Genesis 19:17
Genesis 19:17 in Multiple Translations
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!”
¶ And it came to pass, when they had brought them forth abroad, that he said, Escape for thy life; look not behind thee, neither stay thou in all the plain; escape to the mountain, lest thou be consumed.
And it came to pass, when they had brought them forth abroad, that he said, Escape for thy life; look not behind thee, neither stay thou in all the Plain; escape to the mountain, lest thou be consumed.
And when they had put them out, he said, Go for your life, without looking back or waiting in the lowland; go quickly to the mountain or you will come to destruction.
As soon as they were outside, one of the men said, “Run for your lives! Don't look back, and don't stop anywhere in the valley! Run to the mountains otherwise you'll be destroyed!”
And when they had brought them out, the Angel said, Escape for thy life: looke not behinde thee, neither tarie thou in all the plaine: escape into ye mountaine, least thou be destroyed.
And it cometh to pass when he hath brought them out without, that he saith, 'Escape for thy life; look not expectingly behind thee, nor stand thou in all the circuit; to the mountain escape, lest thou be consumed.'
It came to pass, when they had taken them out, that he said, “Escape for your life! Don’t look behind you, and don’t stay anywhere in the plain. Escape to the mountains, lest you be consumed!”
And it came to pass, when they had brought them forth abroad, that he said, Escape for thy life: look not behind thee, neither stay thou in all the plain: escape to the mountain, lest thou be consumed.
And they brought him forth, and set him without the city: and there they spoke to him, saying: Save thy life: look not back, neither stay thou in all the country about: but save thyself in the mountain, lest thou be also consumed.
When they were outside the city, one of the angels said, “If you want to remain alive, run away quickly! Don’t look back! And don’t stop anywhere in the valley! Flee to the hills! If you don’t, you will die!”
As soon as the angels took Lot and his family out of the town, one of the angels told them, “Run away quickly to save your life. Don’t look back, and don’t stop anywhere in the flat country, but keep going until you get to the hill country. If you don’t do that, you will die, like all the people in Sodom are going to die.”
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 19:17
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 19:17 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יְהִי֩
כְ/הוֹצִיאָ֨/ם
אֹתָ֜/ם
הַ/ח֗וּצָ/ה
וַ/יֹּ֨אמֶר֙
הִמָּלֵ֣ט
עַל
נַפְשֶׁ֔/ךָ
אַל
תַּבִּ֣יט
אַחֲרֶ֔י/ךָ
וְ/אַֽל
תַּעֲמֹ֖ד
בְּ/כָל
הַ/כִּכָּ֑ר
הָ/הָ֥רָ/ה
הִמָּלֵ֖ט
פֶּן
תִּסָּפֶֽה
וַ/יְהִי֩
hâyâh
H1961
to be
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
כְ/הוֹצִיאָ֨/ם
yâtsâʼ
H3318
to come out
Prep | V-Hiphil-Inf-a | Suff
אֹתָ֜/ם
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM | Suff
הַ/ח֗וּצָ/ה
chûwts
H2351
outside
Art | N-ms | Suff
וַ/יֹּ֨אמֶר֙
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
הִמָּלֵ֣ט
mâlaṭ
H4422
to escape
V-Niphal-Impv-2ms
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
נַפְשֶׁ֔/ךָ
nephesh
H5315
soul
N-cs | Suff
אַל
ʼal
H408
not
Part
תַּבִּ֣יט
nâbaṭ
H5027
to look
V-Hiphil-Juss-2ms
אַחֲרֶ֔י/ךָ
ʼachar
H310
after
Prep | Suff
וְ/אַֽל
ʼal
H408
not
Conj | Part
תַּעֲמֹ֖ד
ʻâmad
H5975
to stand
V-Qal-Juss-2ms
בְּ/כָל
kôl
H3605
all
Prep | N-ms
הַ/כִּכָּ֑ר
kikkâr
H3603
talent
Art | N-cs
הָ/הָ֥רָ/ה
har
H2022
mountain
Art | N-ms | Suff
הִמָּלֵ֖ט
mâlaṭ
H4422
to escape
V-Niphal-Impv-2ms
פֶּן
pên
H6435
lest
Conj
תִּסָּפֶֽה
çâphâh
H5595
to snatch
V-Niphal-Imperf-2ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 19:17
וַ/יְהִי֩
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
כְ/הוֹצִיאָ֨/ם
yâtsâʼ
H3318
"to come out"
Prep | V-Hiphil-Inf-a | Suff
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to go out or come out, and it's used in many different ways, like leaving a place or starting a new journey, as seen in Genesis and Exodus.
