Genesis 17:18

17:18 Abraham said to God, “O that 1  Ishmael might live before you!” 2 

Genesis 18:22

18:22 The two men turned 3  and headed 4  toward Sodom, but Abraham was still standing before the Lord. 5 

Genesis 20:15

20:15 Then Abimelech said, “Look, my land is before you; live wherever you please.” 6 

Genesis 47:7

47:7 Then Joseph brought in his father Jacob and presented him 7  before Pharaoh. Jacob blessed 8  Pharaoh.

Genesis 50:16

50:16 So they sent word 9  to Joseph, saying, “Your father gave these instructions before he died:

1 tn The wish is introduced with the Hebrew particle לוּ (lu), “O that.”

2 tn Or “live with your blessing.”

3 tn Heb “And the men turned from there.” The word “two” is not in the Hebrew text, but is supplied here for clarity. Gen 19:1 mentions only two individuals (described as “angels”), while Abraham had entertained three visitors (18:2). The implication is that the Lord was the third visitor, who remained behind with Abraham here. The words “from there” are not included in the translation for stylistic reasons.

4 tn Heb “went.”

5 tc An ancient Hebrew scribal tradition reads “but the Lord remained standing before Abraham.” This reading is problematic because the phrase “standing before” typically indicates intercession, but the Lord would certainly not be interceding before Abraham.

6 tn Heb “In the [place that is] good in your eyes live!”

7 tn Heb “caused him to stand.”

8 sn The precise meaning of the Hebrew verb translated “blessed” is difficult in this passage, because the content of Jacob’s blessing is not given. The expression could simply mean that he greeted Pharaoh, but that seems insufficient in this setting. Jacob probably praised Pharaoh, for the verb is used this way for praising God. It is also possible that he pronounced a formal prayer of blessing, asking God to reward Pharaoh for his kindness.

9 tn The verb means “command,” but they would hardly be commanding him. It probably means they sent their father’s instructions to Joseph.