Genesis 13:11

KJV

Then Lot chose him all the plain of Jordan; and Lot journeyed east: and they separated themselves the one from the other.

KJV (with Strong's)

Then Lot {H3876} chose {H977} him all the plain {H3603} of Jordan {H3383}; and Lot {H3876} journeyed {H5265} east {H6924}: and they separated themselves {H6504} the one {H376} from the other {H251}.

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.

Commentary

### 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
* **Literary Context:** Genesis 13 opens with Abram and Lot returning from Egypt, having accumulated great wealth in livestock, silver, and gold. This prosperity, however, led to contention between their herdsmen, as the land could not sustain both their large flocks and herds living together. In a remarkable display of generosity and peacemaking, Abram offers Lot the first choice of land to avoid further strife, stating, "Let there be no strife, I pray thee, between me and thee, and between my herdmen and thy herdmen; for we be brethren. Is not the whole land before thee? separate thyself, I pray thee, from me: if thou wilt take the left hand, then I will go to the right; or if thou depart to the right hand, then I will go to the left" ([Genesis 13:8-9](/genesis/13-8-9 "Abram's Peacemaking Offer")). Lot's subsequent action in [Genesis 13:10](/genesis/13-10 "Lot's Assessment of the Land") involves surveying the land and choosing the well-watered Plain of Jordan, setting the stage for the separation described in verse 11 and the divergent destinies of the two families.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, access to water and fertile pasturage was paramount for nomadic pastoralists like Abram and Lot. The "plain of Jordan" or "kikkâr" (circle) of Jordan, refers to the fertile valley of the Jordan River, particularly the southern end where the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah were located. This region was renowned for its lushness, likened to "the garden of the LORD" and "the land of Egypt" ([Genesis 13:10](/genesis/13-10 "Lot's Assessment of the Land")), making it an extremely desirable area for grazing. However, this material abundance was juxtaposed with the moral depravity of its inhabitants, a fact that would become critically important later in the narrative. The decision to separate was a practical solution to resource competition, but Lot's specific choice reveals a prioritization of visible prosperity over potential moral hazards.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several key themes within Genesis. It highlights the theme of **Choice and Consequence**, as Lot's decision, seemingly pragmatic, leads him into the sphere of Sodom's wickedness. It further develops the contrast between **Faith and Sight**, where Lot chooses based on what he sees (the lushness of the plain), while Abram, by allowing Lot first choice, demonstrates trust in God's unseen provision. The theme of **Worldliness versus Spiritual Discernment** is also prominent; Lot's attraction to the "well watered" land, despite its proximity to morally corrupt cities, underscores a materialistic worldview. Conversely, Abram's subsequent blessing by God immediately after Lot's departure ([Genesis 13:14-17](/genesis/13-14-17 "God's Renewed Promise to Abram")) reinforces the theme of **Divine Providence** and God's faithfulness to those who prioritize His will.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **chose (Hebrew, _bâchar'_ H977):** This primitive root means "to try, i.e., (by implication) select." Lot's action here is a deliberate and active selection, indicating a conscious decision-making process. It implies a preference based on his assessment of the available options, highlighting his agency in determining his future path.
* **plain (Hebrew, _kikkâr'_ H3603):** Derived from a word meaning "circle," this term refers to a circumjacent tract or region, specifically the fertile, circular valley of the Jordan River. Its use here emphasizes the geographical allure of the area Lot selected—a naturally abundant and well-watered region, appealing for its immediate material benefits for his flocks and herds.
* **separated themselves (Hebrew, _pârad'_ H6504):** This primitive root means "to break through, i.e., spread or separate (oneself)." It signifies a complete division or parting. In this context, it marks the physical and, more profoundly, the spiritual divergence between Abram and Lot, leading them down distinct paths with vastly different outcomes.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then Lot chose him all the plain of Jordan":** This clause describes Lot's decisive action. He surveys the land and, based on its visible fertility and abundance, makes a comprehensive choice of the entire Jordan plain for himself. This highlights his prioritization of material prosperity and immediate gain, which, while seemingly logical from a pastoral perspective, overlooks the moral climate of the region's inhabitants.
* **"and Lot journeyed east":** This phrase denotes Lot's physical movement. The eastward direction in biblical narratives often carries symbolic weight, frequently associated with departure from God's presence or a move towards judgment (e.g., the expulsion from [the Garden of Eden](/genesis/3-24 "Cherubim Placed East of Eden") or Cain's banishment to the land of Nod, east of Eden in [Genesis 4:16](/genesis/4-16 "Cain's Dwelling East of Eden")). For Lot, this eastward journey literally positions him closer to the morally corrupt cities of Sodom and Gomorrah, foreshadowing his increasing entanglement with their wickedness.
* **"and they separated themselves the one from the other":** This final clause marks the culmination of the decision and movement. It signifies a complete and irreversible physical parting between Abram and Lot. More than a mere geographical division, it represents a profound divergence in their spiritual trajectories, with Abram continuing on a path of faith and Lot gravitating towards worldliness and its inherent dangers.

#### 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.

* [Genesis 19:1-26](/genesis/19-1-26 "The Destruction of Sodom and Lot's Deliverance")
* [Matthew 6:24](/matthew/6-24 "No One Can Serve Two Masters")
* [James 4:4](/james/4-4 "Friendship with the World is Enmity with God")

### 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
* **What factors typically influence your significant life choices (e.g., career, relationships, where to live)? Are they primarily worldly or spiritually discerned?**
* **In what areas of your life might you be prioritizing "the plain of Jordan"—immediate gain or comfort—over spiritual wisdom or long-term faithfulness?**
* **How can you cultivate greater spiritual discernment in your decision-making process, ensuring your choices align with God's will rather than worldly appeal?**

### 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](/genesis/13-10 "Lot's Assessment of the Land"), 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](/genesis/13-13 "The Wickedness of Sodom"), 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](/genesis/3-24 "Cherubim Placed East of Eden"), and Cain was banished to the land of Nod, which was "east of Eden" ([Genesis 4:16](/genesis/4-16 "Cain's Dwelling East of Eden")). 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](/philippians/2-7 "The Humility of Christ")). 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](/john/18-36 "My Kingdom Is Not of This World")). Believers are called to follow Christ's example, prioritizing eternal values over temporal prosperity, seeking first [God's kingdom and His righteousness](/matthew/6-33 "Seek First the Kingdom of God") 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.

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

Genesis 13:9

[Is] not the whole land before thee? separate thyself, I pray thee, from me: if [thou wilt take] the left hand, then I will go to the right; or if [thou depart] to the right hand, then I will go to the left.

Psalms 119:63

¶ I [am] a companion of all [them] that fear thee, and of them that keep thy precepts.

Hebrews 10:25

Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some [is]; but exhorting [one another]: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.

1 Peter 2:17

Honour all [men]. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king.

Proverbs 27:10

Thine own friend, and thy father's friend, forsake not; neither go into thy brother's house in the day of thy calamity: [for] better [is] a neighbour [that is] near than a brother far off.

Genesis 13:14

¶ And the LORD said unto Abram, after that Lot was separated from him, Lift up now thine eyes, and look from the place where thou art northward, and southward, and eastward, and westward:

Psalms 16:3

[But] to the saints that [are] in the earth, and [to] the excellent, in whom [is] all my delight.