Definition: : come/go_out/escape 1) to go out, come out, exit, go forth 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go or come out or forth, depart 1a2) to go forth (to a place) 1a3) to go forward, proceed to (to or toward something) 1a4) to come or go forth (with purpose or for result) 1a5) to come out of 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to go or come out, bring out, lead out 1b2) to bring out of 1b3) to lead out 1b4) to deliver 1c) (Hophal) to be brought out or forth
Usage: Occurs in 991 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, appear, [idiom] assuredly, bear out, [idiom] begotten, break out, bring forth (out, up), carry out, come (abroad, out, thereat, without), [phrase] be condemned, depart(-ing, -ure), draw forth, in the end, escape, exact, fail, fall (out), fetch forth (out), get away (forth, hence, out), (able to, cause to, let) go abroad (forth, on, out), going out, grow, have forth (out), issue out, lay (lie) out, lead out, pluck out, proceed, pull out, put away, be risen, [idiom] scarce, send with commandment, shoot forth, spread, spring out, stand out, [idiom] still, [idiom] surely, take forth (out), at any time, [idiom] to (and fro), utter. See also: Genesis 1:12; Exodus 9:33; Leviticus 26:45.
אֹתָ֜/ם
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM | Suff
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.
הַ/ח֗וּצָ/ה
chûwts
H2351
"outside"
Art | N-ms | Suff
This word means outside or outdoors, referring to something beyond a wall or boundary. It can also mean a street or highway, as seen in various KJV translations, including abroad, field, and without.
Definition: outside, outward, street, the outside
Usage: Occurs in 158 OT verses. KJV: abroad, field, forth, highway, more, out(-side, -ward), street, without. See also: Genesis 6:14; 2 Chronicles 24:8; Psalms 18:43.
וַ/יֹּ֨אמֶר֙
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
הִמָּלֵ֣ט
mâlaṭ
H4422
"to escape"
V-Niphal-Impv-2ms
This verb means to escape or be delivered, like slipping away to safety. It is used in the Bible to describe people being saved from danger, like in the book of Psalms. The KJV translates it as deliver or escape.
Definition: 1) to slip away, escape, deliver, save, be delivered 1a)(Niphal) 1a1) to slip away 1a2) to escape 1a3) to be delivered 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to lay, let slip out (of eggs) 1b2) to let escape 1b3) to deliver, save (life) 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to give birth to 1c2) to deliver 1d) (Hithpael) 1d1) to slip forth, slip out, escape 1d2) to escape
Usage: Occurs in 85 OT verses. KJV: deliver (self), escape, lay, leap out, let alone, let go, preserve, save, [idiom] speedily, [idiom] surely. See also: Genesis 19:17; Psalms 41:2; Psalms 22:6.
עַל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
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.
נַפְשֶׁ֔/ךָ
nephesh
H5315
"soul"
N-cs | Suff
The Hebrew word for soul or living being, used in the Bible to describe the essence of a person or animal. It encompasses the ideas of life, breath, and vitality, and is translated as 'soul' or 'creature' in the KJV. This word is central to biblical concepts of humanity and existence.
Definition: 1) soul, self, life, creature, person, appetite, mind, living being, desire, emotion, passion 1a) that which breathes, the breathing substance or being, soul, the inner being of man 1b) living being 1c) living being (with life in the blood) 1d) the man himself, self, person or individual 1e) seat of the appetites 1f) seat of emotions and passions 1g) activity of mind 1g1) uncertain 1h) activity of the will 1h1) uncertain 1i) activity of the character 1i1) uncertain
Usage: Occurs in 683 OT verses. KJV: any, appetite, beast, body, breath, creature, [idiom] dead(-ly), desire, [idiom] (dis-) contented, [idiom] fish, ghost, [phrase] greedy, he, heart(-y), (hath, [idiom] jeopardy of) life ([idiom] in jeopardy), lust, man, me, mind, mortally, one, own, person, pleasure, (her-, him-, my-, thy-) self, them (your) -selves, [phrase] slay, soul, [phrase] tablet, they, thing, ([idiom] she) will, [idiom] would have it. See also: Genesis 1:20; Leviticus 26:43; Judges 18:25.
