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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 18:2 And Abraham looked up and saw three men standing nearby. When he saw them, he ran from the entrance of his tent to meet them and bowed low to the ground.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/genesis/18-2.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/15/01_Gen_18_02.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Genesis 18:2 - The Three Visitors" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="And Abraham looked up and saw three men standing nearby. 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When he saw them, he hurried from the entrance of his tent to meet them and bowed low to the ground.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/genesis/18.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />He looked up and noticed three men standing nearby. When he saw them, he ran to meet them and welcomed them, bowing low to the ground.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/genesis/18.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />He lifted up his eyes and looked, and behold, three men were standing in front of him. When he saw them, he ran from the tent door to meet them and bowed himself to the earth<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/genesis/18.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />And Abraham looked up and saw three men standing nearby. When he saw them, he ran from the entrance of his tent to meet them and bowed low to the ground.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/genesis/18.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />And he lift up his eyes and looked, and, lo, three men stood by him: and when he saw <i>them</i>, he ran to meet them from the tent door, and bowed himself toward the ground,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/genesis/18.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />So he lifted his eyes and looked, and behold, three men were standing by him; and when he saw <i>them,</i> he ran from the tent door to meet them, and bowed himself to the ground,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/genesis/18.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />When he raised his eyes and looked, behold, three men were standing opposite him; and when he saw <i>them,</i> he ran from the tent door to meet them and bowed down to the ground,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/genesis/18.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />When he lifted up his eyes and looked, behold, three men were standing opposite him; and when he saw them, he ran from the tent door to meet them and bowed himself to the earth,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/genesis/18.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />And when he lifted up his eyes and looked, behold, three men were standing opposite him; and when he saw <i>them,</i> he ran from the tent door to meet them, and bowed himself to the earth,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/genesis/18.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />And he lifted up his eyes and looked, and behold, three men were standing nearby; he saw, and he ran from the tent door to meet them, and he bowed himself to the earth,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/genesis/18.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />When he raised his eyes and looked up, behold, three men were standing [a little distance] from him. When he saw them, he ran from the tent door to meet them and bowed down [with his face] to the ground,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/genesis/18.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />He looked up, and he saw three men standing near him. When he saw them, he ran from the entrance of the tent to meet them, bowed to the ground,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/genesis/18.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />He looked up, and he saw three men standing near him. When he saw them, he ran from the entrance of the tent to meet them and bowed to the ground. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/genesis/18.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />and he lifted up his eyes and looked, and, lo, three men stood over against him: and when he saw them, he ran to meet them from the tent door, and bowed himself to the earth,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/genesis/18.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Abraham looked up and saw three men standing nearby. He quickly ran to meet them, bowed with his face to the ground, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/genesis/18.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />and he lift up his eyes and looked, and, lo, three men stood over against him: and when he saw them, he ran to meet them from the tent door, and bowed himself to the earth,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/genesis/18.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Abraham looked up, and suddenly he saw three men standing near him. When he saw them, he ran to meet them, and he bowed with his face touching the ground.