26-15.htm">Dust</a> <a href="/genesis/18-29.htm">Speak</a> <a href="/genesis/18-31.htm">Thoughts</a> <a href="/genesis/18-31.htm">Undertaken</a> <a href="/genesis/18-31.htm">Ventured</a> <a href="/genesis/18-31.htm">Willed</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'; </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><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <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> <br /><br /> </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><b>Then Abraham answered</b><br>Abraham's response comes during a significant moment of intercession for Sodom and Gomorrah. This dialogue with God highlights Abraham's role as a mediator, a type of Christ who intercedes on behalf of others. The context is a divine visitation where God reveals His plans to Abraham, emphasizing the close relationship between God and His chosen servant. Abraham's boldness in speaking to God reflects the intimate covenant relationship established in <a href="/genesis/15.htm">Genesis 15</a>.<p><b>Now that I have ventured to speak to the Lord—</b><br>Abraham acknowledges the gravity of addressing the Almighty. This phrase underscores the reverence and humility required when approaching God. It reflects the cultural understanding of the time, where speaking to a deity was a serious matter, often reserved for priests or prophets. Abraham's approach is both bold and humble, illustrating the balance of faith and fear of the Lord. This moment foreshadows the New Testament teaching in <a href="/hebrews/4-16.htm">Hebrews 4:16</a>, where believers are encouraged to approach God's throne of grace with confidence.<p><b>though I am but dust and ashes—</b><br>This phrase highlights Abraham's humility and recognition of his mortality. "Dust and ashes" is a Hebrew idiom expressing human frailty and the transient nature of life, reminiscent of <a href="/genesis/3-19.htm">Genesis 3:19</a>, where God tells Adam, "for dust you are and to dust you will return." It reflects the cultural and historical understanding of humanity's place in creation. This acknowledgment of human limitation is a recurring theme in Scripture, seen in <a href="/job/42-6.htm">Job 42:6</a> and <a href="/psalms/103-14.htm">Psalm 103:14</a>, emphasizing the need for divine grace and mercy. Abraham's humility is a model for believers, pointing to the ultimate humility of Christ, who, though divine, took on human form (<a href="/philippians/2-7.htm">Philippians 2:7-8</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/a/abraham.htm">Abraham</a></b><br>The central figure in this passage, Abraham is known as the father of faith. Here, he is interceding with God on behalf of Sodom and Gomorrah.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_lord.htm">The Lord</a></b><br>Refers to God, who is in dialogue with Abraham. This interaction highlights God's willingness to engage with humanity.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/s/sodom_and_gomorrah.htm">Sodom and Gomorrah</a></b><br>The cities that are the subject of God's impending judgment, prompting Abraham's intercession.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/i/intercession.htm">Intercession</a></b><br>The event of Abraham pleading with God to spare the righteous within Sodom and Gomorrah.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/d/dust_and_ashes.htm">Dust and Ashes</a></b><br>A phrase used by Abraham to express his humility and recognition of his human frailty before God.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/h/humility_before_god.htm">Humility Before God</a></b><br>Abraham's acknowledgment of being "dust and ashes" teaches us the importance of approaching God with humility, recognizing our own limitations and God's greatness.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_power_of_intercession.htm">The Power of Intercession</a></b><br>Abraham's boldness in interceding for Sodom and Gomorrah demonstrates the power and importance of intercessory prayer, encouraging believers to pray for others.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_willingness_to_engage.htm">God's Willingness to Engage</a></b><br>This passage shows that God is open to dialogue with His people, inviting us to bring our concerns and requests to Him.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/r/recognizing_our_identity.htm">Recognizing Our Identity</a></b><br>Understanding our identity as "dust and ashes" helps us maintain a proper perspective on our relationship with God and others, fostering a spirit of humility and dependence on Him.<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/does_persistence_get_results.htm">Will persistence lead to receiving what you request?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/is_tithing_necessary_for_christians.htm">Is tithing necessary for Christians?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_'dust_to_dust'_mean.htm">What does "To dust you shall return" mean?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_'do_justly,_love_mercy'_mean.htm">What does "do justly, love mercy, walk humbly" mean?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/genesis/18.