59 The cohortative indicates the Lord’s resolve. I must go down. The descent to “see” Sodom is a bold anthropomorphism, stressing the careful judgment of God. The language is reminiscent of the Lord going down to see the Tower of Babel in Gen 11:1–9.
60 Heb “[if] according to the outcry that has come to me they have done completely.” Even the Lord, who is well aware of the human capacity to sin, finds it hard to believe that anyone could be as bad as the “outcry” against Sodom and Gomorrah suggests.
61 The short phrase if not provides a ray of hope and inspires Abraham’s intercession.

In other versions

I will go down to see whether they have done altogether according to the outcry that has come to me. And if not, I will know.”

that I will go down and see if what they have done is as bad as the outcry that has reached me. If not, I will know.”

I will go down to see if what they have done justifies the cry that has come up to me. If not, I will find out.”

I am going down to see if their actions are as wicked as I have heard. If not, I want to know.”

I will go down and I will see. Have they done altogether according to its cry of distress which has come to me? If not, I will know.”

I will go down now, and see whether they have done altogether according to the cry of it, which is come unto me; and if not, I will know.

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