אַל
ʼal
H408
"not"
Part
Means not or nothing, used to express negation, as in the phrase do not or let not be.
Definition: 1) not, no, nor, neither, nothing (as wish or preference) 1a) do not, let not (with a verb) 1b) let there not be (with a verb understood) 1c) not, no (with substantive) 1d) nothing (as substantive) Aramaic equivalent: al (אַל "not" H0409)
Usage: Occurs in 572 OT verses. KJV: nay, neither, [phrase] never, no, nor, not, nothing (worth), rather than. See also: Genesis 13:8; Joshua 11:6; 1 Chronicles 22:13.
תַּבִּ֣יט
nâbaṭ
H5027
"to look"
V-Hiphil-Juss-2ms
This verb means to look or regard something carefully. It can also mean to show favor or care for someone. In the Bible, it is used to describe how God looks at his people with favor and care, as seen in Psalm 138:6.
Definition: 1) to look, regard 1a) (Piel) to look 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) tolook 1b2) to regard, show regard to, pay attention to, consider 1b3) to look upon, regard, show regard to
Usage: Occurs in 67 OT verses. KJV: (cause to) behold, consider, look (down), regard, have respect, see. See also: Genesis 15:5; Psalms 104:32; Psalms 10:14.
אַחֲרֶ֔י/ךָ
ʼachar
H310
"after"
Prep | Suff
Achar means backwards or after, used to describe something that happens later or in the rear. It is used in various senses in the Bible, including in 1 Kings 12:18.
Definition: 1) after the following part, behind (of place), hinder, afterwards (of time) 1a) as an adverb 1a1) behind (of place) 1a2) afterwards (of time) 1b) as a preposition 1b1) behind, after (of place) 1b2) after (of time) 1b3) besides 1c) as a conjunction 1c) after that 1d) as a substantive 1d1) hinder part 1e) with other prepositions 1e1) from behind 1e2) from following after
Usage: Occurs in 664 OT verses. KJV: after (that, -ward), again, at, away from, back (from, -side), behind, beside, by, follow (after, -ing), forasmuch, from, hereafter, hinder end, [phrase] out (over) live, [phrase] persecute, posterity, pursuing, remnant, seeing, since, thence(-forth), when, with. See also: Genesis 5:4; Exodus 18:2; Joshua 8:14.
וְ/אַֽל
ʼal
H408
"not"
Conj | Part
Means not or nothing, used to express negation, as in the phrase do not or let not be.
Definition: 1) not, no, nor, neither, nothing (as wish or preference) 1a) do not, let not (with a verb) 1b) let there not be (with a verb understood) 1c) not, no (with substantive) 1d) nothing (as substantive) Aramaic equivalent: al (אַל "not" H0409)
Usage: Occurs in 572 OT verses. KJV: nay, neither, [phrase] never, no, nor, not, nothing (worth), rather than. See also: Genesis 13:8; Joshua 11:6; 1 Chronicles 22:13.
תַּעֲמֹ֖ד
ʻâmad
H5975
"to stand"
V-Qal-Juss-2ms
Means 'to stand' in a strong sense, like in Exodus 17:12 where Moses stood with his arms up to help Israel win a battle.
