Genesis 19:10

KJV

But the men put forth their hand, and pulled Lot into the house to them, and shut to the door.

KJV (with Strong's)

But the men {H582} put forth {H7971} their hand {H3027}, and pulled {H935} Lot {H3876} into the house {H1004} to them, and shut {H5462} to the door {H1817}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But the men inside reached out their hands, brought Lot into the house to them and shut the door.

Berean Standard Bible

But the men inside reached out, pulled Lot into the house with them, and shut the door.

American Standard Version

But the men put forth their hand, and brought Lot into the house to them, and shut to the door.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 19:10 vividly portrays the immediate and forceful intervention of the two angelic visitors, who, witnessing Lot's perilous situation and their own safety compromised by the aggressive, depraved mob of Sodom, swiftly pulled Lot back into the house and securely shut the door. This pivotal moment not only underscores the profound moral decay that permeated Sodom but also powerfully highlights God's protective hand, exercised through His divine messengers, even amidst extreme danger and human moral failings.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse marks a dramatic turning point in the unfolding narrative of Sodom's impending judgment, occurring immediately after Lot's deeply flawed and desperate attempt to appease the violent men of the city. The preceding verses [Genesis 19:1-9](/genesis/19-1-9 "The arrival of angels in Sodom and Lot's hospitality") establish the arrival of two angels, disguised as men, into Sodom, where Lot, a righteous man living amidst profound wickedness, extended hospitality to them. The men of Sodom quickly surrounded Lot's house, demanding that he bring out his visitors so they could "know" them, a euphemism for sexual assault. In a morally compromised and agonizing effort to protect his guests, Lot had just offered his own virgin daughters to the ravenous mob, a testament to the extreme pressure and moral confusion he faced. [Genesis 19:10](/genesis/19-10 "Angelic intervention to save Lot") depicts the angels' swift and decisive intervention, not only to rescue Lot from the violent crowd but also to secure their own safety, thereby setting the stage for the catastrophic divine judgment that would soon be unleashed upon the city, a judgment provoked by the "great outcry" against Sodom and Gomorrah mentioned in [Genesis 18:20](/genesis/18-18-20 "The outcry against Sodom and Gomorrah").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The cultural context of ancient Near Eastern hospitality is crucial here. Offering shelter and protection to travelers was a sacred duty, and any violation of this custom was considered a grave offense. The men of Sodom's demand for Lot's guests was not merely a breach of hospitality but an act of extreme sexual perversion and violence, demonstrating a profound societal breakdown. Homosexual acts were explicitly condemned in Mosaic Law (e.g., [Leviticus 18:22](/leviticus/18-22 "Prohibition against homosexuality")), and the narrative here portrays Sodom's pervasive and unrepentant embrace of such practices. The city's location in the fertile Jordan Valley, described as "like the garden of the Lord" in [Genesis 13:10](/genesis/13-10 "Lot chooses the Jordan Valley"), ironically juxtaposes its natural abundance with its spiritual barrenness and moral corruption, which had reached a point of no return, necessitating divine judgment.

* **Key Themes:** [Genesis 19:10](/genesis/19-10 "Themes in Genesis 19:10") contributes significantly to several overarching themes within Genesis and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates the theme of **Divine Protection and Intervention**, showcasing God's direct involvement in human affairs, even in moments of extreme peril, to preserve His chosen ones. Secondly, it starkly highlights the **Depravity of Humanity** when left unchecked by divine restraint, particularly the profound wickedness of Sodom, which had become utterly consumed by sin, demanding judgment. Thirdly, the verse subtly touches upon the theme of **God's Mercy Amidst Human Flaw**, as Lot, despite his morally questionable offer of his daughters, is still deemed righteous enough for divine rescue, aligning with later biblical characterizations of him as "righteous Lot" in [2 Peter 2:7-8](/2_peter/2-7-8 "Peter's description of Lot"). Finally, it reinforces the **Nature of Angelic Beings** as powerful agents of God's will, capable of physical intervention and executing divine judgment, as seen in their subsequent actions against the mob and the city.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
[Genesis 19:10](/genesis/19-10 "Detailed analysis of Genesis 19:10") provides a concise yet profound account of the decisive actions taken by the two angelic visitors in response to the escalating threat posed by the men of Sodom. As Lot stood outside, desperately attempting to reason with or appease the aggressive mob, his life and the divinely appointed mission of the angels were in immediate peril.

