Genesis 13:11
Genesis 13:11 in Multiple Translations
So Lot chose the whole plain of the Jordan for himself and set out toward the east. And Abram and Lot parted company.
Then Lot chose him all the plain of Jordan; and Lot journeyed east: and they separated themselves the one from the other.
So Lot chose him all the Plain of the Jordan; and Lot journeyed east: and they separated themselves the one from the other.
So Lot took for himself all the valley of Jordan, and went to the east, and they were parted from one another.
So Lot chose the whole Jordan valley and went east, and the two separated from each other.
Then Lot chose vnto him all the plaine of Iorden, and tooke his iourney from the East: and they departed the one from the other.
and Lot chooseth for himself the whole circuit of the Jordan; and Lot journeyeth from the east, and they are parted — a man from his companion;
So Lot chose the Plain of the Jordan for himself. Lot traveled east, and they separated themselves from one another.
Then Lot chose him all the plain of Jordan; and Lot journeyed east: and they separated themselves the one from the other.
And Lot chose to himself the country about the Jordan, and he departed from the east: and they were separated one brother from the other.
So Lot chose the land in the plain of the Jordan River. He left his uncle, Abram, and moved east.
So Lot picked the flat country around the Jordan River, to the east. Then Abram did what he promised, and he went to the country called Canaan. In that way, Lot’s mob and Abram’s mob went to different places, and there was no more trouble between their work-men. Lot went to the flat country around the Jordan River. There were some towns there, and Lot camped near the town called Sodom.
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 13:11
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Genesis 13:11 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יִּבְחַר
ל֣/וֹ
ל֗וֹט
אֵ֚ת
כָּל
כִּכַּ֣ר
הַ/יַּרְדֵּ֔ן
וַ/יִּסַּ֥ע
ל֖וֹט
מִ/קֶּ֑דֶם
וַ/יִּפָּ֣רְד֔וּ
אִ֖ישׁ
מֵ/עַ֥ל
אָחִֽי/ו
וַ/יִּבְחַר
bâchar
H977
to choose
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
ל֣/וֹ
Prep | Suff
ל֗וֹט
Lôwṭ
H3876
Lot
N-proper
אֵ֚ת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
כָּל
kôl
H3605
all
N-ms
כִּכַּ֣ר
kikkâr
H3603
talent
N-cs
הַ/יַּרְדֵּ֔ן
Yardên
H3383
Jordan
Art | N-proper
וַ/יִּסַּ֥ע
nâçaʻ
H5265
to set out
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
ל֖וֹט
Lôwṭ
H3876
Lot
N-proper
מִ/קֶּ֑דֶם
qedem
H6924
front
Prep | N-ms
וַ/יִּפָּ֣רְד֔וּ
pârad
H6504
to separate
Conj | V-Niphal-ConsecImperf-3mp
אִ֖ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
man
N-ms
מֵ/עַ֥ל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep | Prep
אָחִֽי/ו
ʼâch
H251
brother
N-ms | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 13:11
וַ/יִּבְחַר
bâchar
H977
"to choose"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
To choose or select is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which appears in Deuteronomy. It can also mean to be chosen or elected. The KJV translates it as 'choose' or 'acceptable'.
Definition: 1) to choose, elect, decide for 1a) (Qal) to choose 1b) (Niphal) to be chosen 1c) (Pual) to be chosen, selected
Usage: Occurs in 162 OT verses. KJV: acceptable, appoint, choose (choice), excellent, join, be rather, require. See also: Genesis 6:2; 2 Kings 23:27; Psalms 25:12.
ל֣/וֹ
""
Prep | Suff
ל֗וֹט
Lôwṭ
H3876
"Lot"
N-proper
Lot was Abraham's nephew, who settled in Sodom and was later rescued by God. His name means covering and he is an important figure in the book of Genesis, particularly in chapters 11-14.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.11.27; son of: Haran (H2039); brother of: Milcah (H4435) and Iscah (H3252); father of: daughter1_of_Lot (H3876H), daughter2_of_Lot (H3876I), Moab (H4124H), Ben-ammi (H1151) Also named: Lōt (Λώτ "Lot" G3091) § Lot = "covering" son of Haran and Abraham's nephew who settled in Sodom and was delivered from its destruction by God
Usage: Occurs in 30 OT verses. KJV: Lot. See also: Genesis 11:27; Genesis 19:5; Psalms 83:9.
אֵ֚ת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
כָּל
kôl
H3605
"all"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
כִּכַּ֣ר
kikkâr
H3603
"talent"
N-cs
In the Bible, a talent was a unit of weight or currency, like in Matthew 25:15-28, where a master gives his servants talents to invest. It could also refer to a round loaf of bread or a region, such as the Jordan valley.
