TRV
Translation
King James Version
Then Lot chose him all the plain of Jordan; and Lot journeyed east: and they separated themselves the one from the other.
Complete Jewish Bible
So Lot chose all the plain of the Yarden for himself, and Lot traveled eastward; thus they separated themselves from each other.
Berean Standard Bible
So Lot chose the whole plain of the Jordan for himself and set out toward the east. And Abram and Lot parted company.
American Standard Version
So Lot chose him all the Plain of the Jordan; and Lot journeyed east: and they separated themselves the one from the other.
World English Bible Messianic
So Lot chose the Plain of the Jordan for himself. Lot traveled east, and they separated themselves the one from the other.
Geneva Bible (1599)
Then Lot chose vnto him all the plaine of Iorden, and tooke his iourney from the East: and they departed the one from the other.
Young's Literal Translation
and Lot chooseth for himself the whole circuit of the Jordan; and Lot journeyeth from the east, and they are parted--a man from his companion;
See on the biblical-era map
In the KJVVerse 330 of 31,102
Study This Verse
Commentary on Genesis 13 verses 10–13
10 ¶ 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.
11 Then Lot chose him all the plain of Jordan; and Lot journeyed east: and they separated themselves the one from the other.
12 Abram dwelled in the land of Canaan, and Lot dwelled in the cities of the plain, and pitched his tent toward Sodom.
13 But the men of Sodom were wicked and sinners before the LORD exceedingly.
We have here the choice that Lot made when he parted from Abram. Upon this occasion, one would have expected, 1. That he should have expressed an unwillingness to part from Abram, and that, at least, he should have done it with reluctancy. 2. That he should have been so civil as to have remitted the choice back again to Abram. But we find not any instance of deference or respect to his uncle in the whole management. Abram having offered him the choice, without compliment he accepted it, and made his election. Passion and selfishness make men rude. Now, in the choice which Lot made, we may observe,
I. How much he had an eye to the goodness of the land. He beheld all the plan of Jordan, the flat country in which Sodom stood, that it was admirably well watered every where (and perhaps the strife had been about water, which made him particularly fond of that convenience), and so Lot chose all that plain, Gen 13:10, Gen 13:11. That valley, which was like the garden of Eden itself, now yielded him a most pleasant prospect. It was, in his eye, beautiful for situation, the joy of the whole earth; and therefore he doubted not but that it would yield him a comfortable settlement, and that in such a fruitful soil he should certainly thrive, and grow very rich: and this was all he looked at. But what came of it? Why, the next news we hear of him is that he is in the briars among them, he and his carried captive. While he lived among them, he vexed his righteous soul with their conversation, and never had a good day with them, till, at last, God fired the town over his head, and forced him to the mountain for safety who chose the plain for wealth and pleasure. Note, Sensual choices are sinful choices, and seldom speed well. Those who in choosing relations, callings, dwellings, or settlements are guided and governed by the lusts of the flesh, the lusts of the eye, or the pride of life, and consult not the interests of their souls and their religion, cannot expect God's presence with them, nor his blessing upon them, but are commonly disappointed even in that which they principally aimed at, and miss of that which they promised themselves satisfaction in. In all our choices this principle should overrule us, That that is best for us which is best for our souls.
II. How little he considered the wickedness of the inhabitants: But the men of Sodom were wicked, Gen 13:13. Note, 1. Though all are sinners, yet some are greater sinners than others. The men of Sodom were sinners of the first magnitude, sinners before the Lord, that is, impudent daring sinners; they were so to a proverb. Hence we read of those that declare their sin as Sodom, they hide it not, Isa 3:9. 2. That some sinners are the worse for living in a good land. So the Sodomites were: for this was the iniquity of Sodom, pride, fulness of bread, and abundance of idleness; and all these were supported by the great plenty their country afforded, Eze 16:49. Thus the prosperity of fools destroys them. 3. That God often gives great plenty to great sinners. Filthy Sodomites dwell in a city, in a fruitful plain, while faithful Abram and his pious family dwell in tents upon the barren mountains. 4. When wickedness has come to the height, ruin is not far off. Abounding sins are sure presages of approaching judgments. Now Lot's coming to dwell among the Sodomites may be considered, (1.) As a great mercy to them, and a likely means of bringing them to repentance; for now they had a prophet among them and a preacher of righteousness, and, if they had hearkened to him, they might have been reformed, and the ruin prevented. Note, God sends preachers, before he sends destroyers; for he is not willing that any should perish. (2.) As a great affliction to Lot, who was not only grieved to see their wickedness (Pe2 2:7, Pe2 2:8), but was molested and persecuted by them, because he would not do as they did. Note, It has often been the vexatious lot of good men to live among wicked neighbours, to sojourn in Mesech (Psa 120:5), and it cannot but be the more grievous, if, as Lot here, they have brought it upon themselves by an unadvised choice.
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 10–13. Public domain.
Copy as
Ambrose of MilanAD 397
On Abraham
How appropriately then Scripture says, “Lot,” that is, deviation, “chose for himself.” Indeed, God has placed before us good and evil, so that each may choose what he wishes. Let us not then choose that which is more pleasing at first sight but that which is truly better, so that, having been granted the ability to choose what is preferable, we lift up our eyes and be attracted by false beauty while we leave concealed the truth of nature, as one who looks the other way.
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
Copy as
Continue studying Genesis 13:11 across the web’s major study libraries — every link below opens this exact verse, chapter, or book on the destination site.
Read & Compare
BibleGatewayThis verse in more than 200 translations and 70 languages.
Bible.comThe YouVersion reader — hundreds of translations, reading plans, and highlights.
ESV.orgCrossway's official English Standard Version reader.
NET BibleThe NET translation with 60,000+ translators' notes on every rendering decision.
