19. for I have known him, that he commandeth his children, and his house after him (and they have kept the way of Jehovah), to do righteousness and judgment, that Jehovah may bring on Abraham that which He hath spoken concerning him.'
20. And Jehovah saith, `The cry of Sodom and Gomorrah--because great; and their sin-- because exceeding grievous:
21. I go down now, and see whether according to its cry which is coming unto Me they have done completely--and if not--I know;'
22. and the men turn from thence, and go towards Sodom; and Abraham is yet standing before Jehovah.
23. And Abraham draweth nigh and saith, `Dost Thou also consume righteous with wicked?
24. peradventure there are fifty righteous in the midst of the city; dost Thou also consume, and not bear with the place for the sake of the fifty--the righteous who [are] in its midst?
25. Far be it from Thee to do according to this thing, to put to death the righteous with the wicked; that it hath been--as the righteous so the wicked--far be it from Thee; doth the Judge of all the earth not do justice?'
26. And Jehovah saith, `If I find in Sodom fifty righteous in the midst of the city, then have I borne with all the place for their sake.'
27. And Abraham answereth and saith, `Lo, I pray thee, I have willed to speak unto the Lord, and I--dust and ashes;
28. peradventure there are lacking five of the fifty righteous--dost Thou destroy for five the whole of the city?' and He saith, `I destroy [it] not, if I find there forty and five.'