Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 19:1
This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.
Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter
Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.
The Hebrew word for the number two appears in Genesis and Exodus, describing pairs and dualities. It can also mean double or twice. In the Bible, it is often used to describe things that come in twos, like two witnesses or two tablets.
Definition: 1) two 1a) two (the cardinal number) 1a1) two, both, double, twice 1b) second (the ordinal number) 1c) in combination with other numbers 1d) both (a dual number)
Usage: Occurs in 646 OT verses. KJV: both, couple, double, second, twain, [phrase] twelfth, [phrase] twelve, [phrase] twenty (sixscore) thousand, twice, two. See also: Genesis 1:16; Exodus 30:4; Numbers 13:23.
A messenger or representative, often of God, like an angel, prophet, or priest, as seen in Isaiah 42:19 and Haggai 1:13, carrying out God's will.
Definition: : messenger 1) messenger, representative 1a) messenger 1b) angel 1c) the theophanic angel
Usage: Occurs in 196 OT verses. KJV: ambassador, angel, king, messenger. See also: Genesis 16:7; 2 Samuel 24:16; Psalms 34:8.
Sodom was a city near the Dead Sea, known for its wickedness and corruption. According to the book of Genesis, God destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah as a judgment for their sins. The city has become a symbol of evil and immorality.
Definition: Sodom = "burning" a Canaanite city, usually paired with Gomorrah, located in the area of the Dead Sea and the Jordan river; both cities destroyed by God in judgment Also named: Sodoma (Σόδομα "Sodom" G4670)
Usage: Occurs in 38 OT verses. KJV: Sodom. See also: Genesis 10:19; Genesis 19:28; Isaiah 1:9.
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means evening or sunset, like when God created daylight and darkness in Genesis. It refers to the time of day, often marking the end of a workday. This word is used in many verses, including Exodus and Psalms.
Definition: 1) evening, night, sunset 1a) evening, sunset 1b) night
Usage: Occurs in 125 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] day, even(-ing, tide), night. See also: Genesis 1:5; Numbers 19:19; Psalms 30:6.
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.
This verb means to sit or dwell, and can also mean to remain or abide. It's used in the Bible to describe people living in a place or staying with someone, like in the book of Genesis.
Definition: 1) to dwell, remain, sit, abide 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to sit, sit down 1a2) to be set 1a3) to remain, stay 1a4) to dwell, have one's abode 1b) (Niphal) to be inhabited 1c) (Piel) to set, place 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to sit 1d2) to cause to abide, set 1d3) to cause to dwell 1d4) to cause (cities) to be inhabited 1d5) to marry (give an dwelling to) 1e) (Hophal) 1e1) to be inhabited 1e2) to make to dwell Aramaic equivalent: ye.tiv (יְתִב "to dwell" H3488)
Usage: Occurs in 977 OT verses. KJV: (make to) abide(-ing), continue, (cause to, make to) dwell(-ing), ease self, endure, establish, [idiom] fail, habitation, haunt, (make to) inhabit(-ant), make to keep (house), lurking, [idiom] marry(-ing), (bring again to) place, remain, return, seat, set(-tle), (down-) sit(-down, still, -ting down, -ting (place) -uate), take, tarry. See also: Genesis 4:16; Leviticus 25:18; Joshua 13:6.
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means a gate or door, often referring to city entrances or temple doors, like in Genesis and Exodus. It can also symbolize a meeting place or marketplace. The word is used to describe important locations in the Bible.
Definition: : gate 1) gate 1a) gate (of entrance) 1b) gate (of space inside gate, i.e. marketplace, public meeting place) 1b1) city, town 1c) gate (of palace, royal castle, temple, court of tabernacle) 1d) heaven
Usage: Occurs in 302 OT verses. KJV: city, door, gate, port ([idiom] -er). See also: Genesis 19:1; 1 Chronicles 9:18; Psalms 9:14.
Sodom was a city near the Dead Sea, known for its wickedness and corruption. According to the book of Genesis, God destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah as a judgment for their sins. The city has become a symbol of evil and immorality.