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/genesis/18.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />he looked up and saw three men standing there. As soon as he saw them, he ran out to meet them. Bowing down with his face touching the ground, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/genesis/18.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />he glanced up and saw three men standing there, not far from him. As soon as he noticed them, Abraham ran from the tent entrance to greet them and bowed low to the ground. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/genesis/18.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Abraham looked up and saw three men standing across from him. When he saw them he ran from the entrance of the tent to meet them and bowed low to the ground. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/genesis/18.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />He lifted up his eyes and looked, and saw that three men stood opposite him. When he saw them, he ran to meet them from the entrance of the tent, and bowed himself to the earth,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/genesis/18.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And he lifted up his eyes and looked, and lo, three men stood by him: and when he saw them, he ran to meet them from the tent door, and bowed himself toward the ground,<div class="vheading2"><b>Majority Text Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/genesis/18.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />And Abraham looked up and saw three men standing nearby. When he saw them, he ran from the entrance of his tent to meet them and bowed low to the ground.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/genesis/18.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />He lifted up his eyes and looked, and saw that three men stood near him. When he saw them, he ran to meet them from the tent door, and bowed himself to the earth, <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/genesis/18.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />and he lifts up his eyes and looks, and behold, three men standing by him, and he sees, and runs to meet them from the opening of the tent, and bows himself toward the earth,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/genesis/18.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> and he lifteth up his eyes and looketh, and lo, three men standing by him, and he seeth, and runneth to meet them from the opening of the tent, and boweth himself towards the earth,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/genesis/18.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And he shall lift up his eyes and shall see, and behold, three men stood by him: and he will see and will run to meet them from the door of the tent, and will bow himself to the earth.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/genesis/18.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And when he had lifted up his eyes, there appeared to him three men standing near him: and as soon as he saw them he ran to meet them from the door of his tent, and adored down to the ground. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/genesis/18.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />And when he had lifted up his eyes, there appeared to him three men, standing near him. When he had seen them, he ran to meet them from the door of his tent, and he reverenced them on the ground.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/genesis/18.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Looking up, he saw three men standing near him. When he saw them, he ran from the entrance of the tent to greet them; and bowing to the ground,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/genesis/18.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />He looked up and saw three men standing near him. When he saw them, he ran from the tent entrance to meet them, and bowed down to the ground.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/genesis/18.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />And he lifted up his eyes and looked, and, behold, three men stood at a distance from him; and when he saw them, he ran from the door of the tent to meet them and bowed himself to the ground,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/genesis/18.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And he said, “LORD JEHOVAH, if I have found favor in your eyes, do not pass on from your Servant:<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/genesis/18.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />and he lifted up his eyes and looked, and, lo, three men stood over against him; and when he saw them, he ran to meet them from the tent door, and bowed down to the earth,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/genesis/18.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And he lifted up his eyes and beheld, and lo! three men stood before him; and having seen them he ran to meet them from the door of his tent, and did obeisance to the ground.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/genesis/18-2.