Definition: 1) round 1a) a round district (environs of the Jordan valley) 1b) a round loaf (of bread) 1c) a round weight, talent (of gold, silver, bronze, iron) Aramaic equivalent: kik.ker (כִּכֵּר "talent" H3604)
Usage: Occurs in 55 OT verses. KJV: loaf, morsel, piece, plain, talent. See also: Genesis 13:10; 2 Kings 5:5; Proverbs 6:26.
הַ/יַּרְדֵּ֔ן
Yardên
H3383
"Jordan"
Art | N-proper
The Jordan River, which runs from Lebanon to the Dead Sea, is a key location in the Bible, including in the stories of Jesus and the Israelites.
Definition: Jordan = "descender" the river of Palestine running from the roots of Anti-Lebanon to the Dead Sea a distance of approx 200 miles (320 km) Also named: Iordanēs (Ἰορδάνης "Jordan" G2446)
Usage: Occurs in 164 OT verses. KJV: Jordan. See also: Genesis 13:10; Joshua 12:1; Psalms 42:7.
וַ/יִּסַּ֥ע
nâçaʻ
H5265
"to set out"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
In the Bible, this word means to set out or start a journey, like the Israelites departing from Egypt, or to remove something, as in pulling up tent pins.
Definition: 1) to pull out, pull up, set out, journey, remove, set forward, depart 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to pull out or up 1a2) to set out, depart 1a3) to journey, march 1a4) to set forth (of wind) 1b) (Niphal) to be pulled up, be removed, be plucked up 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to cause to set out, lead out, cause to spring up 1c2) to remove, quarry
Usage: Occurs in 140 OT verses. KJV: cause to blow, bring, get, (make to) go (away, forth, forward, onward, out), (take) journey, march, remove, set aside (forward), [idiom] still, be on his (go their) way. See also: Genesis 11:2; Numbers 33:9; Psalms 78:26.
ל֖וֹט
Lôwṭ
H3876
"Lot"
N-proper
Lot was Abraham's nephew, who settled in Sodom and was later rescued by God. His name means covering and he is an important figure in the book of Genesis, particularly in chapters 11-14.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.11.27; son of: Haran (H2039); brother of: Milcah (H4435) and Iscah (H3252); father of: daughter1_of_Lot (H3876H), daughter2_of_Lot (H3876I), Moab (H4124H), Ben-ammi (H1151) Also named: Lōt (Λώτ "Lot" G3091) § Lot = "covering" son of Haran and Abraham's nephew who settled in Sodom and was delivered from its destruction by God
Usage: Occurs in 30 OT verses. KJV: Lot. See also: Genesis 11:27; Genesis 19:5; Psalms 83:9.
מִ/קֶּ֑דֶם
qedem
H6924
"front"
Prep | N-ms
The front or east direction, often used to describe a location or time, such as in the book of Ezekiel where it describes the direction of the temple. It can also mean something is ancient or from the past, like the stories in Genesis.
Definition: : east 1) east, antiquity, front, that which is before, aforetime 1a) front, from the front or east, in front, mount of the East 1b) ancient time, aforetime, ancient, from of old, earliest time 1c) anciently, of old (adverb) 1d) beginning 1e) east
Usage: Occurs in 83 OT verses. KJV: aforetime, ancient (time), before, east (end, part, side, -ward), eternal, [idiom] ever(-lasting), forward, old, past. Compare H6926 (קִדְמָה). See also: Genesis 2:8; Nehemiah 12:46; Psalms 44:2.
וַ/יִּפָּ֣רְד֔וּ
pârad
H6504
"to separate"
Conj | V-Niphal-ConsecImperf-3mp
To separate or divide, as seen in Exodus when God parted the Red Sea. It can also mean to scatter or disperse, like when the Israelites were sent out of Egypt. This verb is used in various forms throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: 1) to separate, divide 1a) (Qal) to divide 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to divide, separate 1b2) to be divided, be separated 1c) (Piel) to be separated 1d) (Pual) to be divided 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to divide, separate 1e2) to make a division, make a separation 1f) (Hithpael) to be divided, be separated, get separated Aramaic equivalent: be.dar (בְּדַר "to scatter" H0921)
Usage: Occurs in 26 OT verses. KJV: disperse, divide, be out of joint, part, scatter (abroad), separate (self), sever self, stretch, sunder. See also: Genesis 2:10; Nehemiah 4:13; Psalms 22:15.
אִ֖ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
"man"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.
Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)
Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.
מֵ/עַ֥ל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep | Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
אָחִֽי/ו
ʼâch
H251
"brother"
N-ms | Suff
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means a brother or male sibling, but it can also refer to a close relative, friend, or someone with a similar relationship. It is used to describe the bond between brothers, like the relationship between Cain and Abel in Genesis.
