Definition: And he spake unto him yet again, and said, Peradventure there shall be forty found there. And he said, I will not do [it] for forty’s sake.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Genesis 18:29 together. It's a really important and fascinating passage! Here’s the explanation in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse describes God’s plan to create the world – specifically, the Earth and everything in it – but with a specific condition. Let’s unpack it part by part: “And he spake unto him yet again…” - This means God is speaking to Him, or to whoever is about to happen this event. It's a bit unusual for God to speak, as traditionally, He’s considered to be all-powerful and silent. “…and said, Peradventure there shall be forty found there.” – This is the core of the verse. God is saying, "Let there be forty of everything – people, animals, plants, mountains, oceans, etc. - in this place." It’s a significant number! “And he said, I will not do it for forty’s sake.” – This is where it gets really interesting. God isn’t just saying “let there be 40.” He's declining to do it for that long. "Forty’s sake" is a tricky phrase, and scholars have debated its exact meaning for centuries. It’s likely a metaphorical way of saying "for a very long time," or "forever." What does this mean? This verse is often interpreted as a sign of God's care and protection. It suggests: God is careful: He isn’t just creating things randomly; he’s deliberately considering the consequences. He's testing His people: It might be a test to see how humans will react to God’s creation. It’s about completeness: The number of forty suggests a perfect and complete creation, rather than just a haphazard collection. Why is this verse significant? This verse is one of the oldest and most debated passages in the Bible. It's often seen as foreshadowing the fall of humanity and the need for God to intervene to prevent disaster. It’s a powerful moment that shows God’s intention and his desire to guide creation. Do you want me to: Explain another part of this verse? Discuss why this passage is important in biblical interpretation?