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=3703" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/genesis/18.htm">The Three Visitors</a></span><br><span class="reftext">1</span>Then the LORD appeared to Abraham by the Oaks of Mamre in the heat of the day, while he was sitting at the entrance of his tent. <span class="reftext">2</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/5375.htm" title="5375: way·yiś·śā (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- Or nacah ('abad); a primitive root; to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absol. And rel.">And Abraham looked up</a> <a href="/hebrew/5869.htm" title="5869: ‘ê·nāw (N-cdc:: 3ms) -- An eye. Probably a primitive word; an eye; by analogy, a fountain."></a> <a href="/hebrew/7200.htm" title="7200: way·yar (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To see. A primitive root; to see, literally or figuratively.">and saw</a> <a href="/hebrew/2009.htm" title="2009: wə·hin·nêh (Conj-w:: Interjection) -- Lo! behold! Prolongation for hen; lo!"></a> <a href="/hebrew/7969.htm" title="7969: šə·lō·šāh (Number-ms) -- A three, triad. Or shalosh; masculine shlowshah; or shloshah; a primitive number; three; occasionally third, or Thrice.">three</a> <a href="/hebrew/582.htm" title="582: ’ă·nā·šîm (N-mp) -- Man, mankind. From 'anash; properly, a mortal; hence, a man in general.">men</a> <a href="/hebrew/5324.htm" title="5324: niṣ·ṣā·ḇîm (V-Nifal-Prtcpl-mp) -- To take one's stand, stand. A prim root; to station, in various applications.">standing</a> <a href="/hebrew/5921.htm" title="5921: ‘ā·lāw (Prep:: 3ms) -- Properly, the same as al used as a preposition; above, over, upon, or against in a great variety of applications.">nearby.</a> <a href="/hebrew/7200.htm" title="7200: way·yar (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To see. A primitive root; to see, literally or figuratively.">When he saw them,</a> <a href="/hebrew/7323.htm" title="7323: way·yā·rāṣ (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To run. A primitive root; to run.">he ran from</a> <a href="/hebrew/6607.htm" title="6607: mip·pe·ṯaḥ (Prep-m:: N-msc) -- Opening, doorway, entrance. From pathach; an opening, i.e. Door or entrance way.">the entrance</a> <a href="/hebrew/168.htm" title="168: hā·’ō·hel (Art:: N-ms) -- A tent. From 'ahal; a tent.">of his tent</a> <a href="/hebrew/7122.htm" title="7122: liq·rā·ṯām (Prep-l:: V-Qal-Inf:: 3mp) -- To encounter, befall. A primitive root: to encounter, whether accidentally or in a hostile manner.">to meet them</a> <a href="/hebrew/7812.htm" title="7812: way·yiš·ta·ḥū (Conj-w:: V-Hitpael-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To bow down. A primitive root; to depress, i.e. Prostrate.">and bowed low</a> <a href="/hebrew/776.htm" title="776: ’ā·rə·ṣāh (N-fs:: 3fs) -- Earth, land. From an unused root probably meaning to be firm; the earth.">to the ground.</a> </span><span class="reftext">3</span>“My lord,” said Abraham, “if I have found favor in your sight, please do not pass your servant by.…<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="/judges/13-3.htm">Judges 13:3-21</a></span><br />The angel of the LORD appeared to the woman and said to her, “It is true that you are barren and have no children; but you will conceive and give birth to a son. / Now please be careful not to drink wine or strong drink, and not to eat anything unclean. / For behold, you will conceive and give birth to a son. And no razor shall touch his head, because the boy will be a Nazirite to God from the womb, and he will begin the deliverance of Israel from the hand of the Philistines.” ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/19-1.htm">Genesis 19:1-3</a></span><br />Now the two angels arrived at Sodom in the evening, and Lot was sitting in the gateway of the city. When Lot saw them, he got up to meet them, bowed facedown, / and said, “My lords, please turn aside into the house of your servant; wash your feet and spend the night. Then you can rise early and go on your way.” “No,” they answered, “we will spend the night in the square.” / But Lot insisted so strongly that they followed him into his house. He prepared a feast for them and baked unleavened bread, and they ate.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/24-4.htm">Luke 24:4</a></span><br />While they were puzzling over this, suddenly two men in radiant apparel stood beside them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/1-10.htm">Acts 1:10</a></span><br />They were looking intently into the sky as He was going, when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/32-24.htm">Genesis 32:24-30</a></span><br />So Jacob was left all alone, and there a man wrestled with him until daybreak. / When the man saw that he could not overpower Jacob, he struck the socket of Jacob’s hip and dislocated it as they wrestled. / Then the man said, “Let me go, for it is daybreak.” But Jacob replied, “I will not let you go unless you bless me.” ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/joshua/5-13.htm">Joshua 5:13-15</a></span><br />Now when Joshua was near Jericho, he looked up and saw a man standing in front of him with a drawn sword in His hand. Joshua approached Him and asked, “Are You for us or for our enemies?” / “Neither,” He replied. “I have now come as Commander of the LORD’s army.” Then Joshua fell facedown in reverence and asked Him, “What does my Lord have to say to His servant?” / The Commander of the LORD’s army replied, “Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy.” And Joshua did so.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/daniel/3-25.htm">Daniel 3:25</a></span><br />“Look!” he exclaimed. “I see four men, unbound and unharmed, walking around in the fire—and the fourth looks like a son of the gods!”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/daniel/6-22.htm">Daniel 6:22</a></span><br />My God sent His angel and shut the mouths of the lions. They have not hurt me, for I was found innocent in His sight, and I have done no wrong against you, O king.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/28-2.htm">Matthew 28:2-3</a></span><br />Suddenly there was a great earthquake, for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven, rolled away the stone, and sat on it. / His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/mark/16-5.htm">Mark 16:5</a></span><br />When they entered the tomb, they saw a young man dressed in a white robe sitting on the right side, and they were alarmed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/1-11.htm">Luke 1:11</a></span><br />Just then an angel of the Lord appeared to Zechariah, standing at the right side of the altar of incense.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/10-3.htm">Acts 10:3</a></span><br />One day at about the ninth hour, he had a clear vision of an angel of God who came to him and said, “Cornelius!”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/revelation/22-8.htm">Revelation 22:8-9</a></span><br />And I, John, am the one who heard and saw these things. And when I had heard and seen them, I fell down to worship at the feet of the angel who had shown me these things. / But he said to me, “Do not do that! I am a fellow servant with you and your brothers the prophets, and with those who keep the words of this book. Worship God!”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/28-12.htm">Genesis 28:12-15</a></span><br />And Jacob had a dream about a ladder that rested on the earth with its top reaching up to heaven, and God’s angels were going up and down the ladder. / And there at the top the LORD was standing and saying, “I am the LORD, the God of your father Abraham and the God of Isaac. I will give you and your descendants the land on which you now lie. / Your descendants will be like the dust of the earth, and you will spread out to the west and east and north and south. All the families of the earth will be blessed through you and your offspring. ...</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And he lift up his eyes and looked, and, see, three men stood by him: and when he saw them, he ran to meet them from the tent door, and bowed himself toward the ground,</p><p class="hdg">And he.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/judges/13-3.htm">Judges 13:3,9</a></b></br> And the angel of the LORD appeared unto the woman, and said unto her, Behold now, thou <i>art</i> barren, and bearest not: but thou shalt conceive, and bear a son… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/hebrews/13-2.htm">Hebrews 13:2</a></b></br> Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.</p><p class="hdg">three.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/18-22.htm">Genesis 18:22</a></b></br> And the men turned their faces from thence, and went toward Sodom: but Abraham stood yet before the LORD.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/19-1.htm">Genesis 19:1</a></b></br> And there came two angels to Sodom at even; and Lot sat in the gate of Sodom: and Lot seeing <i>them</i> rose up to meet them; and he bowed himself with his face toward the ground;</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/hebrews/13-2.htm">Hebrews 13:2</a></b></br> Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.</p><p class="hdg">he ran.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/romans/12-13.htm">Romans 12:13</a></b></br> Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality.</p><p class="hdg">bowed.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/23-7.htm">Genesis 23:7</a></b></br> And Abraham stood up, and bowed himself to the people of the land, <i>even</i> to the children of Heth.