Definition: : male-sibling 1) brother 1a) brother of same parents 1b) half-brother (same father) 1c) relative, kinship, same tribe 1d) each to the other (reciprocal relationship) 1e) (fig.) of resemblance
Usage: Occurs in 572 OT verses. KJV: another, brother(-ly); kindred, like, other. Compare also the proper names beginning with 'Ah-' or 'Ahi-'. See also: Genesis 4:2; Genesis 42:13; Numbers 25:6.
Study Notes — Genesis 13:11
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Genesis 13:11 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Genesis 13:11
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 13:11
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 13:11
- Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 13:11
- Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 13:11
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 13:11
- Cambridge Bible on Genesis 13:11
- Sermons on Genesis 13:11
Context — Lot Proceeds toward Sodom
9Is not the whole land before you? Now separate yourself from me. If you go to the left, I will go to the right; if you go to the right, I will go to the left.”
10And Lot looked out and saw that the whole plain of the Jordan, all the way to Zoar, was well watered like the garden of the LORD, like the land of Egypt. (This was before the LORD destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah.)
11So Lot chose the whole plain of the Jordan for himself and set out toward the east. And Abram and Lot parted company.
12Abram lived in the land of Canaan, but Lot settled in the cities of the plain and pitched his tent toward Sodom. 13But the men of Sodom were wicked, sinning greatly against the LORD.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Genesis 13:9 | Is not the whole land before you? Now separate yourself from me. If you go to the left, I will go to the right; if you go to the right, I will go to the left.” |
| 2 | 1 Peter 2:17 | Treat everyone with high regard: Love the brotherhood of believers, fear God, honor the king. |
| 3 | Hebrews 10:25 | Let us not neglect meeting together, as some have made a habit, but let us encourage one another, and all the more as you see the Day approaching. |
| 4 | Proverbs 27:10 | Do not forsake your friend or your father’s friend, and do not go to your brother’s house in the day of your calamity; better a neighbor nearby than a brother far away. |
| 5 | Psalms 119:63 | I am a friend to all who fear You, and to those who keep Your precepts. |
| 6 | Genesis 13:14 | After Lot had departed, the LORD said to Abram, “Now lift up your eyes from the place where you are, and look to the north and south and east and west, |
| 7 | Psalms 16:3 | As for the saints in the land, they are the excellence in whom all my delight resides. |
| 8 | Genesis 19:17 | As soon as the men had brought them out, one of them said, “Run for your lives! Do not look back, and do not stop anywhere on the plain! Flee to the mountains, or you will be swept away!” |
Genesis 13:11 Summary
In Genesis 13:11, we see that Lot chose the plain of the Jordan because it looked like a great place to live, with plenty of water and fertile land, as described in Genesis 13:10. However, this decision ultimately led him away from Abram and toward the wicked city of Sodom, as seen in Genesis 13:12-13. This verse reminds us that our choices have consequences and that we should prioritize our relationship with God and seek to follow His will, even when it's difficult, as encouraged in Proverbs 3:5-6 and Jeremiah 29:11. By trusting in God's promise and provision, like Abram did, we can navigate life's challenges with faith and confidence, as seen in Genesis 12:1-3 and Romans 8:28.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Lot choose the plain of the Jordan?
Lot chose the plain of the Jordan because it was well watered and resembled the garden of the Lord, as described in Genesis 13:10, which likely reminded him of the beauty and prosperity of Egypt, a place he was familiar with, as mentioned in Genesis 13:10.
Was Abram upset that Lot chose the plain of the Jordan?
The Bible does not indicate that Abram was upset with Lot's decision, instead, it says they parted company, suggesting a peaceful separation, as seen in Genesis 13:11, which aligns with Abram's earlier suggestion to separate in Genesis 13:9.
What can we learn from Lot's decision to choose the plain of the Jordan?
We can learn that our choices have consequences, and as seen in Genesis 13:12-13, Lot's decision to settle near Sodom ultimately led him to be surrounded by wicked people, which can be a cautionary tale for us to consider the company we keep and the environments we choose to be in, as warned in 1 Corinthians 15:33.
How does this verse relate to the rest of the story of Abram and Lot?
This verse marks a turning point in the story of Abram and Lot, as they part ways, and Abram continues to trust in God's promise, as seen in Genesis 12:1-3, while Lot's decision sets the stage for the events that will unfold in Genesis 14 and 19, highlighting the importance of faith and obedience in our lives, as emphasized in Romans 4:20-22.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I am prioritizing temporal benefits over eternal ones, and how can I adjust my focus to align with God's will?
- How can I, like Abram, trust in God's promise and provision, even when the road ahead is uncertain, as seen in Genesis 13:9?
- What are some potential consequences of choosing to surround myself with people or environments that do not align with my values or faith, and how can I make wise decisions in this regard, as warned in 2 Corinthians 6:14-17?
