Genesis 13:10

KJV

¶ And Lot lifted up his eyes, and beheld all the plain of Jordan, that it [was] well watered every where, before the LORD destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah, [even] as the garden of the LORD, like the land of Egypt, as thou comest unto Zoar.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Lot {H3876} lifted up {H5375} his eyes {H5869}, and beheld {H7200} all the plain {H3603} of Jordan {H3383}, that it was well watered {H4945} every where, before {H6440} the LORD {H3068} destroyed {H7843} Sodom {H5467} and Gomorrah {H6017}, even as the garden {H1588} of the LORD {H3068}, like the land {H776} of Egypt {H4714}, as thou comest {H935} unto Zoar {H6820}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Lot looked up and saw that the whole plain of the Yarden was well watered everywhere, before ADONAI destroyed S'dom and 'Amora, like the garden of ADONAI, like the land of Egypt in the direction of Tzo'ar.

Berean Standard Bible

And Lot looked out and saw that the whole plain of the Jordan, all the way to Zoar, was well watered like the garden of the LORD, like the land of Egypt. (This was before the LORD destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah.)

American Standard Version

And Lot lifted up his eyes, and beheld all the Plain of the Jordan, that it was well watered every where, before Jehovah destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah, like the garden of Jehovah, like the land of Egypt, as thou goest unto Zoar.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 13:10 describes Lot's pivotal decision to choose the Plain of Jordan, a region appearing exceptionally fertile and well-watered, for his settlement. This choice, made after Abram generously allowed him the first selection of land to resolve disputes, reveals Lot's immediate priorities focused on material prosperity and sets the stage for the subsequent narrative of his life, subtly foreshadowing the future divine judgment upon the very cities within this desirable region.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated at a crucial juncture in the narrative of Abram and Lot, immediately following their return from Egypt. Both had become exceedingly wealthy in livestock, silver, and gold, making the land insufficient to sustain their combined herds and households without conflict. Disputes had arisen between their herdsmen, prompting Abram's magnanimous offer to Lot to choose any land he desired, emphasizing peace and unity over personal gain [Genesis 13:8-9](/genesis/13-8-9 "Abram's Peacemaking Offer"). Lot's subsequent action of "lifting up his eyes" and surveying the land is the direct response to Abram's offer, showcasing his decision-making process and priorities as he selects what he perceives to be the most advantageous territory. This choice is a narrative hinge, leading to the separation of Abram and Lot and setting each on distinct paths.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, particularly for nomadic pastoralists like Abram and Lot, access to abundant water and fertile pastureland was paramount for survival and prosperity. The Jordan Valley, fed by the Jordan River, was indeed a lush oasis in an otherwise arid region, making it highly desirable. The comparison to "the land of Egypt" (specifically the Nile Delta) further underscores its reputation for agricultural richness, a standard of fertility well-understood by the original audience. The cities of Sodom and Gomorrah, though not yet explicitly described in their wickedness, were part of this fertile region, indicating a settled, urbanized environment that contrasted with the nomadic lifestyle. Lot's choice reflects a common human desire for immediate material security and ease, which often involved settling near established centers of commerce and resources.

