King James Version

What Does Genesis 19:10 Mean?

Genesis 19:10 in the King James Version says “But the men put forth their hand, and pulled Lot into the house to them, and shut to the door.” — study this verse from Genesis chapter 19 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“But the men put forth their hand, and pulled Lot into the house to them, and shut to the door.”

Genesis 19:10 · KJV

Context

8

Behold now, I have two daughters which have not known man; let me, I pray you, bring them out unto you, and do ye to them as is good in your eyes: only unto these men do nothing ; for therefore came they under the shadow of my roof.

9

And they said, Stand back. And they said again, This one fellow came in to sojourn, and he will needs be a judge: now will we deal worse with thee, than with them. And they pressed sore upon the man, even Lot, and came near to break the door.

10

But the men put forth their hand, and pulled Lot into the house to them, and shut to the door.

11

And they smote the men that were at the door of the house with blindness, both small and great: so that they wearied themselves to find the door.

12

And the men said unto Lot, Hast thou here any besides? son in law, and thy sons, and thy daughters, and whatsoever thou hast in the city, bring them out of this place:

Read Genesis 19 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
But the men put forth their hand, and pulled Lot into the house to them, and shut to the door.... 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 this verse deepen our understanding of God's character and His relationship with creation?
  2. What obstacles prevent us from living out the truths presented in this verse?
  3. What connections can we trace from this verse to Jesus' life, death, and resurrection?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 12 words
וַיִּשְׁלְח֤וּ1 of 12

“put forth”

H7971

to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)

הָֽאֲנָשִׁים֙2 of 12
H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

אֶת3 of 12
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

יָדָ֔ם4 of 12

“their hand”

H3027

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

וַיָּבִ֧יאוּ5 of 12

“and pulled”

H935

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

אֶת6 of 12
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

ל֛וֹט7 of 12

“Lot”

H3876

lot, abraham's nephew

אֲלֵיהֶ֖ם8 of 12
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הַבָּ֑יְתָה9 of 12

“into the house”

H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

וְאֶת10 of 12
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

הַדֶּ֖לֶת11 of 12

“to the door”

H1817

something swinging, i.e., the valve of a door

סָגָֽרוּ׃12 of 12

“to them and shut”

H5462

to shut up; figuratively, to surrender

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 19:10 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

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