King James Version
Genesis 19:26 in the King James Version says “But his wife looked back from behind him, and she became a pillar of salt.” — study this verse from Genesis chapter 19 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.
“But his wife looked back from behind him, and she became a pillar of salt.”
Genesis 19:26 · KJV
Then the LORD rained upon Sodom and upon Gomorrah brimstone and fire from the LORD out of heaven;
And he overthrew those cities, and all the plain, and all the inhabitants of the cities, and that which grew upon the ground.
But his wife looked back from behind him, and she became a pillar of salt.
And Abraham gat up early in the morning to the place where he stood before the LORD:
And he looked toward Sodom and Gomorrah, and toward all the land of the plain, and beheld, and, lo, the smoke of the country went up as the smoke of a furnace.
KJV Study — Public Domain
“looked back”
H5027to scan, i.e., look intently at; by implication, to regard with pleasure, favor or care
“from behind him”
H310properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
“and she became a pillar”
H5333something stationary, i.e., a prefect, a military post, a statue
“of salt”
H4417properly, powder, i.e., (specifically) salt (as easily pulverized and dissolved)
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.
Genesis 19:26 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Verses related to Genesis 19:26 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge