King James Version

What Does Genesis 19:3 Mean?

Genesis 19:3 in the King James Version says “And he pressed upon them greatly; and they turned in unto him, and entered into his house; and he made them a feast, and...” — study this verse from Genesis chapter 19 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Genesis 19:3 · 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.

4

But before they lay down, the men of the city, even the men of Sodom, compassed the house round, both old and young, all the people from every quarter:

5

And they called unto Lot, and said unto him, Where are the men which came in to thee this night? bring them out unto us, that we may know them.

Read Genesis 19 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And he pressed upon them greatly; and they turned in unto him, and entered into his house; and he ma... 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. What theological truths about Sodom's Destruction emerge from this passage?
  2. How can we apply the principles from this passage to contemporary challenges in family, work, or church?
  3. What connections can we trace from this verse to Jesus' life, death, and resurrection?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 14 words
וַיִּפְצַר1 of 14

“And he pressed”

H6484

to peck at, i.e., (figuratively) stun or dull

בָּ֣ם2 of 14
H0
מְאֹ֔ד3 of 14

“upon them greatly”

H3966

properly, vehemence, i.e., (with or without preposition) vehemently; by implication, wholly, speedily, etc. (often with other words as an intensive or

וַיָּסֻ֣רוּ4 of 14

“and they turned in”

H5493

to turn off (literally or figuratively)

אֵלָ֔יו5 of 14
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

וַיָּבֹ֖אוּ6 of 14

“unto him and entered”

H935

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

אֶל7 of 14
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

בֵּית֑וֹ8 of 14

“into his house”

H1004

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

וַיַּ֤עַשׂ9 of 14

“and he made”

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

לָהֶם֙10 of 14
H0
מִשְׁתֶּ֔ה11 of 14

“them a feast”

H4960

drink, by implication, drinking (the act); also (by implication) a banquet or (generally) feast

וּמַצּ֥וֹת12 of 14

“unleavened bread”

H4682

properly, sweetness; concretely, sweet (i.e., not soured or bittered with yeast); specifically, an unfermented cake or loaf, or (elliptically) the fes

אָפָ֖ה13 of 14

“and did bake”

H644

to cook, especially to bake

וַיֹּאכֵֽלוּ׃14 of 14

“and they did eat”

H398

to eat (literally or figuratively)

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 19:3 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 19:3 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Genesis 18:6-8Judges 6:191 Samuel 28:24Exodus 12:391 Corinthians 5:8Hebrews 13:2

Test Your Knowledge

Genesis 19 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterGenesis Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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