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/33-3.htm">Genesis 33:3-7</a></b></br> And he passed over before them, and bowed himself to the ground seven times, until he came near to his brother… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/43-26.htm">Genesis 43:26,28</a></b></br> And when Joseph came home, they brought him the present which <i>was</i> in their hand into the house, and bowed themselves to him to the earth… </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/genesis/18-1.htm">Abraham</a> <a href="/revelation/7-11.htm">Bowed</a> <a href="/genesis/18-1.htm">Door</a> <a href="/genesis/17-3.htm">Earth</a> <a href="/genesis/18-1.htm">Entrance</a> <a href="/genesis/16-6.htm">Eyes</a> <a href="/genesis/17-17.htm">Face</a> <a href="/genesis/2-14.htm">Front</a> <a href="/genesis/12-3.htm">Ground</a> <a href="/luke/19-6.htm">Hurried</a> <a href="/genesis/15-5.htm">Lifted</a> <a href="/nahum/3-3.htm">Lifteth</a> <a href="/genesis/14-17.htm">Meet</a> <a href="/acts/28-7.htm">Nearby</a> <a href="/genesis/16-12.htm">Opposite</a> <a href="/revelation/22-20.htm">Quickly</a> <a href="/jude/1-11.htm">Ran</a> <a href="/revelation/20-12.htm">Standing</a> <a href="/revelation/22-2.htm">Stood</a> <a href="/genesis/18-1.htm">Tent</a> <a href="/genesis/18-1.htm">Tent-Door</a> <a href="/genesis/15-9.htm">Three</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/genesis/18-6.htm">Abraham</a> <a href="/genesis/19-1.htm">Bowed</a> <a href="/genesis/18-10.htm">Door</a> <a href="/genesis/18-18.htm">Earth</a> <a href="/genesis/19-6.htm">Entrance</a> <a href="/genesis/18-3.htm">Eyes</a> <a href="/genesis/18-16.htm">Face</a> <a href="/genesis/20-16.htm">Front</a> <a href="/genesis/19-1.htm">Ground</a> <a href="/genesis/18-6.htm">Hurried</a> <a href="/genesis/21-16.htm">Lifted</a> <a href="/genesis/29-1.htm">Lifteth</a> <a href="/genesis/19-1.htm">Meet</a> <a href="/genesis/21-16.htm">Nearby</a> <a href="/genesis/21-16.htm">Opposite</a> <a href="/genesis/18-6.htm">Quickly</a> <a href="/genesis/18-7.htm">Ran</a> <a href="/genesis/18-8.htm">Standing</a> <a href="/genesis/18-8.htm">Stood</a> <a href="/genesis/18-6.htm">Tent</a> <a href="/genesis/18-10.htm">Tent-Door</a> <a href="/genesis/18-6.htm">Three</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>And Abraham looked up and saw three men standing nearby.</b><br>In the ancient Near Eastern context, hospitality was a crucial cultural value. Abraham's immediate recognition and response to the presence of these three men highlight his adherence to this cultural norm. The identity of these men is significant; they are later revealed to be the Lord and two angels (<a href="/genesis/18.htm">Genesis 18:1, 19</a>:1). This encounter is a theophany, a visible manifestation of God to a human. The number three has been interpreted by some as a foreshadowing of the Trinity, although this is not explicitly stated in the text. The appearance of these men "nearby" suggests a sudden and divine presence, emphasizing the supernatural aspect of the encounter.<p><b>When he saw them, he ran from the entrance of his tent to meet them</b><br>Abraham's immediate and eager response to the visitors is indicative of his character and his respect for the cultural practice of hospitality. Running to meet guests was a sign of honor and urgency, especially for a man of Abraham's age and status. This action reflects his willingness to serve and his recognition of the importance of these visitors. The tent, a common dwelling for nomadic people like Abraham, symbolizes his transient lifestyle and reliance on God's promises for a permanent home.<p><b>and bowed low to the ground.</b><br>Bowing low was a customary gesture of respect and submission in the ancient world. Abraham's act of bowing indicates his recognition of the visitors' significance, even before their divine nature is fully revealed. This gesture can also be seen as an act of worship, acknowledging the presence of the divine. In the broader biblical narrative, bowing is often associated with reverence and humility before God (e.g., <a href="/exodus/34-8.htm">Exodus 34:8</a>, <a href="/psalms/95-6.htm">Psalm 95:6</a>). Abraham's posture here prefigures the worship and reverence due to God, aligning with the biblical theme of recognizing and honoring God's presence.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/a/abraham.htm">Abraham</a></b><br>The patriarch of the Israelites, known for his faith and obedience to God. In this passage, he demonstrates hospitality and reverence.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/t/three_men.htm">Three Men</a></b><br>These figures are later revealed to be the Lord and two angels. Their visit signifies a divine encounter and a message from God.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/e/entrance_of_the_tent.htm">Entrance of the Tent</a></b><br>This setting indicates a place of hospitality and openness, where Abraham is positioned to receive guests.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/b/bowing_low_to_the_ground.htm">Bowing Low to the Ground</a></b><br>A gesture of respect and humility, indicating Abraham's recognition of the divine nature of his visitors.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/m/mamre.htm">Mamre</a></b><br>The location where Abraham was dwelling, known for its association with significant events in Abraham's life, including God's covenant promises.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/h/hospitality_as_a_virtue.htm">Hospitality as a Virtue</a></b><br>Abraham's immediate and generous response to the visitors exemplifies the biblical call to hospitality. Believers are encouraged to welcome others with open hearts and hands.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/r/recognizing_divine_encounters.htm">Recognizing Divine Encounters</a></b><br>Abraham's ability to perceive the significance of his visitors teaches us to be spiritually attentive and discerning in our daily lives.