Bible Strands
Genesis 18:19
For I have chosen him, so that he will command his children and his household after him to keep the way of the LORD by doing what is right and just, in order that the LORD may bring upon Abraham what He has promised.”
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — The LORD speaks to the two angels at Mamre, revealing His purpose for Abraham just before announcing the judgment on Sodom (Gen 18:20).
The words — יְדַעְתִּי (yeda'ti, "I have known") is covenantal recognition, not mere awareness; the BSB's "chosen" smooths over the relational weight of the root. יְצַוֶּה (yitsavveh, "he may command") is the same root from which "Torah" (instruction) is derived.
The thread — Deuteronomy 6:6 and 4:9 press the same household-level command to internalize and guard God's words; 1 Timothy 3:4 applies the household-management standard to church leadership.
Why it lands — God's promise to Abraham is conditioned on Abraham's function as a household commander, not on his personal righteousness; the reader is asked to see that covenant faithfulness is a transmitted practice, not a private feeling.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the Lord, to do justice and judgment; that the Lord may bring upon Abraham that which he hath spoken of him.
Cross-references
- 1 Timothy 3:4 An overseer must manage his own household well and keep his children under control, with complete dignity.
- Deuteronomy 6:6 These words I am commanding you today are to be upon your hearts.
- Deuteronomy 4:9 Only be on your guard and diligently watch yourselves, so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen, and so that they do not slip from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and grandchildren.
- Ephesians 6:4 Fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath; instead, bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.
- 2 Timothy 3:15 From infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.
- Proverbs 6:20 My son, keep your father’s commandment, and do not forsake your mother’s teaching.
- Deuteronomy 32:46 he said to them, “Take to heart all the words I have solemnly declared to you this day, so that you may command your children to carefully follow all the words of this law.
- Deuteronomy 11:19 Teach them to your children, speaking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.
- 1 Chronicles 28:9 As for you, Solomon my son, know the God of your father and serve Him wholeheartedly and with a willing mind, for the LORD searches every heart and understands the intent of every thought. If you seek Him, He will be found by you; but if you forsake Him, He will reject you forever.
- Psalms 11:4 The LORD is in His holy temple; the LORD is on His heavenly throne. His eyes are watching closely; they examine the sons of men.