Definition: : stand/stop/establish 1) to stand, remain, endure, take one's stand 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to stand, take one's stand, be in a standing attitude, stand forth, take a stand, present oneself, attend upon, be or become servant of 1a2) to stand still, stop (moving or doing), cease 1a3) to tarry, delay, remain, continue, abide, endure, persist, be steadfast 1a4) to make a stand, hold one's ground 1a5) to stand upright, remain standing, stand up, rise, be erect, be upright 1a6) to arise, appear, come on the scene, stand forth, appear, rise up or against 1a7) to stand with, take one's stand, be appointed, grow flat, grow insipid 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to station, set 1b2) to cause to stand firm, maintain 1b3) to cause to stand up, cause to set up, erect 1b4) to present (one) before (king) 1b5) to appoint, ordain, establish 1c) (Hophal) to be presented, be caused to stand, be stood before
Usage: Occurs in 497 OT verses. KJV: abide (behind), appoint, arise, cease, confirm, continue, dwell, be employed, endure, establish, leave, make, ordain, be (over), place, (be) present (self), raise up, remain, repair, [phrase] serve, set (forth, over, -tle, up), (make to, make to be at a, with-) stand (by, fast, firm, still, up), (be at a) stay (up), tarry. See also: Genesis 18:8; Joshua 21:44; 1 Chronicles 6:17.
בְּ/כָל
kôl
H3605
"all"
Prep | 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.
הַ/כִּכָּ֑ר
kikkâr
H3603
"talent"
Art | 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.
הָ/הָ֥רָ/ה
har
H2022
"mountain"
Art | N-ms | Suff
A mountain or hill, sometimes used to describe a spiritual high point. In the Bible, it can refer to a real mountain or a figurative one. The word is often translated as hill or mount.
Definition: : mount/hill hill, mountain, hill country, mount
Usage: Occurs in 486 OT verses. KJV: hill (country), mount(-ain), [idiom] promotion. See also: Genesis 7:19; Deuteronomy 3:12; Judges 18:13.
הִמָּלֵ֖ט
mâlaṭ
H4422
"to escape"
V-Niphal-Impv-2ms
This verb means to escape or be delivered, like slipping away to safety. It is used in the Bible to describe people being saved from danger, like in the book of Psalms. The KJV translates it as deliver or escape.
Definition: 1) to slip away, escape, deliver, save, be delivered 1a)(Niphal) 1a1) to slip away 1a2) to escape 1a3) to be delivered 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to lay, let slip out (of eggs) 1b2) to let escape 1b3) to deliver, save (life) 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to give birth to 1c2) to deliver 1d) (Hithpael) 1d1) to slip forth, slip out, escape 1d2) to escape
Usage: Occurs in 85 OT verses. KJV: deliver (self), escape, lay, leap out, let alone, let go, preserve, save, [idiom] speedily, [idiom] surely. See also: Genesis 19:17; Psalms 41:2; Psalms 22:6.
פֶּן
pên
H6435
"lest"
Conj
This word is used to express caution or warning, similar to saying 'lest' or 'beware that'. It is often used in the Bible to advise against certain actions or to warn of potential consequences.
Definition: conj 1) lest, not, beware lest adv 2) lest
Usage: Occurs in 125 OT verses. KJV: (lest) (peradventure), that...not. See also: Genesis 3:3; Judges 14:15; Psalms 2:12.
תִּסָּפֶֽה
çâphâh
H5595
"to snatch"
V-Niphal-Imperf-2ms
This word means to snatch or sweep something away, like destroying or consuming it. It can also mean to gather or catch up something. The KJV translates it as consume, destroy, or add.
Definition: 1) to sweep or snatch away, catch up, destroy, consume 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be snatched away 1a2) to sweep or snatch away 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be swept away, be destroyed 1b2) to be caught up, be captured 1c) (Hiphil) to catch up, gather
Usage: Occurs in 20 OT verses. KJV: add, augment, consume, destroy, heap, join, perish, put. See also: Genesis 18:23; 1 Samuel 27:1; Psalms 40:15.
Study Notes — Genesis 19:17
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- Sermons on Genesis 19:17
Context — Lot Flees to Zoar
15At daybreak the angels hurried Lot along, saying, “Get up! Take your wife and your two daughters who are here, or you will be swept away in the punishment of the city.”
16But when Lot hesitated, the men grabbed his hand and the hands of his wife and his two daughters. And they led them safely out of the city, because of the LORD’s compassion for them.
17As 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!”
