Definition: And he said, Oh let not the Lord be angry, and I will speak yet but this once: Peradventure ten shall be found there. And he said, I will not destroy [it] for ten’s sake.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Genesis 18:32. It’s a really significant passage and it's often interpreted in a few different ways – it’s a bit complex! Here’s the explanation, aiming for clarity: The Basic Story: This verse describes God’s initial plan to create the world. It centers around a very specific event involving a huge number of animals. Here's what's happening, broken down: “And he said…” : This is where it gets interesting. God isn’t just thinking about something; He’s actively deciding . “…Oh let not the Lord be angry…” : This is a crucial part. God realizes that if He starts creating things, He might face opposition or conflict from God Himself. He's acknowledging a potential challenge to His authority. “and I will speak yet but this once: Peradventure ten shall be found there.” : This is where the mystery begins. God decides to test something – a large number of animals – and He’ll only do it once . He's hinting at a significant test or challenge. “And he said, I will not destroy [it] for ten’s sake.” : This is the key part that fuels much discussion and interpretation. God says, “I won’t destroy this large number of animals for just ten days. It's a long time, but I’ll only do it once." What does this mean ? There are several possible interpretations, and it's not always easy to pinpoint one single meaning. Here are a few possibilities: A Test of Faith: The most common interpretation is that this verse describes God testing humanity's faith – our willingness to trust in Him. The large number of animals represents a significant test of obedience and belief. A Trial for the Animals: Perhaps the animals represent a trial or challenge that God intends to put before them. A Promise of Protection: It could also be seen as a promise that God will protect the Earth and its inhabitants, but only in a limited way for a very long time. Why is this verse so important? This verse is considered one of the most profound passages in Genesis because it sets the stage for the entire creation story. It introduces a sense of divine providence – God's active involvement in shaping the world. It’s a reminder that God is not just passively creating, but also testing and guiding us. Resources to Explore Further: Bible Gateway: [https://www.biblegateway.com/resources/Genesis/18/32](https://www.biblegateway.com/resources/Genesis/18/32) The Bible Place: [https://thebiblestate.org/genesis-18-32/](https://thebiblestate.org/genesis-18-32/) --- To help me explain it even better for you , could you tell me: What are you hoping to understand about this verse? (e.g., are you curious about the symbolism, or just trying to grasp the core meaning?)