Verse: Genesis 18:25
Theme: God’s Justice Is Perfect and Never Partial
That be far from thee to do after this manner to slay the righteous with the wicked and that the righteous should be as the wicked that be far from thee Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right
— Genesis 18:25, King James Version (KJV)
Far be it from You to do such a thing to put the righteous to death with the wicked so that the righteous and the wicked are treated alike Far be it from You Shall not the Judge of all the earth deal justly
— Genesis 18:25, New American Standard Bible (NASB)
Far be it from you to do such a thing to kill the righteous with the wicked treating the righteous and the wicked alike Far be it from you Will not the Judge of all the earth do right
— Genesis 18:25, New International Version (NIV)
Meaning of Genesis 18:25
Genesis 18:25 captures one of the most profound declarations in all of Scripture concerning the nature of God’s justice. This verse is part of Abraham’s intercession on behalf of Sodom. When God reveals His intention to destroy Sodom and Gomorrah due to their grave wickedness, Abraham responds not with rebellion or silence, but with humble questioning. His plea is anchored in God’s character.
Abraham appeals to the moral integrity of God. He is essentially saying, “God, I know You. You are just. You will not destroy the righteous along with the wicked.” He brings up a concern about fairness, righteousness, and divine judgment. Abraham’s plea is not a challenge to God’s authority but a bold confession of His justice.
This verse teaches us that God’s justice is unshakable. The phrase “Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right” is rhetorical, implying that, of course, He will. God’s justice is not a human construct. It is divine, holy, and absolute. Abraham understood that while he did not know all of God’s plans, he could trust in God’s nature.
This verse reassures us in moments of doubt and injustice. When the world seems unfair and evil seems to prosper, we can echo Abraham’s question with confidence. Yes, the Judge of all the earth will do right. He is not indifferent to suffering, He is not partial in judgment, and He does not blur the lines between right and wrong.
Popular Words of Wisdom from Genesis 18:25
God’s justice never fails because it flows from His nature which is unchanging
— Tim Keller, Pastor and Christian Apologist
Abraham’s plea was not to change God’s mind but to affirm what he knew of God’s heart
— Beth Moore, Christian Author and Bible Teacher
When you understand the character of God you will ask boldly without fear
— John Piper, Theologian and Founder of Desiring God
The only reason we can question God is because we believe He is good
— C.S. Lewis, Christian Author and Oxford Professor
Justice in God’s hands is always wiser than justice in our hands
— Priscilla Shirer, Bible Teacher and Author
Faith is trusting that the Judge of all the earth is still seated even when the world is shaking
— Jackie Hill Perry, Author and Poet
God invites us to reason with Him because He knows that the deeper we explore His ways the more we will trust Him
— Max Lucado, Pastor and Bestselling Christian Author
Explaining the Context of Genesis 18:25
Genesis 18 records a remarkable and intimate moment in Scripture. The Lord appears to Abraham in human form alongside two angels. After receiving hospitality from Abraham, the Lord shares His plan to investigate the outcry against Sodom and Gomorrah.
Abraham, knowing that his nephew Lot lives in Sodom, immediately becomes concerned. He approaches the Lord with a series of questions aimed at discovering whether God would destroy the righteous along with the wicked. With humility and reverence, Abraham begins a negotiation, asking whether God would spare the cities if fifty righteous people could be found. God agrees. Abraham continues pressing the number lower—forty-five, forty, thirty, twenty, and finally ten.
Genesis 18:25 is the core of Abraham’s appeal. He is not arguing with God but rather reasoning from God’s own character. Abraham had walked with God long enough to know that God is not cruel or arbitrary. He trusted that God’s judgments are always right and fair.
The context reveals something powerful about prayer and intercession. Abraham stands as a friend of God, willing to intercede on behalf of others. His concern is not just for Lot, but for justice itself. This moment becomes a model for intercessors and believers everywhere. It shows that God is not offended when we bring our deepest questions to Him, especially when those questions are grounded in faith in His character.
Explaining the Key Parts of Genesis 18:25
That Be Far from Thee to Do After This Manner
This phrase is a statement of moral repulsion. Abraham is saying that the idea of God treating the righteous and wicked the same is unthinkable. It expresses shock and reverence. Abraham is not accusing God, but declaring that such a thing is inconsistent with who God is.
To Slay the Righteous with the Wicked
This is the heart of Abraham’s concern. He is troubled by the idea that innocent people might be caught up in judgment meant for the wicked. It reveals Abraham’s understanding of justice as a separation between good and evil. He is confident that God sees that distinction, too.
And That the Righteous Should Be as the Wicked
Here, Abraham is wrestling with moral consequences. He acknowledges that while humanity might blur the line between righteousness and wickedness, God does not. The righteous should not suffer the same fate as the wicked, and Abraham trusts that God agrees.
Shall Not the Judge of All the Earth Do Right
This is the crescendo of Abraham’s appeal. It is not just a question—it is a declaration of faith. Abraham confesses that God is the ultimate judge and that His judgment is always right. This becomes one of the most comforting and affirming truths in Scripture. When we do not understand the world’s injustices, we can still trust that God sees perfectly and judges rightly.
Lessons to Learn from Genesis 18:25
1. God’s Justice Is Infallible
Human systems fail. Courts can be biased. People can be corrupt. But God’s justice is never flawed. He judges without error, without favoritism, and without delay. You can trust His decisions.
2. We Are Invited to Intercede
Abraham’s example teaches us that we are allowed to pray bold prayers. We can come to God with our concerns about injustice, suffering, and confusion. Intercession is not rebellion—it is an act of trust.
3. God’s Character Is a Safe Foundation
When you do not understand what God is doing, go back to what you know about who He is. Abraham appealed to God’s character. That is our anchor in uncertain times.
4. The Righteous Matter to God
God sees every righteous person. He does not overlook those who live in integrity. His judgments always account for the hearts of individuals.
5. You Can Trust God with the Big Questions
Abraham dared to ask about fairness. He brought his deepest concern to God. You can too. God is not afraid of your questions when they come from a heart of reverence.
Related Bible Verses
For the Lord is righteous he loveth righteousness his countenance doth behold the upright
— Psalm 11:7, King James Version (KJV)
Shall mortal man be more just than God shall a man be more pure than his maker
— Job 4:17, King James Version (KJV)
But let judgment run down as waters and righteousness as a mighty stream
— Amos 5:24, King James Version (KJV)
And he shall judge the world in righteousness he shall minister judgment to the people in uprightness
— Psalm 9:8, King James Version (KJV)
The Lord executeth righteousness and judgment for all that are oppressed
— Psalm 103:6, King James Version (KJV)
How This Verse Points to Christ
Genesis 18:25 lays the foundation for understanding divine justice, and it ultimately points us to Christ. Jesus is the embodiment of God’s perfect justice and perfect mercy. In Him, God did not slay the righteous with the wicked. Instead, the one truly righteous Man—Jesus—willingly took the punishment meant for the wicked.
At the cross, justice and mercy met. God did not compromise His standards. Sin was judged, but grace was extended. The cross shows that God is not indifferent to evil, but it also reveals that His desire is to redeem, not destroy.
When Abraham asked, “Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right,” the cross became the loudest answer. Yes, the Judge did what was right. He judged sin, but He also made a way for sinners to be saved through faith in Christ.
Jesus is now seated as the Judge of the living and the dead. And because of His sacrifice, we can approach Him not with fear, but with boldness, knowing that justice has already been satisfied through His blood.
Closing Reflection
Genesis 18:25 gives us a front-row seat into the heart of faith. Abraham did not hold back his questions. He brought them to the One who could answer. And in doing so, he gave us words to cling to in our own moments of doubt.
The Judge of all the earth will do right. That is not a question—it is a promise. It is a rock beneath our feet when injustice threatens to shake us. It is a banner of hope in a broken world. It is the anchor of intercession, the foundation of peace, and the assurance of eternity.
Let this verse remind you that your prayers matter. Your questions are welcome. And your God is good.
Say This Prayer
Righteous Judge
Thank You for always doing what is right. Even when I do not understand Your timing or Your ways, I trust that You are good and just.
Help me to approach You like Abraham did—with reverence and boldness. Teach me to stand in the gap for others and to believe that You see every heart.
When I am burdened by injustice, remind me that You are still seated on the throne. You are not blind to evil nor deaf to prayer. Let me rest in the truth that You will always do what is right.
In Jesus’ name, I pray
Amen.