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/h/humility_before_god.htm">Humility Before God</a></b><br>Abraham's act of bowing low is a reminder of the importance of humility and reverence in our relationship with God.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/f/faith_in_action.htm">Faith in Action</a></b><br>Abraham's actions demonstrate that faith is not passive but involves active service and readiness to respond to God's presence.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_presence_in_the_ordinary.htm">God's Presence in the Ordinary</a></b><br>The appearance of God in the form of three men suggests that God often meets us in the ordinary moments of life, challenging us to be aware of His presence.<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/bible's_view_on_hospitality.htm">What is the Bible's view on hospitality?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/who_visited_abraham_in_genesis_18.htm">Who were the three men visiting Abraham in Genesis 18?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_did_abraham_host_the_lord_as_travelers.htm">How could Abraham host and feed three travelers identified as the Lord in human form (Genesis 18:1–5) without any hint of deception or strangeness? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_no_consensus_on_daniel_7_13-14.htm">Daniel 7:13–14 speaks of “one like a son of man” receiving eternal dominion—why is there no consensus on his identity if this event was truly foretold? </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>(2) <span class= "bld">Three men.</span>--Jewish commentators explain the number by saying that, as no angel might execute more than one commission at a time, one of the three came to heal Abraham, the second to bear the message to Sarah, and the third to destroy Sodom. More correctly one was "the angel of Jehovah," who came as the manifestation of Deity to Abraham, and the other two were his companions, commissioned by him afterwards to execute judgment on the cities of the plain, The number three pointed also to the Trinity of Persons in the Godhead, and is therefore read by our Church as one of the lessons for Trinity Sunday. But we must be careful not to use it as a proof of this doctrine, lest the inference should be drawn of a personal appearance of the Father and of the Holy Ghost, which would savour of heretical impiety.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/genesis/18.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 2.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">And he lift up his eyes and looked, and, lo, three men stood by him.</span> Not in addition to (Kalisch), but including (Keil), Jehovah, whose appearance to the patriarch, having in the previous verse been first generally stated, is now minutely described. That these three men were not manifestations of the three persons of the Godhead (Justin Martyr, Ambrose, Cyril), but Jehovah accompanied by two created angels (Keil, <span class="accented">et alii</span>, may be inferred from <a href="/genesis/19-1.htm">Genesis 19:1</a>. When first perceived by the patriarch they were believed to be men, strangers, who were approaching his tent, and indeed were already close to it, or standing by him. <span class="cmt_word">And when he saw them</span> (<span class="accented">i.e.</span> understood that one of them was Jehovah, Jarchi rightly explaining that the word translated above "looked," i.e. with the bodily vision now implies an act of mental perception), <span class="cmt_word">he ran to meet them from the tent door, and bowed himself toward the ground</span>. The expression denotes the complete prostration of the body by first falling on the knees, and then inclining the head forwards till it touches the ground. As this was a mode of salutation practiced by Orientals towards superiors generally, such as kings and princes (<a href="/2_samuel/9-8.htm">2 Samuel 9:8</a>), but also towards equals (<a href="/genesis/23-7.htm">Genesis 23:7</a>; <a href="/genesis/33-6.htm">Genesis 33:6, 7</a>; <a href="/genesis/42-6.htm">Genesis 42:6</a>; <a href="/genesis/43-26.htm">Genesis 43:26</a>), as well as towards the Deity (<a href="/genesis/22-5.htm">Genesis 22:5</a>; <a href="/1_samuel/1-3.htm">1 Samuel 1:3</a>), it is impossible to affirm with certainty (Keil, Lunge) that an act of worship was intended by the patriarch, and not simply the presentation of human and civil honor (Calvin). If <a href="/hebrews/13-2.htm">Hebrews 13:2</a> inclines to countenance the latter interpretation, the language in which Abraham immediately addresses one of the three men almost leads to the conclusion that already the patriarch had recognized Jehovah. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/genesis/18-2.