Genesis 19:14

Authorized King James Version

And Lot went out, and spake unto his sons in law, which married his daughters, and said, Up, get you out of this place; for the LORD will destroy this city. But he seemed as one that mocked unto his sons in law.

Word-by-Word Analysis

צְּאוּ֙

H3318

get you out

to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim

ל֜וֹט

H3876

And Lot

lot, abraham's nephew

וַיְדַבֵּ֣ר׀

H1696

and spake

perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue

אֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

חֲתָנָֽיו׃

H2860

his sons in law

a relative by marriage (especially through the bride); figuratively, a circumcised child (as a species of religious espousal)

לֹֽקְחֵ֣י

H3947

which married

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

בְנֹתָ֗יו

H1323

his daughters

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

וַיֹּ֙אמֶר֙

H559

and said

to say (used with great latitude)

ק֤וּמוּ

H6965

to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)

#10

צְּאוּ֙

H3318

get you out

to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim

#11

מִן

H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

#12

הַמָּק֣וֹם

H4725

of this place

properly, a standing, i.e., a spot; but used widely of a locality (general or specific); also (figuratively) of a condition (of body or mind)

#13

הַזֶּ֔ה

H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

#14

כִּֽי

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

#15

מַשְׁחִ֥ית

H7843

will destroy

to decay, i.e., (causatively) ruin (literally or figuratively)

#16

יְהוָ֖ה

H3068

for the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

#17

אֶת

H853

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

#18

הָעִ֑יר

H5892

this city

a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

#19

וַיְהִ֥י

H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

#20

כִמְצַחֵ֖ק

H6711

But he seemed as one that mocked

to laugh outright (in merriment or scorn); by implication, to sport

#21

בְּעֵינֵ֥י

H5869

unto

an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)

#22

חֲתָנָֽיו׃

H2860

his sons in law

a relative by marriage (especially through the bride); figuratively, a circumcised child (as a species of religious espousal)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Genesis, this passage highlights creation and providence through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Genesis.

Historical Context

The historical context of the patriarchal period (c. 2000-1500 BCE) and primeval history provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The ancient Near Eastern world with its creation myths, flood narratives, and patriarchal social structures provided the cultural backdrop against which God's revelation stands in stark contrast. The ancient Near Eastern cosmology and patriarchal society would have shaped how the original audience understood divine sovereignty. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Ancient Near Eastern creation texts like Enuma Elish provide comparative context for understanding Genesis's unique theological perspective.

Questions for Reflection

How does this verse's literary context within Genesis chapter 19 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine sovereignty differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of creation and providence, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of fundamental Christian doctrine?

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