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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 18:4 Let a little water be brought, that you may wash your feet and rest yourselves under the tree.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/genesis/18-4.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/17/01_Gen_18_04.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Genesis 18:4 - The Three Visitors" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Let a little water be brought, that you may wash your feet and rest yourselves under the tree." /><script type="application/javascript" 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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="/ad4.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/18-3.htm" title="Genesis 18:3">◄</a> Genesis 18:4 <a href="/genesis/18-5.htm" title="Genesis 18:5">►</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 />Let a little water be brought, and then you may all wash your feet and rest under this tree.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/genesis/18.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Rest in the shade of this tree while water is brought to wash your feet.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/genesis/18.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Let a little water be brought, and wash your feet, and rest yourselves under the tree,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/genesis/18.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Let a little water be brought, that you may wash your feet and rest yourselves under the tree.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/genesis/18.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Let a little water, I pray you, be fetched, and wash your feet, and rest yourselves under the tree:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/genesis/18.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Please let a little water be brought, and wash your feet, and rest yourselves under the tree.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/genesis/18.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Please let a little water be brought and wash your feet, and make yourselves comfortable under the tree;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/genesis/18.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />&#8220Please let a little water be brought and wash your feet, and rest yourselves under the tree;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/genesis/18.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />“Please let a little water be brought and wash your feet, and rest yourselves under the tree;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/genesis/18.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Please let a little water be brought and wash your feet, and rest yourselves under the tree;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/genesis/18.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Please let a little water be brought [by one of my servants] and [you may] wash your feet, and recline <i>and</i> rest comfortably under the tree.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/genesis/18.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Let a little water be brought, that you may wash your feet and rest yourselves under the tree.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/genesis/18.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Let a little water be brought, that you may wash your feet and rest yourselves under the tree. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/genesis/18.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />let now a little water be fetched, and wash your feet, and rest yourselves under the tree:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/genesis/18.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />I'll have some water brought, so you can wash your feet, then you can rest under a tree. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/genesis/18.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />let now a little water be fetched, and wash your feet, and rest yourselves under the tree:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/genesis/18.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Why don't we let someone bring a little water? After you wash your feet, you can stretch out and rest under the tree.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/genesis/18.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Let me bring some water for you to wash your feet; you can rest here beneath this tree. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/genesis/18.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />I'll have some water brought to wash your feet while you rest under the tree. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/genesis/18.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Let a little water be brought so that you may all wash your feet and rest under the tree.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/genesis/18.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Now let a little water be brought, and wash your feet, and rest yourselves under the tree.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/genesis/18.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Let a little water, I pray you, be brought, and wash your feet, and rest yourselves under the tree:<div class="vheading2"><b>Majority Text Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/genesis/18.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Let a little water be brought, that you may wash your feet and rest yourselves under the tree.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/genesis/18.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Now let a little water be fetched, wash your feet, and rest yourselves under the tree. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/genesis/18.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />please let a little water be accepted, and wash Your feet, and recline under the tree;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/genesis/18.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> let, I pray thee, a little water be accepted, and wash your feet, and recline under the tree;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/genesis/18.