Definition: Sodom = "burning" a Canaanite city, usually paired with Gomorrah, located in the area of the Dead Sea and the Jordan river; both cities destroyed by God in judgment Also named: Sodoma (Σόδομα "Sodom" G4670)
Usage: Occurs in 38 OT verses. KJV: Sodom. See also: Genesis 10:19; Genesis 19:28; Isaiah 1:9.
The Hebrew word for provider means to see or look after, and is used to describe God's care for his people. It appears in various forms throughout the Bible, including in Genesis and other books.
Definition: (Lord will) Provide, cause to be seen. This name means to see, look at, inspect, look after
Usage: Occurs in 1206 OT verses. KJV: advise self, appear, approve, behold, [idiom] certainly, consider, discern, (make to) enjoy, have experience, gaze, take heed, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] joyfully, lo, look (on, one another, one on another, one upon another, out, up, upon), mark, meet, [idiom] be near, perceive, present, provide, regard, (have) respect, (fore-, cause to, let) see(-r, -m, one another), shew (self), [idiom] sight of others, (e-) spy, stare, [idiom] surely, [idiom] think, view, visions. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 41:41; Exodus 33:13.
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.
Qum means to rise or stand up, used in various contexts like rising to power or standing firm, as seen in Jeremiah and Ezra.
Definition: Combined with lev (לֵב "Leb" H3820B) § -Kamai = "my adversary" Leb-kamai, i.e., people of Gambulai
Usage: Occurs in 596 OT verses. KJV: abide, accomplish, [idiom] be clearer, confirm, continue, decree, [idiom] be dim, endure, [idiom] enemy, enjoin, get up, make good, help, hold, (help to) lift up (again), make, [idiom] but newly, ordain, perform, pitch, raise (up), rear (up), remain, (a-) rise (up) (again, against), rouse up, set (up), (e-) stablish, (make to) stand (up), stir up, strengthen, succeed, (as-, make) sure(-ly), (be) up(-hold, -rising). See also: Genesis 4:8; Numbers 30:13; Ruth 4:10.
To encounter or meet someone or something, either by accident or on purpose, as seen in the story of Joseph meeting his brothers in Genesis 37:23. This word can also mean to befall or happen to someone. It is used in various contexts, including friendly or hostile encounters.
Definition: 1) (BDB) to encounter, befall, meet 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to meet, encounter 1a2) to befall (fig)
Usage: Occurs in 98 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] against (he come), help, meet, seek, [idiom] to, [idiom] in the way. See also: Genesis 14:17; 2 Samuel 10:9; Psalms 35:3.
This Hebrew word means to bow down, often as a sign of respect or worship. It is used in Genesis 24:52 to describe Abraham's servant bowing down to God. The word is about showing humility and respect to someone or something.
Definition: 1) to bow down 1a) (Qal) to bow down 1b)(Hiphil) to depress (fig) 1c) (Hithpael) 1c1) to bow down, prostrate oneself 1c1a) before superior in homage 1c1b) before God in worship 1c1c) before false gods 1c1d) before angel
Usage: Occurs in 166 OT verses. KJV: bow (self) down, crouch, fall down (flat), humbly beseech, do (make) obeisance, do reverence, make to stoop, worship. See also: Genesis 18:2; 1 Kings 9:9; Psalms 5:8.
This Hebrew word can mean face, but also anger or nose. It is used to describe someone's countenance or emotions, like anger or patience. In the Bible, it appears in various contexts, including descriptions of God's emotions.
Definition: : face 1) nostril, nose, face 2) anger
Usage: Occurs in 269 OT verses. KJV: anger(-gry), [phrase] before, countenance, face, [phrase] forebearing, forehead, [phrase] (long-) suffering, nose, nostril, snout, [idiom] worthy, wrath. See also: Genesis 2:7; Nehemiah 8:6; Psalms 2:5.
