King James Version

What Does Genesis 19:1 Mean?

Genesis 19:1 in the King James Version says “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; ...” — study this verse from Genesis chapter 19 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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;”

Genesis 19:1 · KJV

Context

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;

2

And he said, Behold now, my lords, turn in, I pray you, into your servant's house, and tarry all night, and wash your feet, and ye shall rise up early, and go on your ways. And they said, Nay; but we will abide in the street all night.

3

And he pressed upon them greatly; and they turned in unto him, and entered into his house; and he made them a feast, and did bake unleavened bread, and they did eat.

Read Genesis 19 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And there came two angels to Sodom at even; and Lot sat in the gate of Sodom: and Lot seeing them ro... This passage is part of the Abrahamic narratives which shift from universal human history to God's particular covenant people. The Abraham cycle (Genesis 12-25) demonstrates God's sovereign election, covenant faithfulness, and the development of faith through testing and promise fulfillment.

Central themes include God's unconditional covenant promises (land, descendants, blessing to nations), the call to faith and obedience, the testing of faith through delays and impossibilities, the contrast between divine promises and human schemes, and God's gracious persistence despite human failures. Abraham emerges as the father of faith whose trust in God's promises becomes the model for all believers (Romans 4, Galatians 3, Hebrews 11).

Theologically, these narratives establish: (1) salvation by grace through faith rather than works; (2) covenant as God's gracious initiative binding Himself to His people; (3) the necessity of patient trust when promises seem impossible; (4) the consequences of attempting to fulfill God's promises through human effort; (5) the pattern of divine testing producing mature faith. The Abraham cycle foreshadows Christ as the ultimate seed through whom blessing extends to all nations (Galatians 3:16).

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Historical & Cultural Context

The patriarchal narratives (Genesis 12-50) reflect the cultural, social, and legal customs of the ancient Near East during the Middle Bronze Age (2000-1500 BCE). Archaeological discoveries including the Mari tablets, Nuzi tablets, and Egyptian records confirm many details: nomadic pastoralism, covenant-making ceremonies, marriage customs, property laws, and international travel patterns described in Genesis.

The cultural practices reflected include: treaty/covenant forms (Genesis 15), bride-price customs (Genesis 24, 29), inheritance laws favoring firstborn sons (Genesis 25, 27), adoption practices (Genesis 15, 30), levirate-type arrangements (Genesis 38), and Egyptian administrative systems (Genesis 41, 47). These parallels confirm Genesis's historical reliability while showing how God worked within ancient cultural frameworks to accomplish His purposes.

For later Israelites, these narratives established their identity as Abraham's descendants, explained their claim to Canaan, justified their possession of Joseph's bones (Exodus 13:19), and provided models of faith despite imperfection. The patriarchs' failures and God's faithfulness encouraged Israel that covenant relationship depended on God's grace rather than human merit. The movement from Mesopotamia to Canaan to Egypt set the stage for the Exodus and conquest narratives.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does understanding this verse shape our doctrine of humanity, sin, or salvation?
  2. How should this truth about Lot's Daughters shape our daily decisions and priorities?
  3. How does understanding Christ as the ultimate fulfillment illuminate this passage's meaning?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 16 words
וַ֠יָּבֹאוּ1 of 16

“And there came”

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

שְׁנֵ֨י2 of 16

“two”

H8147

two; also (as ordinal) twofold

הַמַּלְאָכִ֤ים3 of 16

“angels”

H4397

a messenger; specifically, of god, i.e., an angel (also a prophet, priest or teacher)

סְדֹ֑ם4 of 16

“of Sodom”

H5467

sedom, a place near the dead sea

בָּעֶ֔רֶב5 of 16

“at even”

H6153

dusk

לוֹט֙6 of 16

“and Lot”

H3876

lot, abraham's nephew

יֹשֵׁ֣ב7 of 16

“sat”

H3427

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

בְּשַֽׁעַר8 of 16

“in the gate”

H8179

an opening, i.e., door or gate

סְדֹ֑ם9 of 16

“of Sodom”

H5467

sedom, a place near the dead sea

וַיַּרְא10 of 16

“seeing”

H7200

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

לוֹט֙11 of 16

“and Lot”

H3876

lot, abraham's nephew

וַיָּ֣קָם12 of 16

“them rose up”

H6965

to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)

לִקְרָאתָ֔ם13 of 16

“to meet”

H7125

an encountering, accidental, friendly or hostile (also adverbially, opposite)

וַיִּשְׁתַּ֥חוּ14 of 16

“them and he bowed”

H7812

to depress, i.e., prostrate (especially reflexive, in homage to royalty or god)

אַפַּ֖יִם15 of 16

“himself with his face”

H639

properly, the nose or nostril; hence, the face, and occasionally a person; also (from the rapid breathing in passion) ire

אָֽרְצָה׃16 of 16

“toward the ground”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Genesis. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Genesis 19:1 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Genesis 19:1 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Genesis 18:22Hebrews 13:2Genesis 18:1-5Job 31:32

Places in This Verse

SodomSettlement · Modern: south of the Lisan · 31.21°N, 35.45°E50 verses across 15 books
View all places in Genesis 19 →

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