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />Now he shall take a little water, and will wash your feet, and rest yourselves under the tree.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/genesis/18.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />But I will fetch a little water, and wash ye your feet, and rest ye under the tree. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/genesis/18.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />But I will bring a little water, and you may wash your feet and rest under the tree.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/genesis/18.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Let some water be brought, that you may bathe your feet, and then rest under the tree.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/genesis/18.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Let a little water be brought, and wash your feet, and rest yourselves under the tree.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/genesis/18.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Let me bring a little water and wash your feet and rest yourselves under the tree;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/genesis/18.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And take a piece of bread and sustain your heart, and after this, pass on, because in this manner you have come unto your Servant” and they said, “In this manner do as you have said.”<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/genesis/18.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />Let now a little water be fetched, and wash your feet, and recline yourselves under the tree.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/genesis/18.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />Let water now be brought, and let them wash your feet, and do ye refresh <i>yourselves</i> under the tree.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/genesis/18-4.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=3721" 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">3</span>“My lord,” said Abraham, “if I have found favor in your sight, please do not pass your servant by. <span class="reftext">4</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/4592.htm" title="4592: mə·‘aṭ- (Adj-msc) -- A little, fewness, a few. Or miat; from ma'at; a little or few.">Let a little</a> <a href="/hebrew/4325.htm" title="4325: ma·yim (N-mp) -- Waters, water. Dual of a primitive noun; water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen.">water</a> <a href="/hebrew/3947.htm" title="3947: yuq·qaḥ- (V-QalPass-Imperf-3ms) -- To take. A primitive root; to take.">be brought,</a> <a href="/hebrew/4994.htm" title="4994: nā (Interjection) -- I (we) pray, now. "></a> <a href="/hebrew/7364.htm" title="7364: wə·ra·ḥă·ṣū (Conj-w:: V-Qal-Imp-mp) -- To wash, wash off or away, bathe. A primitive root; to lave.">that you may wash</a> <a href="/hebrew/7272.htm" title="7272: raḡ·lê·ḵem (N-fdc:: 2mp) -- Foot. From ragal; a foot; by implication, a step; by euphem. The pudenda.">your feet</a> <a href="/hebrew/8172.htm" title="8172: wə·hiš·šā·‘ă·nū (Conj-w:: V-Nifal-Imp-mp) -- To lean, support oneself. A primitive root; to support one's self.">and rest</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.">yourselves 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> </span><span class="reftext">5</span>And I will bring a bit of bread so that you may refresh yourselves. This is why you have passed your servant’s way. After that, you may continue on your way.” “Yes,” they replied, “you may do as you have said.”…<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="/matthew/10-42.htm">Matthew 10:42</a></span><br />And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones because he is My disciple, truly I tell you, he will never lose his reward.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/4-9.htm">1 Peter 4:9</a></span><br />Show hospitality to one another without complaining.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/12-13.htm">Romans 12:13</a></span><br />Share with the saints who are in need. Practice hospitality.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_timothy/5-10.htm">1 Timothy 5:10</a></span><br />and well known for good deeds such as bringing up children, entertaining strangers, washing the feet of the saints, imparting relief to the afflicted, and devoting herself to every good work.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/7-44.htm">Luke 7:44</a></span><br />And turning toward the woman, He said to Simon, “Do you see this woman? When I entered your house, you did not give Me water for My feet, but she wet My feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/13-14.htm">John 13:14</a></span><br />So if I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/25-35.htm">Matthew 25:35-40</a></span><br />For I was hungry and you gave Me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave Me something to drink, I was a stranger and you took Me in, / I was naked and you clothed Me, I was sick and you looked after Me, I was in prison and you visited Me.’ / Then the righteous will answer Him, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You something to drink? ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/17-10.htm">1 Kings 17:10-11</a></span><br />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.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/judges/19-21.htm">Judges 19:21</a></span><br />So he brought him to his house and fed his donkeys. And they washed their feet and ate and drank.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/23-4.htm">Exodus 23:4-5</a></span><br />If you encounter your enemy’s stray ox or donkey, you must return it to him. / If you see the donkey of one who hates you fallen under its load, do not leave it there; you must help him with it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/32-2.htm">Isaiah 32:2</a></span><br />Each will be like a shelter from the wind, a refuge from the storm, like streams of water in a dry land, like the shadow of a great rock in an arid land.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_kings/4-8.htm">2 Kings 4:8-10</a></span><br />One day Elisha went to Shunem, and a prominent woman who lived there persuaded him to have a meal. So whenever he would pass by, he would stop there to eat. / Then the woman said to her husband, “Behold, now I know that the one who often comes our way is a holy man of God. / Please let us make a small room upstairs and put in it a bed, a table, a chair, and a lamp for him. Then when he comes to us, he can stay there.