The land or earth refers to the soil or ground, and can also mean a country, territory, or region. In the Bible, it is used to describe the earth and its inhabitants, and is often translated as 'land' or 'country'.
Definition: : soil 1) land, earth 1a) earth 1a1) whole earth (as opposed to a part) 1a2) earth (as opposed to heaven) 1a3) earth (inhabitants) 1b) land 1b1) country, territory 1b2) district, region 1b3) tribal territory 1b4) piece of ground 1b5) land of Canaan, Israel 1b6) inhabitants of land 1b7) Sheol, land without return, (under) world 1b8) city (-state) 1c) ground, surface of the earth 1c1) ground 1c2) soil 1d) (in phrases) 1d1) people of the land 1d2) space or distance of country (in measurements of distance) 1d3) level or plain country 1d4) land of the living 1d5) end(s) of the earth 1e) (almost wholly late in usage) 1e1) lands, countries 1e1a) often in contrast to Canaan
Usage: Occurs in 2190 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] common, country, earth, field, ground, land, [idiom] natins, way, [phrase] wilderness, world. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 18:18; Genesis 42:13.
Context — Lot Welcomes the Angels
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) |
| 1 |
Genesis 18:22 |
And the two men turned away and went toward Sodom, but Abraham remained standing before the LORD. |
| 2 |
Genesis 18:1–5 |
Then the LORD appeared to Abraham by the Oaks of Mamre in the heat of the day, while he was sitting at the entrance of his tent. And Abraham looked up and saw three men standing nearby. When he saw them, he ran from the entrance of his tent to meet them and bowed low to the ground. “My lord,” said Abraham, “if I have found favor in your sight, please do not pass your servant by. Let a little water be brought, that you may wash your feet and rest yourselves under the tree. And I will bring a bit of bread so that you may refresh yourselves. This is why you have passed your servant’s way. After that, you may continue on your way.” “Yes,” they replied, “you may do as you have said.” |
| 3 |
Hebrews 13:2 |
Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it. |
| 4 |
Job 31:32 |
but no stranger had to lodge on the street, for my door has been open to the traveler— |
Genesis 19:1 Summary
[This verse tells us about two angels who came to the city of Sodom in the evening, and Lot, who was sitting at the city gate, got up to meet them and showed great respect by bowing facedown. This shows that Lot was a kind and humble man, willing to show hospitality to strangers, much like Abraham in Genesis 18:1-8. Lot's actions are a good example for us to follow, as we are called to show love and kindness to others, as seen in Matthew 25:35 and Hebrews 13:2. By studying this verse, we can learn more about the importance of treating others with respect and kindness, and how this can reflect our relationship with God.]
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the two angels arrive at Sodom in the evening?
The Bible does not give a specific reason for the timing of the angels' arrival, but it may be related to the cultural practice of resting and socializing in the evening, as seen in Genesis 18:1 where Abraham received visitors in the heat of the day, and now Lot receives them in the evening, showing hospitality is a priority at all times of the day.
What is the significance of Lot sitting in the gateway of the city?
In ancient times, the city gate was a place of social and commercial activity, and sitting there may have indicated Lot's position of influence or authority in the city, similar to how Boaz sat at the gate in Ruth 4:1 to conduct important business.
Why did Lot bow facedown when he saw the angels?
Lot's action of bowing facedown shows his respect and humility before the heavenly visitors, recognizing their divine nature, as seen in other biblical accounts where people bow or fall down in the presence of angels or God, such as in Genesis 17:3 and Ezekiel 1:28.
How does this verse relate to the rest of the story of Sodom and Gomorrah?
This verse sets the stage for the events that will unfold in the following verses, as the angels' presence in Sodom will lead to the judgment of the city, and Lot's actions will determine his own fate, as seen in Genesis 19:12-29, where the angels warn Lot of the impending destruction and he is forced to flee the city.
Reflection Questions
- What does Lot's eagerness to meet the angels say about his character, and how can we apply this to our own relationships with others?
- How can we, like Lot, show hospitality to strangers, and what are some ways we can demonstrate kindness to those around us?
