# See now, I

The phrase "See now" indicates that what follows is a polite request for the hearer to pay attention. "Please listen carefully: I" See how you translated this phrase in [Genesis 12:11](../12/11.md).

# I have undertaken to speak

"Pardon me for being so bold as to speak to you" or "Excuse me for daring to speak"

# to my Lord

Abraham shows his respect to Yahweh by speaking to Yahweh as if he were speaking to someone else. Alternate translation: "to you, my Lord" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-123person]])

# only dust and ashes

This metaphor describes Abraham as a human being, who will die and whose body will turn into to dust and ashes. Alternate translation: "only a mortal man" or "as unimportant as dust and ashes" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-metaphor]])