18But Lot replied, “No, my lords, please! 19Your servant has indeed found favor in your sight, and you have shown me great kindness by sparing my life. But I cannot run to the mountains; the disaster will overtake me, and I will die.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Matthew 24:16–18 | then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains. Let no one on the housetop come down to retrieve anything from his house. And let no one in the field return for his cloak. |
| 2 | Luke 9:62 | Then Jesus declared, “No one who puts his hand to the plow and then looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.” |
| 3 | Philippians 3:13–14 | Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize of God’s heavenly calling in Christ Jesus. |
| 4 | Genesis 19:26 | But Lot’s wife looked back, and she became a pillar of salt. |
| 5 | Genesis 19:22 | Hurry! Run there quickly, for I cannot do anything until you reach it.” That is why the town was called Zoar. |
| 6 | Luke 17:31–32 | On that day, let no one on the housetop come down to retrieve his possessions. Likewise, let no one in the field return for anything he has left behind. Remember Lot’s wife! |
| 7 | Matthew 3:7 | But when John saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to his place of baptism, he said to them, “You brood of vipers, who warned you to flee from the coming wrath? |
| 8 | Jeremiah 48:6 | ‘Flee! Run for your lives! Become like a juniper in the desert. ’ |
| 9 | 1 Kings 19:3 | And Elijah was afraid and ran for his life. When he came to Beersheba in Judah, he left his servant there, |
| 10 | Genesis 13:10 | And 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.) |
Genesis 19:17 Summary
In Genesis 19:17, the angels told Lot and his family to run for their lives and not look back, warning them of the destruction that was about to come upon the city. This verse teaches us the importance of responding promptly to God's warnings and instructions, and seeking refuge and salvation in Him (Psalm 91:4). Just like Lot and his family had to flee from the city to escape destruction, we too need to flee from sin and its consequences, and seek a safe haven in God (Romans 6:23). By trusting in God's goodness and mercy, we can find salvation and refuge, and live a life that is pleasing to Him.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the angels tell Lot and his family not to look back?
The angels told Lot and his family not to look back because they wanted them to focus on their escape and not be distracted by the destruction of the city, as seen in Genesis 19:17, and also to avoid the fate of Lot's wife, who looked back and became a pillar of salt, as mentioned in Genesis 19:26.
What is the significance of the plain in this verse?
The plain in Genesis 19:17 refers to the valley or plain where the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah were located, and the angels warned Lot and his family to flee from it to avoid the impending destruction, similar to how God warned His people to flee from sin and its consequences, as seen in Romans 6:23.
Why did the angels tell Lot and his family to flee to the mountains?
The angels told Lot and his family to flee to the mountains because it was a safer location, away from the destruction that was about to occur in the cities of the plain, and it symbolizes the idea of seeking refuge and salvation in God, as seen in Psalm 91:4.
What can we learn from the urgency of the angels' warning in this verse?
The urgency of the angels' warning in Genesis 19:17 teaches us the importance of responding promptly to God's warnings and instructions, as seen in Matthew 24:42, and to be prepared for the unexpected, knowing that God's timing is not always our own.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I need to 'flee' from sin and its consequences, and how can I take action to do so?
- How can I cultivate a sense of urgency in my spiritual life, and what steps can I take to prioritize my relationship with God?
- What are some 'mountains' or safe havens in my life where I can seek refuge and salvation, and how can I make them a regular part of my spiritual practice?
- In what ways can I apply the principle of not looking back, as seen in this verse, to my own life and spiritual journey, and what are some things that I need to let go of in order to move forward?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 19:17
And it came to pass, when they had brought them forth abroad,.... Into the fields of Sodom, or the suburbs of it: that he said, escape for thy life; not one of the two men or angels that had been
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 19:17
And when the morning arose, then the angels hastened Lot, saying, Arise, take thy wife, and thy two daughters, which are here; lest thou be consumed in the iniquity of the city.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 19:17
Either one of the angels said this, or the third person, the Lord himself, who having parted from Abraham, after some time came to Lot, as appears both by the change of the number; for before this he speaks of them in the plural number, but from hence in the singular number, as ,21,22; and by the variation of the phrase, for the other two speak with submission, and as servants, , The Lord hath sent us, & c.; but this speaks with more authority, as is evident from ,22. Escape for thy life, i.e. as thou lovest thy life. See . Or, escape with thy life, for the Hebrew particle al is sometimes taken for with, as 14:31 . So the sense is, Stand not lingering in hopes to save thy goods, them thou shalt lose as a punishment of thy sin and folly in choosing to dwell with so wicked a people; and be thankful that thou hast thy life given thee for a prey, as it is expressed, . Look not behind thee, like one that grieves either for the loss of thy pleasant habitation or vast estate, or for those cursed miscreants justly devoted to this destruction. And this command, though given to Lot alone, yet was directed also to his companions, to whom doubtless he imparted it, as is evident both from all the other commands, which equally concern all, and from the following event. See .