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">And [Abraham] lifted up</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיִּשָּׂ֤א</span> <span class="translit">(way·yiś·śā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5375.htm">Strong's 5375: </a> </span><span class="str2">To lift, carry, take</span><br /><br /><span class="word">his eyes</span><br /><span class="heb">עֵינָיו֙</span> <span class="translit">(‘ê·nāw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - cdc | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5869.htm">Strong's 5869: </a> </span><span class="str2">An eye, a fountain</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and saw</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיַּ֔רְא</span> <span class="translit">(way·yar)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7200.htm">Strong's 7200: </a> </span><span class="str2">To see</span><br /><br /><span class="word">three</span><br /><span class="heb">שְׁלֹשָׁ֣ה</span> <span class="translit">(šə·lō·šāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Number - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7969.htm">Strong's 7969: </a> </span><span class="str2">Three, third, thrice</span><br /><br /><span class="word">men</span><br /><span class="heb">אֲנָשִׁ֔ים</span> <span class="translit">(’ă·nā·šîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_376.htm">Strong's 376: </a> </span><span class="str2">A man as an individual, a male person</span><br /><br /><span class="word">standing</span><br /><span class="heb">נִצָּבִ֖ים</span> <span class="translit">(niṣ·ṣā·ḇîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Nifal - Participle - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5324.htm">Strong's 5324: </a> </span><span class="str2">To take one's stand, stand</span><br /><br /><span class="word">nearby.</span><br /><span class="heb">עָלָ֑יו</span> <span class="translit">(‘ā·lāw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5921.htm">Strong's 5921: </a> </span><span class="str2">Above, over, upon, against</span><br /><br /><span class="word">When he saw them,</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיַּ֗רְא</span> <span class="translit">(way·yar)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7200.htm">Strong's 7200: </a> </span><span class="str2">To see</span><br /><br /><span class="word">he ran from</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיָּ֤רָץ</span> <span class="translit">(way·yā·rāṣ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7323.htm">Strong's 7323: </a> </span><span class="str2">To run</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the entrance</span><br /><span class="heb">מִפֶּ֣תַח</span> <span class="translit">(mip·pe·ṯaḥ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6607.htm">Strong's 6607: </a> </span><span class="str2">An opening, door, entrance way</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of his tent</span><br /><span class="heb">הָאֹ֔הֶל</span> <span class="translit">(hā·’ō·hel)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_168.htm">Strong's 168: </a> </span><span class="str2">A tent</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to meet them</span><br /><span class="heb">לִקְרָאתָם֙</span> <span class="translit">(liq·rā·ṯām)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct | third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7125.htm">Strong's 7125: </a> </span><span class="str2">Against he come, help, meet, seek, to, in the way </span><br /><br /><span class="word">and bowed low</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיִּשְׁתַּ֖חוּ</span> <span class="translit">(way·yiš·ta·ḥū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hitpael - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7812.htm">Strong's 7812: </a> </span><span class="str2">To depress, prostrate</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to the ground.</span><br /><span class="heb">אָֽרְצָה׃</span> <span class="translit">(’ā·rə·ṣāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular | third person feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_776.htm">Strong's 776: </a> </span><span class="str2">Earth, land</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/genesis/18-2.htm">Genesis 18:2 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/genesis/18-2.htm">Genesis 18:2 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/genesis/18-2.htm">Genesis 18:2 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/genesis/18-2.htm">Genesis 18:2 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/genesis/18-2.htm">Genesis 18:2 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/genesis/18-2.htm">Genesis 18:2 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/genesis/18-2.htm">Genesis 18:2 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/genesis/18-2.htm">Genesis 18:2 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/genesis/18-2.htm">Genesis 18:2 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/genesis/18-2.htm">Genesis 18:2 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/genesis/18-2.htm">OT Law: Genesis 18:2 He lifted up his eyes and looked (Gen. Ge Gn)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/genesis/18-1.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Genesis 18:1"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Genesis 18:1" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/genesis/18-3.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Genesis 18:3"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Genesis 18:3" /></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>