King James Version

What Does Genesis 19:36 Mean?

Genesis 19:36 in the King James Version says “Thus were both the daughters of Lot with child by their father.” — study this verse from Genesis chapter 19 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Thus were both the daughters of Lot with child by their father.”

Genesis 19:36 · KJV

Context

34

And it came to pass on the morrow, that the firstborn said unto the younger, Behold, I lay yesternight with my father: let us make him drink wine this night also; and go thou in, and lie with him, that we may preserve seed of our father.

35

And they made their father drink wine that night also: and the younger arose, and lay with him; and he perceived not when she lay down, nor when she arose.

36

Thus were both the daughters of Lot with child by their father.

37

And the firstborn bare a son, and called his name Moab: the same is the father of the Moabites unto this day.

38

And the younger, she also bare a son, and called his name Benammi: the same is the father of the children of Ammon unto this day.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Thus were both the daughters of Lot with child by their father.... 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 contribute to the biblical doctrine of creation, fall, or redemption?
  2. How does this passage challenge modern cultural assumptions about identity, purpose, or morality?
  3. How does this verse fit into the broader biblical story culminating in Christ?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 5 words
וַֽתַּהֲרֶ֛יןָ1 of 5

“with child”

H2029

to be (or become) pregnant, conceive (literally or figuratively)

שְׁתֵּ֥י2 of 5

“Thus were both”

H8147

two; also (as ordinal) twofold

בְנֽוֹת3 of 5

“the daughters”

H1323

a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)

ל֖וֹט4 of 5

“of Lot”

H3876

lot, abraham's nephew

מֵֽאֲבִיהֶֽן׃5 of 5

“by their father”

H1

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

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 19:36 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 19:36 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Habakkuk 2:15Judges 1:71 Samuel 15:33Matthew 7:2Leviticus 18:6-7Genesis 19:8

Test Your Knowledge

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

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