Genesis 19:1

Authorized King James Version

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;

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַ֠יָּבֹאוּ
And there came
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
#2
שְׁנֵ֨י
two
two; also (as ordinal) twofold
#3
הַמַּלְאָכִ֤ים
angels
a messenger; specifically, of god, i.e., an angel (also a prophet, priest or teacher)
#4
סְדֹ֑ם
of Sodom
sedom, a place near the dead sea
#5
בָּעֶ֔רֶב
at even
dusk
#6
לוֹט֙
and Lot
lot, abraham's nephew
#7
יֹשֵׁ֣ב
sat
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
#8
בְּשַֽׁעַר
in the gate
an opening, i.e., door or gate
#9
סְדֹ֑ם
of Sodom
sedom, a place near the dead sea
#10
וַיַּרְא
seeing
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
#11
לוֹט֙
and Lot
lot, abraham's nephew
#12
וַיָּ֣קָם
them rose up
to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)
#13
לִקְרָאתָ֔ם
to meet
an encountering, accidental, friendly or hostile (also adverbially, opposite)
#14
וַיִּשְׁתַּ֥חוּ
them and he bowed
to depress, i.e., prostrate (especially reflexive, in homage to royalty or god)
#15
אַפַּ֖יִם
himself with his face
properly, the nose or nostril; hence, the face, and occasionally a person; also (from the rapid breathing in passion) ire
#16
אָֽרְצָה׃
toward the ground
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Genesis, this passage highlights creation and providence through declarative statements that establish theological truth. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by introducing key themes that will be developed throughout Genesis.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of ancient Near Eastern narrative literature addressing origins and identity shapes this text's meaning. The development from creation to divine election established God's sovereign care over history Understanding a worldview where divine beings actively governed natural and historical processes helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

People

Study Resources