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 19:17
Genesis 19:17 And it came to pass, when they had brought them forth abroad, that he said, Escape for thy life; look not behind thee, neither stay thou in all the plain; escape to the mountain, lest thou be consumed.Ver. 17. Look not behind thee.] As loath to depart. Non minus difficulter a deliciis Sodomorum abstrahimur, quam canis ab uncto corio .
Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 19:17
(17) Abroad.—Heb., outside—that is, of the city. Look not behind thee.—This was not merely to prevent delay, but also showed that God demanded of them a total abandonment in heart and will of the condemned cities, and hence the severity with which the violation of the command was visited. Plain.—The Ciccar or circle of Jordan. So also in Genesis 19:25; Genesis 19:28-29; see Note on Genesis 13:10.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 19:17
Verse 17. When they had brought them forth, c.] Every word here is emphatic, Escape for thy LIFE thou art in the most imminent danger of perishing; thy life and thy soul are both at stake. Look not behind thee - thou hast but barely time enough to escape from the judgment that is now descending; no lingering, or thou art lost! one look back may prove fatal to thee, and God commands thee to avoid it. Neither stay thou in all the plain, because God will destroy that as well as the city. Escape to the mountain, on which these judgments shall not light, and which God has appointed thee for a place of refuge; lest thou be CONSUMED. It is not an ordinary judgment that is coming; a fire from heaven shall burn up the cities, the plain, and all that remain in the cities and in the plain. Both the beginning and end of this exhortation are addressed to his personal feelings. "Skin for skin, yea, all that a man hath will he give for his life;" and self-preservation is the first law of nature, to which every other consideration is minor and unimportant.
Cambridge Bible on Genesis 19:17
17. he said] One of the men is spokesman, as in Genesis 19:21; but the plural “they said” is found in the LXX and Lat. look not behind thee] The meaning of this direction, which recalls the story of Orpheus and Eurydice, is not quite obvious. It may be a prohibition either of irresolute lingering, or of regretful curiosity. It is, probably, also, a test of obedience, combined with the thought that man could not look upon Jehovah and live. Cf. Genesis 16:13; Exodus 19:21. the Plain] i.e. the kikkar: see Genesis 13:10. the mountain] i.e. the mountainous region on the east of the Dead Sea, “the mountains of Moab.”
Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 19:17
17. He said — Does Jehovah himself now appear again with the two angels, or is one of the two angels here intended?
Sermons on Genesis 19:17
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Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God (Alternate) by Jonathan Edwards | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the incomprehensible power of God's anger and the eternal misery that awaits those who have not been born again. The preacher warns that eve |
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Enter Into His Rest by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher begins by leading the congregation in praise and worship, emphasizing the importance of praising and magnifying the name of Jesus. He encourages the be |
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Don't Look Back by Arlen L. Chitwood | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of not dwelling in the plain, using the story of Lot's wife as an example. He contrasts Lot, who didn't make it far in his jo |
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The Lord's Knowledge, Our Safeguard by C.H. Spurgeon | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of relying on faith rather than relying on what we can see with our physical eyes. He shares personal experiences of feeling |
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Lest Thou Be Consumed by Arlen L. Chitwood | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the book of Genesis, specifically chapters 1 through 4. They emphasize that the work of Christ at Calvary can be seen in each of these chapte |
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Run for Your Life by Arlen L. Chitwood | In this sermon, the speaker begins by praying for God's blessings and guidance as they open the Word of God. They mention that they will be delivering five messages based on five p |
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Escape to the Mountain by Arlen L. Chitwood | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that believers have been saved for a purpose and that purpose extends to all of mankind. He speaks about the present kingdom of God and the |