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/19-24.htm">2 Samuel 19:24</a></span><br />Then Mephibosheth, Saul’s grandson, went down to meet the king. He had not cared for his feet or trimmed his mustache or washed his clothes from the day the king had left until the day he returned safely.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/25-41.htm">1 Samuel 25:41</a></span><br />She arose, bowed facedown, and said, “Here is your servant, ready to serve and to wash the feet of my lord’s servants.”</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Let a little water, I pray you, be fetched, and wash your feet, and rest yourselves under the tree:</p><p class="hdg">wash your feet.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/19-2.htm">Genesis 19:2</a></b></br> And he said, Behold now, my lords, turn in, I pray you, into your servant's house, and tarry all night, and wash your feet, and ye shall rise up early, and go on your ways. And they said, Nay; but we will abide in the street all night.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/24-32.htm">Genesis 24:32</a></b></br> And the man came into the house: and he ungirded his camels, and gave straw and provender for the camels, and water to wash his feet, and the men's feet that <i>were</i> with him.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/43-24.htm">Genesis 43:24</a></b></br> And the man brought the men into Joseph's house, and gave <i>them</i> water, and they washed their feet; and he gave their asses provender.</p><p class="hdg">tree.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/genesis/4-7.htm">Accepted</a> <a href="/genesis/8-9.htm">Feet</a> <a href="/acts/28-13.htm">Fetched</a> <a href="/revelation/17-10.htm">Little</a> <a href="/genesis/18-3.htm">Please</a> <a href="/luke/14-10.htm">Recline</a> <a href="/genesis/14-10.htm">Rest</a> <a href="/genesis/18-1.htm">Tree</a> <a href="/revelation/22-14.htm">Wash</a> <a href="/2_peter/2-22.htm">Washing</a> <a href="/genesis/16-7.htm">Water</a> <a href="/revelation/19-17.htm">Yourselves</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/genesis/19-21.htm">Accepted</a> <a href="/genesis/19-2.htm">Feet</a> <a href="/genesis/18-7.htm">Fetched</a> <a href="/genesis/19-20.htm">Little</a> <a href="/genesis/19-2.htm">Please</a> <a href="/jeremiah/2-20.htm">Recline</a> <a href="/genesis/23-4.htm">Rest</a> <a href="/genesis/18-8.htm">Tree</a> <a href="/genesis/19-2.htm">Wash</a> <a href="/genesis/43-24.htm">Washing</a> <a href="/genesis/21-14.htm">Water</a> <a href="/genesis/18-5.htm">Yourselves</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>Let a little water be brought</b><br>In the ancient Near Eastern culture, offering water to guests was a common act of hospitality. Water was a precious resource, especially in arid regions, and providing it demonstrated care and respect. This act reflects Abraham's character as a hospitable and righteous man, aligning with the biblical emphasis on hospitality (<a href="/hebrews/13-2.htm">Hebrews 13:2</a>). The provision of water also symbolizes spiritual cleansing and refreshment, foreshadowing the living water offered by Christ (<a href="/john/4-10.htm">John 4:10</a>).<p><b>that you may wash your feet</b><br>Foot washing was a customary practice in biblical times due to the dusty and dirty conditions of travel. It was a sign of welcome and respect, often performed by servants. This act of humility and service prefigures Jesus washing the disciples' feet (<a href="/john/13-5.htm">John 13:5-15</a>), illustrating themes of servanthood and purification. It also signifies the cleansing from sin, a recurring biblical theme (<a href="/psalms/51-7.htm">Psalm 51:7</a>).<p><b>and rest yourselves under the tree</b><br>The tree likely refers to a terebinth or oak, common in the region and providing necessary shade in the hot climate. Resting under a tree symbolizes peace and refuge, reminiscent of the Tree of Life in Eden (<a href="/genesis/2-9.htm">Genesis 2:9</a>) and the future rest promised in Christ (<a href="/matthew/11-28.htm">Matthew 11:28-30</a>). This setting underlines the importance of rest and refreshment, both physically and spiritually, as part of God's provision for His people.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/a/abraham.htm">Abraham</a></b><br>The patriarch of the Israelites, who is hosting three visitors near the great trees of Mamre.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/t/three_visitors.htm">Three Visitors</a></b><br>These are often interpreted as the Lord and two angels, who visit Abraham to deliver a message about the birth of Isaac.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/m/mamre.htm">Mamre</a></b><br>A location near Hebron, where Abraham had settled and built an altar to the Lord.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/h/hospitality.htm">Hospitality</a></b><br>The cultural and spiritual practice of welcoming and caring for guests, which is a central theme in this passage.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/f/foot_washing.htm">Foot Washing</a></b><br>A customary act of hospitality in ancient Near Eastern cultures, symbolizing care and refreshment for travelers.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_hospitality.htm">The Importance of Hospitality</a></b><br>Hospitality is a vital expression of love and service, reflecting God's character and commands.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/h/humility_in_service.htm">Humility in Service</a></b><br>Abraham's willingness to serve his guests, even in a humble task like foot washing, teaches us the value of serving others selflessly.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/r/recognizing_divine_encounters.htm">Recognizing Divine Encounters</a></b><br>We should be open to the possibility that our acts of service may have spiritual significance beyond what we can see.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/r/rest_and_refreshment.htm">Rest and Refreshment</a></b><br>Providing rest and refreshment to others is a practical way to demonstrate God's love and care.