King James Version

What Does Genesis 18:17 Mean?

Genesis 18:17 in the King James Version says “And the LORD said, Shall I hide from Abraham that thing which I do;” — study this verse from Genesis chapter 18 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And the LORD said, Shall I hide from Abraham that thing which I do;”

Genesis 18:17 · KJV

Context

15

Then Sarah denied, saying, I laughed not; for she was afraid. And he said, Nay; but thou didst laugh.

16

And the men rose up from thence, and looked toward Sodom: and Abraham went with them to bring them on the way.

17

And the LORD said, Shall I hide from Abraham that thing which I do;

18

Seeing that Abraham shall surely become a great and mighty nation, and all the nations of the earth shall be blessed in him?

19

For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the LORD, to do justice and judgment; that the LORD may bring upon Abraham that which he hath spoken of him.

Read Genesis 18 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And the LORD said, Shall I hide from Abraham that thing which I do;... This passage is part of the Abrahamic narratives which shift from universal human history to God's particular covenant people. The Abraham cycle (Genesis 12-25) demonstrates God's sovereign election, covenant faithfulness, and the development of faith through testing and promise fulfillment.

Central themes include God's unconditional covenant promises (land, descendants, blessing to nations), the call to faith and obedience, the testing of faith through delays and impossibilities, the contrast between divine promises and human schemes, and God's gracious persistence despite human failures. Abraham emerges as the father of faith whose trust in God's promises becomes the model for all believers (Romans 4, Galatians 3, Hebrews 11).

Theologically, these narratives establish: (1) salvation by grace through faith rather than works; (2) covenant as God's gracious initiative binding Himself to His people; (3) the necessity of patient trust when promises seem impossible; (4) the consequences of attempting to fulfill God's promises through human effort; (5) the pattern of divine testing producing mature faith. The Abraham cycle foreshadows Christ as the ultimate seed through whom blessing extends to all nations (Galatians 3:16).

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Historical & Cultural Context

The patriarchal narratives (Genesis 12-50) reflect the cultural, social, and legal customs of the ancient Near East during the Middle Bronze Age (2000-1500 BCE). Archaeological discoveries including the Mari tablets, Nuzi tablets, and Egyptian records confirm many details: nomadic pastoralism, covenant-making ceremonies, marriage customs, property laws, and international travel patterns described in Genesis.

The cultural practices reflected include: treaty/covenant forms (Genesis 15), bride-price customs (Genesis 24, 29), inheritance laws favoring firstborn sons (Genesis 25, 27), adoption practices (Genesis 15, 30), levirate-type arrangements (Genesis 38), and Egyptian administrative systems (Genesis 41, 47). These parallels confirm Genesis's historical reliability while showing how God worked within ancient cultural frameworks to accomplish His purposes.

For later Israelites, these narratives established their identity as Abraham's descendants, explained their claim to Canaan, justified their possession of Joseph's bones (Exodus 13:19), and provided models of faith despite imperfection. The patriarchs' failures and God's faithfulness encouraged Israel that covenant relationship depended on God's grace rather than human merit. The movement from Mesopotamia to Canaan to Egypt set the stage for the Exodus and conquest narratives.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does understanding this verse shape our doctrine of humanity, sin, or salvation?
  2. How does this passage challenge modern cultural assumptions about identity, purpose, or morality?
  3. How does this verse fit into the broader biblical story culminating in Christ?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 8 words
וַֽיהוָֹ֖ה1 of 8

“And the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

אָמָ֑ר2 of 8

“said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

הַֽמְכַסֶּ֤ה3 of 8

“Shall I hide”

H3680

properly, to plump, i.e., fill up hollows; by implication, to cover (for clothing or secrecy)

אֲנִי֙4 of 8
H589

i

מֵֽאַבְרָהָ֔ם5 of 8

“from Abraham”

H85

abraham, the later name of abram

אֲשֶׁ֖ר6 of 8

“that thing which”

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

אֲנִ֥י7 of 8
H589

i

עֹשֶֽׂה׃8 of 8

“I do”

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Genesis. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Genesis 18:17 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Genesis 18:17 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Amos 3:7Psalms 25:14John 15:15James 2:23Genesis 19:242 Kings 4:27

Test Your Knowledge

Genesis 18 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterGenesis Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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