Genesis 19:15

Authorized King James Version

And when the morning arose, then the angels hastened Lot, saying, Arise, take thy wife, and thy two daughters, which are here; lest thou be consumed in the iniquity of the city.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וּכְמוֹ֙
And when
as, thus, so
#2
הַשַּׁ֣חַר
the morning
dawn (literal, figurative or adverbial)
#3
עָלָ֔ה
arose
to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative
#4
וַיָּאִ֥יצוּ
hastened
to press; (by implication) to be close, hurry, withdraw
#5
הַמַּלְאָכִ֖ים
then the angels
a messenger; specifically, of god, i.e., an angel (also a prophet, priest or teacher)
#6
בְּל֣וֹט
Lot
lot, abraham's nephew
#7
לֵאמֹ֑ר
saying
to say (used with great latitude)
#8
קוּם֩
Arise
to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)
#9
קַ֨ח
take
to take (in the widest variety of applications)
#10
אֶֽת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#11
אִשְׁתְּךָ֜
thy wife
a woman
#12
וְאֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#13
שְׁתֵּ֤י
and thy two
two; also (as ordinal) twofold
#14
בְנֹתֶ֙יךָ֙
daughters
a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)
#15
הַנִּמְצָאֹ֔ת
which are here
properly, to come forth to, i.e., appear or exist; transitively, to attain, i.e., find or acquire; figuratively, to occur, meet or be present
#16
פֶּן
properly, removal; used only (in the construction) adverb as conjunction, lest
#17
תִּסָּפֶ֖ה
lest thou be consumed
properly, to scrape (literally, to shave; but usually figuratively) together (i.e., to accumulate or increase) or away (i.e., to scatter, remove, or r
#18
בַּעֲוֹ֥ן
in the iniquity
perversity, i.e., (moral) evil
#19
הָעִֽיר׃
of the city
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

Analysis

This verse develops the creation and providence theme central to Genesis. The concept of divine revelation reflects God's absolute sovereignty over all existence. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to foundational narrative establishing God's relationship with creation and humanity, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the tribal and clan-based society of the ancient Near East. The author writes to address the foundational narrative for Israel's identity and relationship with God, making the emphasis on creation and providence particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

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