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 27.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">And Abraham answered and said</span> (being emboldened by the success of his first petition), <span class="cmt_word">Behold now, I have taken upon me</span>, literally, <span class="accented">I have begun</span>, though here perhaps used in a more emphatic sense: I have undertaken or ventured (<span class="accented">vide</span> Gesenius, p. 326) - <span class="cmt_word">to speak unto the Lord</span> - Adonai (<a href="/genesis/15-2.htm">Genesis 15:2</a>) - <span class="cmt_word">which am but dust and ashes</span>. "Dust in his origin and ashes in his end" (Delitzsch; <span class="accented">vide</span> <a href="/genesis/3-19.htm">Genesis 3:19</a>). <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/genesis/18-27.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 Abraham</span><br /><span class="heb">אַבְרָהָ֖ם</span> <span class="translit">(’aḇ·rā·hām)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_85.htm">Strong's 85: </a> </span><span class="str2">Abraham -- 'exalted father', the father of the Jewish nation</span><br /><br /><span class="word">answered,</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיַּ֥עַן</span> <span class="translit">(way·ya·‘an)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6030.htm">Strong's 6030: </a> </span><span class="str2">To answer, respond</span><br /><br /><span class="word">“Now that</span><br /><span class="heb">הִנֵּה־</span> <span class="translit">(hin·nêh-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Interjection<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2009.htm">Strong's 2009: </a> </span><span class="str2">Lo! behold!</span><br /><br /><span class="word">I have ventured</span><br /><span class="heb">הוֹאַ֙לְתִּי֙</span> <span class="translit">(hō·w·’al·tî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Hifil - Perfect - first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2974.htm">Strong's 2974: </a> </span><span class="str2">To show willingness, be pleased, determine, undertake (to do anything)</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to speak</span><br /><span class="heb">לְדַבֵּ֣ר</span> <span class="translit">(lə·ḏab·bêr)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Verb - Piel - Infinitive construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1696.htm">Strong's 1696: </a> </span><span class="str2">To arrange, to speak, to subdue</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to</span><br /><span class="heb">אֶל־</span> <span class="translit">(’el-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<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">the Lord—</span><br /><span class="heb">אֲדֹנָ֔י</span> <span class="translit">(’ă·ḏō·nāy)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_136.htm">Strong's 136: </a> </span><span class="str2">The Lord</span><br /><br /><span class="word">though I</span><br /><span class="heb">וְאָנֹכִ֖י</span> <span class="translit">(wə·’ā·nō·ḵî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Pronoun - first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_595.htm">Strong's 595: </a> </span><span class="str2">I</span><br /><br /><span class="word">am but dust</span><br /><span class="heb">עָפָ֥ר</span> <span class="translit">(‘ā·p̄ār)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6083.htm">Strong's 6083: </a> </span><span class="str2">Dust, clay, earth, mud</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and ashes—</span><br /><span class="heb">וָאֵֽפֶר׃</span> <span class="translit">(wā·’ê·p̄er)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_665.htm">Strong's 665: </a> </span><span class="str2">Ashes</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/genesis/18-27.htm">Genesis 18:27 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/genesis/18-27.htm">Genesis 18:27 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/genesis/18-27.htm">Genesis 18:27 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/genesis/18-27.htm">Genesis 18:27 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/genesis/18-27.htm">Genesis 18:27 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/genesis/18-27.htm">Genesis 18:27 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/genesis/18-27.htm">Genesis 18:27 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/genesis/18-27.htm">Genesis 18:27 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/genesis/18-27.htm">Genesis 18:27 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/genesis/18-27.htm">Genesis 18:27 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/genesis/18-27.htm">OT Law: Genesis 18:27 Abraham answered See now I have taken (Gen. Ge Gn)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/genesis/18-26.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Genesis 18:26"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Genesis 18:26" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/genesis/18-28.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Genesis 18:28"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Genesis 18:28" /></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>