Genesis 18:3

Genesis 18:3, in plain English

Abraham respectfully addresses the visitors as 'my lord' and asks them not to pass by without accepting his hospitality.

Why it's here

Abraham is using formal, humble language even though he's actually quite wealthy and these are strangers. He's not groveling—he's being appropriately respectful while offering genuine help. The phrase 'if I have found favor' shows he understands he's asking them for the privilege of serving them.

Who's speaking

Abraham speaking to the three visitors

Where it sits in the story

Abraham's willingness to serve others reflects the kind of heart that responds to God's calling. This isn't just polite custom; it's Abraham living out what it means to walk with God.

The scholarly reading

Abraham addresses one of the three men respectfully as 'my lord' (אָדֹנִי, adonai) and requests that they not bypass his home—offering himself as their servant in the classical reciprocal language of ancient Near Eastern hospitality.

Language and setting

Abraham's self-designation as 'your servant' (עַבְדְּךָ, avdecha) and his plea not to 'pass by' (עֲבֹר, avor) reflect the formulaic courtesy conventions documented in Egyptian and Ugaritic texts. The singular 'my lord' (addressed to one of the three) suggests Abraham is speaking to the principal figure—a rhetorical convention where one addresses the group through its leader. His language invokes the concept of hesed (covenant loyalty/grace), implying that hospitality itself is a form of covenant righteousness.

Voice

Abraham, addressing the strangers with the elaborate deference expected in his cultural context.

Significance

This moment establishes hospitality as the central ethical performance of the narrative. Abraham's willingness to interrupt his rest and extend elaborate courtesy to unknown travelers becomes, in the theological logic of Genesis, an act of covenant faithfulness—a recognition that the stranger may embody divine presence. This prefigures Jesus's teaching in Matthew 25:31-46 about encountering Christ in the sojourner.

1Then 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.

2And 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.

3“My lord,” said Abraham, “if I have found favor in your sight, please do not pass your servant by.

4Let a little water be brought, that you may wash your feet and rest yourselves under the tree.

5And 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.”

Read all of Genesis 18 — Strangers arrive at Abraham's tent. One of them is the Lord. And Abraham dares to argue with God about justice.