#### Key Word Analysis
* **men (Hebrew, _ʼĕnôwsh'_):** This term (H582) refers to "a mortal," a "man in general," often used to distinguish from the more dignified 'adam (man, mankind). In this context, it specifically refers to the two angelic beings who had taken on human form. Their identity as "men" emphasizes their corporeal presence and ability to interact physically, yet their underlying nature as divine messengers grants them the extraordinary power demonstrated in this verse. The use of 'enowsh here subtly highlights their temporary, embodied state, contrasting with their true, spiritual essence.
* **hand (Hebrew, _yâd'_):** The word "hand" (H3027) is a primitive term with a vast array of applications, both literal and figurative. In this instance, "put forth their hand" signifies direct, physical action and the exertion of power or authority. Unlike the open hand (kaf), 'yad can imply the closed hand, indicating force or control. Here, it denotes the angels' active engagement and the application of their supernatural strength to intervene decisively, taking hold of Lot to effect his rescue.
* **shut (Hebrew, _çâgar'_):** This primitive root (H5462) means "to shut up," "to close up," or "to inclose." Figuratively, it can also mean "to surrender" or "deliver up." In [Genesis 19:10](/genesis/19-10 "The meaning of 'shut' in Genesis 19:10"), the act of "shutting to the door" is a definitive, unyielding action. It signifies the immediate cessation of interaction with the outside world, the establishment of an impenetrable barrier, and the finality of the protective measure. It marks a point of no return, sealing off the righteous within and leaving the unrighteous outside to face the impending judgment.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But the men put forth their hand":** This opening clause immediately shifts the narrative focus from Lot's desperate and failed attempts to the decisive intervention of the angelic visitors. The "men" are the two angels, and their action of "putting forth their hand" signifies a direct, physical, and authoritative move. It indicates that they are taking control of the situation, initiating the rescue of Lot, and asserting their divine power against the encroaching mob.
* **"and pulled Lot into the house to them":** The Hebrew verb for "pulled" (H935, _bôwʼ_, often translated as "come" or "go," but here implying a forceful drawing in) emphasizes the urgency and power of the angels' action. This was not a gentle invitation but a forceful, perhaps even a dragging, motion, indicating the extreme danger Lot was in and the angels' immense strength. Lot, having just offered his daughters, may have been hesitant, overwhelmed, or physically impeded by the crowd, necessitating this direct, physical intervention to bring him to immediate safety within the confines of the house.
* **"and shut to the door":** This final action is both practical and symbolic. Practically, it physically separated Lot and the angels from the violent, lust-filled mob, providing immediate and complete security. Symbolically, the shutting of the door marked a definitive boundary, signaling the end of any negotiation, appeasement, or further interaction with the depraved men of Sodom. It was a final act of protection before the subsequent divine judgment would be unleashed, sealing off the righteous remnant from the unrighteous, who were left outside to face their fate.

#### Literary Devices
The narrative of [Genesis 19:10](/genesis/19-10 "Literary devices in Genesis 19:10") is rich with literary devices that amplify its dramatic impact and theological significance. **Divine Intervention** is the most prominent device, as the angels' swift and powerful actions directly resolve a humanly insurmountable crisis, highlighting God's active involvement in the unfolding drama. The verse employs **Contrast** between Lot's moral compromise and the angels' decisive righteousness, and between the vulnerability of Lot and the overwhelming power of the divine messengers. The "door" itself functions as potent **Symbolism**, representing a threshold of safety and separation. Its shutting signifies a definitive boundary, a point of no return, and the sealing off of divine protection from the encroaching evil. This act also serves as **Foreshadowing** of the impending judgment, as the closure of the door to the righteous anticipates the opening of the heavens for wrath upon the unrighteous outside. The narrative's rapid pacing in this verse further heightens the sense of urgency and immediate peril.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse powerfully encapsulates several profound theological truths. It vividly demonstrates God's direct and potent intervention through His angelic messengers to protect Lot and themselves from the violent, sexually depraved mob. This act of pulling Lot to safety underscores God's sovereign power actively working on behalf of the righteous, even when they are flawed and make morally questionable decisions. The aggressive, immoral demands of the men of Sodom, their readiness to violently breach Lot's hospitality, and their unyielding wickedness despite Lot's pleas, starkly highlight the city's profound moral corruption and its readiness for divine judgment. Despite Lot's morally compromised offer of his own daughters to the mob, the angels still act to save him, emphasizing God's mercy towards Lot, who is described elsewhere as a righteous man. This demonstrates that divine grace and protection can extend even to those who falter, underscoring God's faithfulness to His covenant and His discernment of a righteous heart amidst widespread depravity.