* **Key Themes:** Genesis 13:10 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the book of Genesis. It highlights the theme of **human choice versus divine promise**, contrasting Lot's decision based on sight with Abram's reliance on God's unseen provision. It underscores the **deceptive nature of outward appearance**, where the Plain of Jordan's beauty masks its moral corruption and impending judgment, a theme that resonates throughout biblical narratives concerning worldly allure. Furthermore, it introduces the theme of **divine judgment** through the parenthetical foreshadowing of Sodom and Gomorrah's destruction, emphasizing God's omniscience and moral governance over human affairs. This verse also subtly develops the theme of **covenant and inheritance**, as Lot's self-chosen inheritance contrasts sharply with the divinely promised inheritance Abram receives subsequent to Lot's departure [Genesis 13:14-17](/genesis/13-14-17 "God's Covenant Promise to Abram").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **well watered (Hebrew, _mashqeh'_):** From the root meaning "to cause to drink," this term describes a region that is abundantly irrigated, not merely by rainfall but by a consistent water source, making it exceptionally fertile and productive for agriculture and pasturage. It conveys a sense of lushness and prosperity, a "fat pasture" in the eyes of a herdsman.
* **garden (Hebrew, _gan'_):** Derived from a verb meaning "to fence" or "to protect," a garden implies a cultivated, enclosed, and highly productive area. The comparison to "the garden of the LORD" immediately evokes imagery of the [Garden of Eden](/genesis/2-8 "The Garden of Eden"), signifying a place of unparalleled natural beauty, fertility, and abundance, a veritable paradise.
* **destroyed (Hebrew, _shâchath'_):** This primitive root means "to decay," "to ruin," or "to corrupt." In this context, it refers to the complete and utter devastation brought about by divine judgment. Its inclusion here as a parenthetical note serves as a stark and immediate contrast to the region's initial beauty, revealing its ultimate fate and the moral decay that necessitated such destruction.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Lot lifted up his eyes, and beheld all the plain of Jordan,"**: This opening clause establishes Lot's active observation and the object of his gaze. "Lifted up his eyes" (a common Hebrew idiom) signifies a deliberate and comprehensive survey, indicating a careful assessment of the landscape before him. The "plain of Jordan" refers to the *kikkâr ha-Yardên*, the circular or circumjacent region surrounding the Jordan River, known for its flat, fertile terrain.
* **"that it [was] well watered every where,"**: This phrase explains the primary reason for the plain's allure to Lot. The abundance of water, crucial for sustaining large flocks and herds, made this region exceptionally desirable. Unlike the rain-dependent highlands, this plain was naturally irrigated, promising consistent verdure and prosperity.
* **"before the LORD destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah,"**: This is a crucial parenthetical insertion by the narrator, providing divine commentary and dramatic irony. It immediately informs the reader of the tragic, future fate of this seemingly idyllic region and its cities. This foreknowledge highlights the superficiality of Lot's evaluation, as he overlooks the moral and spiritual dangers inherent in the land, focusing solely on its material benefits.
* "[even] as the garden of the LORD, like the land of Egypt, as thou comest unto Zoar.": This concluding clause employs powerful similes to emphasize the unparalleled fertility and desirability of the Plain of Jordan. The comparison to "the garden of the LORD" directly links it to the [Garden of Eden](/genesis/2-9 "Trees in the Garden of Eden"), symbolizing ultimate paradise and abundance. The further comparison to "the land of Egypt" (specifically the Nile Delta) reinforces the idea of a lush, productive, and well-irrigated region, a standard of agricultural richness. "As thou comest unto Zoar" provides a geographical marker, indicating the southern extent of this vast and appealing plain, further underscoring its perceived value.

#### Literary Devices
The verse is rich in **Simile**, comparing the Plain of Jordan to "the garden of the LORD" and "the land of Egypt," which powerfully conveys its extraordinary fertility and beauty. This use of comparison elevates the description, making the plain appear paradisiacal and immensely desirable. However, this idyllic portrayal is immediately undercut by a striking use of **Dramatic Irony**. The narrator's parenthetical insertion, "before the LORD destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah," provides the reader with crucial information that Lot lacks. This creates a tension between Lot's perception of prosperity and the reader's foreknowledge of impending judgment, highlighting Lot's spiritual blindness. Furthermore, this parenthetical clause serves as a clear instance of **Foreshadowing**, hinting at the tragic events that will unfold later in the narrative concerning Sodom and Gomorrah and Lot's involvement. The verse also employs **Contrast**, subtly pitting the outward beauty and material promise of the land against its inherent moral corruption and ultimate destruction.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Lot's choice in Genesis 13:10 is a profound theological statement on human discernment and priorities. It vividly illustrates the common human tendency to prioritize immediate material gain and visual appeal over spiritual considerations or long-term consequences. Lot's decision, based purely on what "looked good" to the eye, stands in stark contrast to Abram's faith-based trust in God's unseen provision and covenant promises. The divine commentary regarding Sodom and Gomorrah's future destruction serves as a powerful reminder that God's perspective on places and people often differs radically from human perception, revealing that outward prosperity can mask deep moral decay and impending judgment. This narrative teaches that true blessing and enduring inheritance are not found in human calculation or material advantage, but in faithful reliance on God's sovereign will and covenant promises.

* [Proverbs 14:12](/proverbs/14-12 "There is a way that seems right to a man")
* [Matthew 6:33](/matthew/6-33 "Seek First the Kingdom of God")
* [1 John 2:15-17](/1_john/2-15-17 "Do Not Love the World")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 13:10 serves as a timeless cautionary tale, urging us to critically examine the criteria by which we make significant life decisions. Lot's choice, driven by the allure of a seemingly prosperous and fertile land, ultimately led him into a morally corrupt environment, endangering his family and causing him immense distress, as vividly depicted in his later experiences in [Sodom](/genesis/19 "The Destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah"). This narrative powerfully underscores that what appears good on the surface—whether a career opportunity, a place to live, or a relationship—may harbor hidden dangers or spiritual compromises. It challenges us to move beyond superficial evaluations and immediate gratification, instead cultivating spiritual discernment that prioritizes God's will, moral integrity, and long-term spiritual well-being over worldly allure or material advantage. Our choices, even seemingly pragmatic ones, have profound spiritual consequences that ripple through our lives and the lives of those connected to us.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What criteria do I typically use when making important life decisions (e.g., career, relocation, relationships)? Are they primarily based on visible benefits or spiritual discernment?**
* **How might the "Plain of Jordan" or "Sodom and Gomorrah" manifest in my own life today – places or situations that appear attractive but carry hidden spiritual dangers?**
* **In what ways can I cultivate greater spiritual discernment to see beyond the surface and prioritize God's will in my choices?**

