Genesis 18:27 - Clarke's commentary and critical notes on the Bible

And Abraham answered and said, Behold now, I have taken upon me to speak unto the Lord, which am but dust and ashes: Which am but dust and ashes - עפר ואפר aphar vaepher, words very similar in sound, as they refer to matters which so much resemble each other. Dust - the lightest particles of earth. Ashes - the residuum of consumed substances. By these expressions he shows how deeply his soul was humbled in the presence of God. He who has high thoughts of himself must have low thoughts of the dignity of the Divine nature, of the majesty of God, and the sinfulness of sin.