Genesis 19:23

King James Version:

(The Lord speaking is red text)

The sun was risen upon the earth when Lot entered into Zoar.

Complete Jewish Bible:

By the time Lot had come to Tzo'ar, the sun had risen over the land.

Berean Standard Bible:

And by the time the sun had risen over the land, Lot had reached Zoar.

American Standard Version:

The sun was risen upon the earth when Lot came unto Zoar.

KJV with Strong’s Numbers:

The sun{H8121} was risen{H3318} upon the earth{H776} when Lot{H3876} entered{H935} into Zoar{H6820}.

Cross-References (KJV):


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Commentary for Genesis 19:23

Genesis 19:23 is part of the narrative about the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, two cities notorious for their wickedness. The historical context of this verse is situated within the broader account of God's judgment on these cities. Here are the key themes and historical context:

**Themes:**

1. **Judgment and Mercy:** The destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah is a stark example of God's judgment on sin. However, the verse also reflects the theme of mercy, as Lot, Abraham's nephew, is spared along with his family.

2. **Divine Intervention:** The verse underscores the theme of divine intervention, as the timing of the sunrise and Lot's arrival in Zoar are not coincidental but part of the divine plan to save him.

3. **Obedience and Faith:** Lot's ability to reach Zoar before the destruction begins is contingent on his obedience to the instructions of the angels who had warned him of the impending calamity. This highlights the importance of heeding divine guidance.

4. **The Consequences of Sin:** The fate of Sodom and Gomorrah serves as a warning about the consequences of unchecked sinfulness and moral depravity.

**Historical Context:**

- **Time Period:** The events of Genesis 19 are set in the patriarchal era, which is the period when the ancestors of the Israelite people lived, including Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

- **Cultural Significance:** Sodom and Gomorrah were cities located in the region later known as the Dead Sea area. Their destruction by sulfur and fire is a motif that appears in various ancient Near Eastern texts, indicating a broader cultural understanding of divine retribution.

- **Literary Context:** This verse is part of a larger narrative that includes the hospitality of Abraham, the negotiation with God regarding the righteous inhabitants of Sodom, and the subsequent rescue of Lot and his family. It also sets the stage for the continuation of Lot's story and his descendants, who will play roles in the unfolding biblical narrative.

In summary, Genesis 19:23 encapsulates the themes of divine judgment, mercy, and the importance of obedience, against the backdrop of a narrative deeply rooted in the early history of the Israelites and their understanding of God's interaction with humanity.

*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model

Strong's Numbers and Definitions:

Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)

  1. Strong's Number: H8121
    There are 127 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: שֶׁמֶשׁ
    Transliteration: shemesh
    Pronunciation: sheh'-mesh
    Description: from an unused root meaning to be brilliant; the sun; by implication, the east; figuratively, a ray, i.e. (architectural) a notched battlement; [phrase] east side(-ward), sun (rising), [phrase] west(-ward), window. See also בֵּית שֶׁמֶשׁ.
  2. Strong's Number: H3318
    There are 992 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: יָצָא
    Transliteration: yâtsâʼ
    Pronunciation: yaw-tsaw'
    Description: a primitive root; to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim.; [idiom] after, appear, [idiom] assuredly, bear out, [idiom] begotten, break out, bring forth (out, up), carry out, come (abroad, out, thereat, without), [phrase] be condemned, depart(-ing, -ure), draw forth, in the end, escape, exact, fail, fall (out), fetch forth (out), get away (forth, hence, out), (able to, cause to, let) go abroad (forth, on, out), going out, grow, have forth (out), issue out, lay (lie) out, lead out, pluck out, proceed, pull out, put away, be risen, [idiom] scarce, send with commandment, shoot forth, spread, spring out, stand out, [idiom] still, [idiom] surely, take forth (out), at any time, [idiom] to (and fro), utter.
  3. Strong's Number: H776
    There are 2739 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: אֶרֶץ
    Transliteration: ʼerets
    Pronunciation: eh'-rets
    Description: from an unused root probably meaning to be firm; the earth (at large, or partitively a land); [idiom] common, country, earth, field, ground, land, [idiom] natins, way, [phrase] wilderness, world.
  4. Strong's Number: H3876
    There are 30 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: לוֹט
    Transliteration: Lôwṭ
    Pronunciation: lote
    Description: the same as לוֹט; Lot, Abraham's nephew; Lot.
  5. Strong's Number: H935
    There are 2307 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: בּוֹא
    Transliteration: bôwʼ
    Pronunciation: bo
    Description: a primitive root; to go or come (in a wide variety of applications); abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way.
  6. Strong's Number: H6820
    There are 9 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: צֹעַר
    Transliteration: Tsôʻar
    Pronunciation: tso'ar
    Description: from צָעַר; little; Tsoar, a place East of the Jordan; Zoar.