Genesis 18:23-32

NSB(i) 23 Abraham came near and said: »Will you destroy the righteous with the wicked? 24 »Suppose there were fifty righteous within the city. Would you also destroy the place and not spare it because the righteous people are there? 25 »Surely you would not do that! Would you slay the righteous with the wicked, so that the righteous should be as the wicked? Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right?« 26 Jehovah said: »If I find in Sodom fifty righteous within the city, I will spare the entire place for their sakes.« 27 Then Abraham answered and said: »Indeed now, I who am only dust and ashes have taken it upon myself to speak to Jehovah: 28 »Suppose there were five less than the fifty righteous. Would you destroy the entire city for lack of five?« So He (God) said: »If I find there forty-five, I will not destroy it.« 29 Abraham spoke again: »Suppose there should be forty found there?« God replied: »I will not do it for the sake of forty.« 30 Abraham then said: »Do not be angry, and let me speak. Suppose thirty should be found there?« God replied: »I will not do it if I find thirty there.« 31 Abraham then said: »Indeed now, I have taken it upon myself to speak to Jehovah: Suppose twenty should be found there?« God replied: »I will not destroy it for the sake of twenty.« 32 Abraham again queried: »Please do not be angry as I speak once more: Suppose ten should be found there?« God said: »I will not destroy it for the sake of ten.«