STEP BibleTyndale House's free study tool — original text, vocabulary, and scholarly resources.
BibliaLogos Bible Software's free web reader.
USCCBThe New American Bible (Revised Edition) with the U.S. bishops' study notes.
Commentaries
BibleHub CommentariesDozens of classic commentaries on this verse, gathered on one page.
StudyLightMore than 100 commentary sets — the largest collection on the web.
BibleRefPlain-English commentary on what this verse means, verse by verse.
Enduring WordDavid Guzik's free commentary on this chapter, widely used by Bible teachers.
Bible Study ToolsVerse commentary alongside Greek and Hebrew study aids.
Original Language & Research
- BibleHub InterlinearThe verse word by word — original language, transliteration, and English.
- BibleHub LexiconEvery word's original-language definition and Strong's entry.
Blue Letter BibleDeep-study tools — Strong's numbers, concordance, and word studies.
SefariaThe Hebrew text with Rashi and centuries of Jewish commentary.
Sermons, Hymns & Audio
TrulyRandomVerse is not affiliated with these sites and doesn’t control their content. They’re linked because they’re genuinely useful.
SUMMARY
Genesis 13:11 marks a defining moment in the narrative of Abram and Lot, depicting Lot's decisive choice of the fertile Plain of Jordan and the subsequent physical separation between the two patriarchs. This decision, driven by the immediate appeal of material prosperity, subtly foreshadows Lot's entanglement with the moral decay of Sodom and Gomorrah, contrasting sharply with Abram's path of faith and trust in divine provision. The verse underscores the profound consequences of choices rooted in worldly desire versus spiritual discernment.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The verse effectively employs several literary devices to convey its profound meaning. Symbolism is evident in Lot's choice of the "plain of Jordan," which, while materially appealing, symbolizes a worldly focus that prioritizes visible prosperity over spiritual discernment. The direction "east" also carries strong symbolic weight, historically representing a movement away from God's immediate presence or towards judgment, thus foreshadowing Lot's eventual entanglement with the wickedness of Sodom and Gomorrah. Furthermore, the narrative implicitly uses contrast by setting Lot's self-serving choice against Abram's earlier selfless generosity, highlighting their divergent spiritual priorities and setting the stage for their contrasting destinies.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Lot's choice in Genesis 13:11 serves as a foundational moment for understanding the biblical themes of discernment, the dangers of worldliness, and the consequences of prioritizing material gain over spiritual integrity. His decision, driven by what appeared to be the most advantageous land, ultimately led him into a morally compromised environment, highlighting how seemingly good choices can have devastating spiritual ramifications if not guided by divine wisdom. This narrative implicitly contrasts with Abram's subsequent experience of renewed divine promises, demonstrating God's faithfulness to those who trust Him and prioritize peace and righteousness.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 13:11 offers a powerful and enduring lesson for believers today, challenging us to critically examine the motivations behind our own choices. Lot's story is a poignant reminder that what appears most appealing or advantageous from a worldly perspective may carry hidden spiritual dangers. Are our decisions primarily driven by material gain, social status, or immediate comfort, or are they rooted in a desire to honor God and align with His will? This verse calls us to cultivate spiritual discernment, seeking God's wisdom through prayer and His Word, rather than relying solely on our own sight or the world's allure. It encourages us to prioritize righteousness, peace, and spiritual integrity, trusting that God will provide for those who seek His kingdom first, just as He abundantly blessed Abram after Lot's departure. We are reminded that true prosperity is not merely material, but spiritual, found in faithful obedience and communion with God.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why did Lot choose the Plain of Jordan, knowing its proximity to wicked cities?
Answer: Lot's choice, as described in Genesis 13:10, was primarily driven by the land's apparent fertility and prosperity. It was "well watered everywhere, as the garden of the LORD, like the land of Egypt." While the wickedness of Sodom is explicitly mentioned later in Genesis 13:13, it is likely that Lot initially prioritized immediate material advantage and lush pasturage for his flocks over spiritual discernment regarding the moral environment. His decision highlights a worldly perspective where visible gain overshadows potential spiritual danger, demonstrating a lack of foresight or concern for the moral implications of his proximity to such depravity.
What is the significance of Lot journeying "east"?
Answer: In biblical narratives, the direction "east" often carries significant symbolic weight, frequently signifying a departure from God's presence or a move towards judgment. For instance, after the fall, Adam and Eve were expelled from the Garden of Eden to the east, and Cain was banished to the land of Nod, which was "east of Eden" (Genesis 4:16). For Lot, journeying "east" physically positioned him closer to the morally corrupt cities of Sodom and Gomorrah, symbolizing his spiritual divergence from Abram's path of faith and his increasing entanglement with worldliness. It represents a movement away from the spiritual center and towards a place of moral compromise and eventual judgment.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The narrative of Lot's choice and separation from Abram, driven by the allure of worldly prosperity, serves as a profound Old Testament type for the spiritual choices humanity faces in relation to God's kingdom and the person of Christ. Unlike Lot, who chose the fertile plain for himself, Christ, the ultimate example of humility and self-sacrifice, "made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men" (Philippians 2:7). He did not choose the path of worldly gain or comfort but rather the path of suffering and the cross, ultimately giving His life to redeem humanity from the dominion of sin and the world. His kingdom, as He declared, "is not of this world" (John 18:36). Believers are called to follow Christ's example, prioritizing eternal values over temporal prosperity, seeking first God's kingdom and His righteousness rather than accumulating earthly treasures. Lot's eastward journey towards Sodom foreshadows the dangers of worldly alignment, while Abram's subsequent divine blessing after Lot's departure points to God's faithfulness to those who trust Him and separate themselves from the world's corrupting influences, a separation fully realized in the call to live by the Spirit and not by the flesh, in Christ Jesus.