Definition: And said, My Lord, if now I have found favour in thy sight, pass not away, I pray thee, from thy servant:
Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from Genesis 18:3. It’s a really important and somewhat mysterious passage in the Bible. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is about God's relationship with Abraham and his willingness to continue working with him, even when things are difficult. Let’s unpack it word by word: “And said…” : This indicates a declaration or a statement made by God. “…My Lord…” : This immediately tells us we're talking about the Almighty (God). “…if now I have found favour in thy sight” : This is the core of the verse. "Favor" means God’s approval, kindness, or goodness. “Now” means right now . So, it means God has just recently noticed Abraham and is considering his situation. “…pass not away…” : This is a crucial part. It means God isn't going to stop working with Abraham; He’s not giving up on him. It's a strong expression of His commitment. “I pray thee, from thy servant:” This is the plea – a request made by Abraham. “Thy” is a personal pronoun meaning "your." So, it’s like saying, “Please, don’t leave me.” "Servant" refers to Abraham himself. Putting it all together: Abraham was facing a difficult situation: God had commanded him to go and sacrifice his son Isaac. This was a huge deal for the Jewish people and considered a very significant test of faith. But God, in this verse, is saying, "I’m not giving up on you! I've noticed you recently, and I want to continue working with you." He’s acknowledging Abraham's faith and his desire to follow God’s plan. Overall Meaning: The verse expresses God’s continued care and concern for Abraham, even during a challenging moment. It highlights the importance of trust in God and His promises. Why it's significant: This is one of the oldest and most quoted verses from Genesis, often interpreted as a foreshadowing of the story of Noah and the flood. It speaks to the idea that God’s love isn’t just about immediate outcomes but also about continuous presence and support. --- Do you want me to explain any part in more detail, perhaps relate it to a specific event from the Bible, or answer any follow-up questions? For example, are you curious about: The context of this verse within the larger story of Genesis? Its symbolism (e.g., how does it relate to the beginning of creation)?