### FAQ
**Why is the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah mentioned in this verse, seemingly out of chronological order?**

Answer: The parenthetical phrase "before the LORD destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah" serves as a crucial piece of divine commentary and dramatic irony inserted by the narrator. It immediately informs the reader of the future judgment awaiting this seemingly idyllic region, highlighting the spiritual blindness of Lot's choice. It underscores that material prosperity, without spiritual discernment, can lead to ruin, and it reveals God's omniscient perspective, contrasting it with Lot's limited human view.

**What does the comparison to "the garden of the LORD" signify, and why is it significant?**

Answer: This phrase explicitly links the Plain of Jordan to the [Garden of Eden](/genesis/2-8 "Description of the Garden of Eden"), symbolizing ultimate fertility, beauty, and abundance. For Lot, it represented a paradise of natural resources and economic potential. The significance lies in the subtle contrast: while Lot saw only the physical benefits of a "paradise," the true purpose of Eden was a place of divine communion and obedience. This comparison implies that Lot's focus was purely materialistic, overlooking the moral character of the land's inhabitants and its spiritual implications, leading him away from God's intended path.

**What central lesson can be learned from Lot's choice in Genesis 13:10 for believers today?**

Answer: Lot's decision, based solely on visual appeal and economic advantage, serves as a powerful cautionary tale. It teaches us to look beyond immediate gratification and superficial prosperity when making significant life choices. True wisdom involves spiritual discernment, considering the long-term consequences, and prioritizing God's will over worldly allure. As seen in Lot's later experiences in [Sodom](/genesis/19-1 "Lot's Experience in Sodom"), material gain can lead to moral compromise, spiritual distress, and even endanger one's family, emphasizing the need to align our choices with divine principles rather than earthly desires.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Lot's choice of the Plain of Jordan, a worldly "garden of the LORD" that ultimately led to his entanglement with the wicked cities of Sodom and Gomorrah, powerfully illustrates the human tendency to prioritize immediate, visible prosperity over spiritual discernment. This path, driven by the desires of the eyes, ultimately leads to ruin and judgment. In profound contrast, Abram's faith-filled relinquishment of choice and his subsequent reception of God's unconditional promise foreshadow the true and eternal inheritance found only in Christ. While Lot sought a temporal, earthly paradise that was destined for destruction, Christ offers an eternal kingdom and a new creation that far surpasses the lost [Garden of Eden](/genesis/2-9 "Trees in the Garden of Eden"). The judgment foreshadowed for Sodom and Gomorrah points to the ultimate judgment from which Christ delivers His people through His atoning sacrifice on the cross. Believers, through faith in Him, receive a spiritual inheritance and true prosperity that is not of this world, but is secured by His redemptive work and guaranteed by His resurrection, inviting us to seek first His kingdom and righteousness [Matthew 6:33](/matthew/6-33 "Seek First the Kingdom of God").

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Deuteronomy 34:3

And the south, and the plain of the valley of Jericho, the city of palm trees, unto Zoar.

Isaiah 51:3

For the LORD shall comfort Zion: he will comfort all her waste places; and he will make her wilderness like Eden, and her desert like the garden of the LORD; joy and gladness shall be found therein, thanksgiving, and the voice of melody.

Genesis 14:8

And there went out the king of Sodom, and the king of Gomorrah, and the king of Admah, and the king of Zeboiim, and the king of Bela (the same [is] Zoar;) and they joined battle with them in the vale of Siddim;

Joel 2:3

A fire devoureth before them; and behind them a flame burneth: the land [is] as the garden of Eden before them, and behind them a desolate wilderness; yea, and nothing shall escape them.

Genesis 14:2

[That these] made war with Bera king of Sodom, and with Birsha king of Gomorrah, Shinab king of Admah, and Shemeber king of Zeboiim, and the king of Bela, which is Zoar.

1 John 2:15

Love not the world, neither the things [that are] in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.

1 John 2:16

For all that [is] in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.