- What can we learn from the contrast between Lot's behavior and the behavior of the people of Sodom, as described in the surrounding verses?
- How does this verse relate to the theme of God's justice and mercy, and what are some ways we can apply this to our own lives?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 19:1
And there came two angels to Sodom at even,.... Or "the two angels" (h), the two men who were angels in the likeness of men, that had been with Abraham in the heat of the day at Hebron, on the
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 19:1
And there came two angels to Sodom at even; and Lot sat in the gate of Sodom: and Lot seeing them rose up to meet them; and he bowed himself with his face toward the ground; There came two angels -
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 19:1
GENESIS CHAPTER 19 Two angels come to Sodom, . Lot invites them in; they at first refuse, . They enter; he entertains them, and they eat, . The men of Sodom demand to know them, ,5. Lot dissuades them, ,7; offers his daughters; urges reason, . They are obstinate; threaten, and press to break the door, . The angels pull Lot in, and shut to the door, ; and smite the men with blindness, . Advise Lot to depart with his kindred, . The reason, . Lot speaks to his sons-in-law; they deride him, .
The angels lay hold on Lot, his wife, and two daughters, and carry them out, ; command them not to look back, . Lot requests to stay in Zoar; it is granted, with a command to hasten, because till they are gone the Lord can do nothing, . God rains brimstone and fire upon Sodom, ,25. Lot’ s wife looking back becomes a pillar of salt, . Abraham looks towards Sodom, ,28. God kind to Lot for Abraham’ s sake, . Lot and his two daughters remove to the mountain, . Lot’ s daughters contrive for an issue, ,32. They make their father drunk, lie with him, ; and are with child, . Moab and Ben-ammi, the two sons, born thereby, ,38.
And there came two angels, even those two which departed from Abraham, , and now were come to Lot, the third yet staying and communing with Abraham. Angels they truly were, though they be called men, . At even of the same day on which they departed from Abraham. In the gate of Sodom, where he sat either to observe the administration or corruption of justice there; for the seats of judicature were in the gates: or rather to wait for strangers, to whom he might exercise kindness and hospitality.
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 19:1
Genesis 19:1 And there came two angels to Sodom at even; and Lot sat in the gate of Sodom: and Lot seeing [them] rose up to meet them; and he bowed himself with his face toward the ground;Ver. 1. Lot sat in the gate.] Not as a judge (as the Hebrews will have it), nor as a merchant; much less as a noveller; but as a good householder, looking for his herds, and as a good housekeeper, looking for guests.
Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 19:1
XIX.(1) And there came two angels.—Heb., And the two angels came. It is a continuation of the preceding narrative, and takes up the history from Genesis 18:22. Lot sat in the gate of Sodom.—He had therefore become a citizen of Sodom, probably after the deliverance from the Elamite invasion, when, as a relative of Abraham, he would be treated with great honour. This personal respect had made him close his eyes to the sinfulness of the people, and he had consented to live inside the town, and even to let its citizens marry his daughters. Meanwhile all intercourse between him and Abraham apparently had ceased, and he had lost all share in the covenant of circumcision.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 19:1
CHAPTER XIX The two angels mentioned in the preceding chapter, come in the evening to Sodom, 1. Lot, who was sitting at the gate, invites them to enter his house, take some refreshment, and tarry all night; which they at first refuse, 2; but on being pressingly solicited, they at last comply, 3. The abominable conduct of the men of Sodom, 4, 5. Lot's deep concern for the honour and safely of his guests, which leads him to make a most exceptionable proposal to those wicked men, 6-8. The violent proceedings of the Sodomites, 9. Lot rescued from their barbarity by the angels, who smite them with blindness, 10, 11. The angels exhort Lot and his family to flee from that wicked place, as God was about to destroy it, 12, 13. Lot's fruitless exhortation to his sons-in-law, 14. The angels hasten Lot and his family to depart, 15, 16. Their exhortation, 17.