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/cultural_practices_with_spiritual_meaning.htm">Cultural Practices with Spiritual Meaning</a></b><br>Understanding cultural practices like foot washing can deepen our appreciation for biblical accounts and their spiritual lessons.<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/what_does_the_bible_say_on_foot_washing.htm">What does the Bible say about foot washing?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/bible's_view_on_sexual_assault.htm">What virtues and vices do the patriarchs advise on?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_do_rock_layers_show_ages,_not_a_flood.htm">Why do sedimentary rock layers show millions of years of deposition rather than a single global flood?</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><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/genesis/18.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(4) <span class= "bld">Wash your feet.</span>--This is the first necessity of Oriental hospitality (<a href="/judges/19-21.htm" title="So he brought him into his house, and gave provender to the asses: and they washed their feet, and did eat and drink.">Judges 19:21</a>), not merely because the feet, protected only by sandals, are soiled by the dirt of the roads, but because it cools the whole body, and allays the feverishness caused by the heat of travelling. Thus refreshed they are "to rest," Heb., <span class= "ital">to lay themselves down, </span>in the shade.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/genesis/18.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 4.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Let a little water, I pray yon, be fetched, and wash your feet.</span> Feet washing was a necessary part of Oriental hospitality (cf. <a href="/genesis/19-2.htm">Genesis 19:2</a>; <a href="/genesis/24-32.htm">Genesis 24:32</a>; <a href="/genesis/43-24.htm">Genesis 43:24</a>). "Among the ancient Egyptians the basins kept in the houses of the rich for this purpose were sometimes of gold" (Freeman, Bible Manners, 'Homiletic Quarterly,' vol. 1. p. 78). "<span class="accented">In</span> India it is considered a necessary part of hospitality to wash the feet and ankles of the weary traveler, and even in Palestine this interesting custom is not extinct. Dr. Robinson and party on arriving at Ramleh repaired to the abode of a wealthy Arab, where the ceremony was performed in the genuine style of ancient Oriental hospitality (<span class="accented">vide</span> Kitto's 'Bible Illustrations,' vol. 1. p. 230). <span class="cmt_word">And rest yourselves</span> (literally, <span class="accented">recline</span> by resting on the elbow) under the tree. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/genesis/18-4.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">Let a little</span><br /><span class="heb">מְעַט־</span> <span class="translit">(mə·‘aṭ-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4592.htm">Strong's 4592: </a> </span><span class="str2">A little, fewness, a few</span><br /><br /><span class="word">water</span><br /><span class="heb">מַ֔יִם</span> <span class="translit">(ma·yim)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4325.htm">Strong's 4325: </a> </span><span class="str2">Water, juice, urine, semen</span><br /><br /><span class="word">be brought,</span><br /><span class="heb">יֻקַּֽח־</span> <span class="translit">(yuq·qaḥ-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - QalPass - Imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3947.htm">Strong's 3947: </a> </span><span class="str2">To take</span><br /><br /><span class="word">that you may wash</span><br /><span class="heb">וְרַחֲצ֖וּ</span> <span class="translit">(wə·ra·ḥă·ṣū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7364.htm">Strong's 7364: </a> </span><span class="str2">To wash, wash off or away, bathe</span><br /><br /><span class="word">your feet</span><br /><span class="heb">רַגְלֵיכֶ֑ם</span> <span class="translit">(raḡ·lê·ḵem)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - fdc | second person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7272.htm">Strong's 7272: </a> </span><span class="str2">A foot, a step, the pudenda</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and rest</span><br /><span class="heb">וְהִֽשָּׁעֲנ֖וּ</span> <span class="translit">(wə·hiš·šā·‘ă·nū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Nifal - Imperative - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8172.htm">Strong's 8172: </a> </span><span class="str2">To lean, support oneself</span><br /><br /><span class="word">yourselves under</span><br /><span class="heb">תַּ֥חַת</span> <span class="translit">(ta·ḥaṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8478.htm">Strong's 8478: </a> </span><span class="str2">The bottom, below, in lieu of</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the tree.</span><br /><span class="heb">הָעֵֽץ׃</span> <span class="translit">(hā·‘êṣ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6086.htm">Strong's 6086: </a> </span><span class="str2">Tree, trees, wood</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/genesis/18-4.htm">Genesis 18:4 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/genesis/18-4.htm">Genesis 18:4 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/genesis/18-4.htm">Genesis 18:4 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/genesis/18-4.htm">Genesis 18:4 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/genesis/18-4.htm">Genesis 18:4 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/genesis/18-4.htm">Genesis 18:4 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/genesis/18-4.htm">Genesis 18:4 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/genesis/18-4.htm">Genesis 18:4 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/genesis/18-4.htm">Genesis 18:4 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/genesis/18-4.htm">Genesis 18:4 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/genesis/18-4.htm">OT Law: Genesis 18:4 Now let a little water be fetched (Gen. Ge Gn)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/genesis/18-3.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Genesis 18:3"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Genesis 18:3" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/genesis/18-5.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Genesis 18:5"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Genesis 18:5" /></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>