* [Psalm 91:11](/psalm/91-11 "Angelic protection for the righteous")
* [Hebrews 1:14](/hebrews/1-14 "Angels as ministering spirits")
* [2 Peter 2:7-8](/2_peter/2-7-8 "Lot's righteousness and deliverance")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
[Genesis 19:10](/genesis/19-10 "Lessons from angelic intervention") serves as a stark and powerful reminder that even in the face of overwhelming evil, profound moral decay, and personal danger, God provides protection for His people. It highlights the reality of spiritual warfare and the necessity of divine intervention when human efforts prove futile, misguided, or simply insufficient against the forces of darkness. While Lot's actions were deeply flawed and morally reprehensible, the narrative powerfully reinforces the principle that God often acts on behalf of those who seek to honor Him, even imperfectly. This verse also stands as a potent warning about the destructive consequences of unchecked sin and the ultimate judgment that awaits societies that defiantly reject divine standards. It underscores the importance of standing for righteousness, seeking God's intervention in a corrupt world, and trusting in His protective hand even when our own strength fails or our discernment is clouded.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways do we, like Lot, sometimes compromise our convictions or make misguided decisions when faced with overwhelming pressure or fear?**
* **How does this passage encourage us to trust in God's divine protection, even when circumstances seem dire and beyond our control?**
* **What does the depravity of Sodom, as depicted here, teach us about the consequences of unchecked sin in individuals and societies?**
* **How can we, as believers, stand for righteousness and seek God's intervention in a world that increasingly rejects divine standards, without resorting to Lot's flawed methods?**

### FAQ
**Who were "the men" who pulled Lot into the house?**

Answer: The "men" referred to in [Genesis 19:10](/genesis/19-10 "The identity of the men in Genesis 19:10") were the two angels who had arrived in Sodom in [Genesis 19:1](/genesis/19-1 "The arrival of the angels in Sodom"). They had appeared in human form to Lot and were acting as God's divine messengers and agents of protection, sent specifically to deliver Lot and his family before the destruction of the city.

**Why did the angels need to "pull" Lot? Couldn't he have walked in himself?**

Answer: The Hebrew verb *bôwʼ* (H935), translated as "pulled," implies a forceful, urgent, and decisive action, more akin to "drawing in" or "bringing in" with power. This suggests that Lot may have been hesitant, overwhelmed by the aggressive mob, or even physically constrained by the crowd at the door. The angels' forceful pulling indicates the immediacy of the danger and their decisive intervention to ensure Lot's rapid and secure removal from the aggressive, violent crowd, leaving no room for further negotiation or delay.

**What does this incident reveal about the depravity of Sodom?**

Answer: This incident profoundly reveals the extreme and pervasive depravity of Sodom. The mob's aggressive demand for sexual relations with Lot's guests, their willingness to violently break down Lot's door, and their complete disregard for the sacred laws of hospitality and moral boundaries—even when Lot offered his own daughters—demonstrate a pervasive and unyielding wickedness. Their actions illustrate a society so utterly consumed by sin that it had reached a point of no return, necessitating immediate and severe divine judgment, as the outcry against them had reached God's ears (see [Genesis 18:20-21](/genesis/18-20-21 "The outcry against Sodom and Gomorrah")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While [Genesis 19:10](/genesis/19-10 "Christ-centered fulfillment of Genesis 19:10") directly portrays the physical intervention of angels, it profoundly points to Christ as the ultimate source of divine protection, deliverance, and judgment. Just as the angels physically pulled Lot from imminent danger outside the door of judgment, Christ is the one who delivers His people from the greater danger of sin, spiritual death, and the wrath to come, pulling them into the safety of His eternal kingdom. The judgment foreshadowed by Sodom's destruction finds its ultimate reality in Christ's dual role as both the merciful Savior and the righteous Judge. He is the one who "shuts the door" of salvation to those who persistently reject Him ([Matthew 25:10-12](/matthew/25-10-12 "The parable of the ten virgins")), but also the one who, by His perfect sacrifice on the cross, provides the ultimate refuge and security for all who believe, protecting them from the spiritual consequences of sin and the coming judgment ([Romans 5:9-10](/romans/5-9-10 "Justification and reconciliation through Christ")). Through Christ, believers are not merely pulled into a house, but into the very presence of God, secured by His grace for all eternity ([John 10:28-29](/john/10-28-29 "Jesus' sheep are secure")).

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.