Lot's request, 18-20. He is permitted to escape to Zoar, 21-23. Fire and brimstone are rained down from heaven upon all the cities of the plain, by which they are entirely destroyed, 24, 25. Lot's wife, looking behind, becomes a pillar of salt, 26. Abraham, early in the morning, discovers the desolation of those iniquitous cities, 27-29. Lot, fearing to continue in Zoar, went with his two daughters to the mountain, and dwelt in a cave, 30. The strange conduct of his daughters, and his unhappy deception, 31-36. Moab and Ammon born, from whom sprang the Moabites and Ammonites, 37, 38. NOTES ON CHAP. XIX Verse 1.
Two angels] The two referred to Genesis 18:22. Sat in the gate] Probably, in order to prevent unwary travellers from being entrapped by his wicked townsmen, he waited at the gate of the city to bring the strangers he might meet with to his own house, as well as to transact his own business. Or, as the gate was the place of judgment, he might have been sitting there as magistrate to hear and determine disputes. Bowed himself] Not through religious reverence, for he did not know the quality of his guests; but through the customary form of civility. See on verses Genesis 18:3-5 of the preceding chapter.
Cambridge Bible on Genesis 19:1
1. the two angels] See Genesis 18:22. It has been conjectured that the original text had here, as in Genesis 19:5; Genesis 19:8; Genesis 19:10; Genesis 19:12, “the men” (i.e. the “three men” of Genesis 18:2); and that the substitution of the words “the two angels” has been made from motives of reverence, in order (1) to harmonize the action of this chapter with the scene of Abraham’s pleading with Jehovah in chap. 18, and (2) to separate Jehovah from contact with the evil of Sodom. at even] They had visited Abraham at noon: see Genesis 18:1. in the gate of Sodom] The wide arches of ancient Oriental city gates, contained recesses which were the resort of leading citizens; and in which business was transacted, bargains made, and justice administered, cf. Genesis 23:10; Genesis 23:18, Genesis 34:20; Deuteronomy 21:19; Rth 4:1. bowed himself] See Genesis 18:2.
Barnes' Notes on Genesis 19:1
- The Destruction of Sodom and Amorah 9. גשׁ־<הלאה gesh-hāl'âh, “approach to a distant point,” stand back. 11. סנורים sanevērı̂ym, “blindness,” affecting the mental more than the ocular vision. 37.
Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 19:1
1. Two angels — Hebrews, the two angels, evidently the two who left Abraham on the heights. Genesis 18:22. Knobel suggests that Jehovah, the most holy, sent his angels, but would not himself enter the wicked city.
Sermons on Genesis 19:1
| Sermon | Description |
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(1 Peter - Part 21): As Strangers & Pilgrims, Abstain From Fleshly Lusts
by A.W. Tozer
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In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that as Christians, we are pilgrims journeying home and our only real enemies are within us. God has changed the external world and protecte |
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The Eternal Spirit the Gifts That Came
by Willie Mullan
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In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the presence of dens of vice in our society, indicating that the Lord's coming is near. He refers to the book, which keeps him on the right |
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Pt 5 the Corruption of the Leaven
by Alan Redpath
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In this sermon, the preacher discusses the parable of the three measures of meal. He explains that the parable represents fellowship with God in service, which can be spoiled by th |
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(Genesis) Genesis 19:1-5
by J. Vernon McGee
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In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Lot in chapter 19 of the Bible. Two angels visit Lot in Sodom and warn him of the impending judgment. Lot leaves Sodom with his |
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I Am Thy Strength and Shield - Part 1
by Leonard Ravenhill
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In this sermon, the preacher describes a scene of immorality and sin in the world, with prostitutes and drug users. However, he emphasizes that these things do not move or concern |
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John 17
by William Fitch
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In this sermon, the speaker addresses the issue of the corruption and immorality that exists in the world, including the entertainment industry. He highlights the fact that movies |
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When Darkness Turns to Light
by Dennis Kinlaw
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In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding and obeying the stories in the Bible. He explains that these stories can either harden our hearts if we don't |