- In what ways can I, like Lot, be tempted by the allure of worldly prosperity or comfort, and how can I guard myself against these temptations, as cautioned in 1 John 2:15-17?
- How can I prioritize my relationship with God and seek to follow His will, even when it means making difficult choices or sacrifices, as seen in Genesis 13:11 and Romans 12:1-2?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 13:11
Then Lot chose him all the plain of Jordan,.... Because of its good pasturage, and because of the plenty of water there; the want of both which was the inconvenience he had laboured under, and had
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 13:11
Then Lot chose him all the plain of Jordan; and Lot journeyed east: and they separated themselves the one from the other.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 13:11
Lot journeyed east; Heb. from the east, or eastward, as the Hebrew particle min is sometimes used: see , compared with .
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 13:11
Genesis 13:11 Then Lot chose him all the plain of Jordan; and Lot journeyed east: and they separated themselves the one from the other.Ver. 11. And they separated themselves the one from the other.] But not very far asunder. And herein they became a symbol of friendship: for friends, as parallel lines, neither go far apart, nor yet interfere one with another.
Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 13:11
(11) Lot journeyed east.—This is the word translated “eastward” in Genesis 2:8, and “from the east” in Genesis 11:2. Here it can only mean towards the east.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 13:11
Verse 11. Then Lot chose him all the plain] A little civility or good breeding is of great importance in the concerns of life. Lot either had none, or did not profit by it. He certainly should have left the choice to the patriarch, and should have been guided by his counsel; but he took his own way, trusting to his own judgment, and guided only by the sight of his eyes: he beheld all the plain of Jordan, that it was well watered, c. so he chose the land, without considering the character of the inhabitants, or what advantages or disadvantages it might afford him in spiritual things. This choice, as we shall see in the sequel, had nearly proved the ruin of his body, soul, and family.
Cambridge Bible on Genesis 13:11
11. So Lot chose] This verse points onward both to the catastrophe in 19 and to the dwelling-place of the Moabites and Ammonites. Lot’s selection (a) disregarded the rights of Abram his senior; (b) was based on the material attractions of the country; (c) ignored the characteristics of the people of the land (Genesis 13:13). Its importance lay in its symbolical resignation of any claim upon the land of Palestine by the Moabites and Ammonites. and Lot journeyed east] This is the account according to J. The next two clauses are from P: they repeat the same thought and interrupt the sentence. The words in Genesis 13:12 “and moved his tent as far as Sodom” continue the sentence “journeyed east,” and follow very awkwardly after the words “dwelled in the cities of the Plain.” This is a rare instance of unskilful combination of the two strata of tradition. 13 (J). the men of Sodom] The mention of the wickedness of the people is here emphasized in reference to (a) the selfish choice of Lot (Genesis 13:11); (b) the coming story of the overthrow of the cities of the Plain (19); (c) the immediate assurance to Abram of Jehovah’s blessing outweighing all earthly privileges. sinners against the Lord] i.e. by immorality, not idolatry. Jehovah’s supremacy over the heathen world is here implied, as in Genesis 12:10-20 in connexion with Egypt, and in Genesis 10:10 in the mention of Nimrod. 14–17 (J). The promise of the land to Abram and his seed (Genesis 12:7) is renewed with more minute description, (a) as to the extent of the country (Genesis 13:14-15); (b) as to the infinite number of his descendants (Genesis 13:16).
Sermons on Genesis 13:11
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Pursuing Your Treasure - Part 1 by K.P. Yohannan | In this sermon, Brother K. P. O'Hannon emphasizes the importance of pursuing Christ above all else. He references Psalm 42:1, where the Psalmist expresses a deep longing for God, h |
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Genesis 13 by Robert F. Adcock | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the rebellious spirit of the world against God and the need for humility and submission to His will. He contrasts this with the story of Jos |
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All This and Heaven Too by Vance Havner | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of lost decisions in the Bible. He mentions Abraham and Moses as examples of individuals who made important decisions. The preach |
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Separated From Lot by F.B. Meyer | F.B. Meyer emphasizes the necessity of separation from worldly influences, using the story of Abraham and Lot to illustrate how God can transform unworthy materials into vessels of |
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The Two Paths by F.B. Meyer | F.B. Meyer explores the choices made by Abraham and Lot, emphasizing the consequences of choosing worldly gain over spiritual integrity. Lot's decision to settle in the well-watere |
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Beware of the Pride of Reasoning; the True Guide to Knowledge Is Love. by Francois Fenelon | Francois Fenelon warns against the pride of reasoning, emphasizing that true knowledge is guided by love. He cautions against being overly occupied with external matters and engagi |
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(1 Peter - Part 24): Venerate All God's Creation by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the verse from Peter, chapter 2, verse 17: "Honor all men, love the brotherhood, fear God, honor the king." The speaker emphasizes the import |