Genesis 19:11

KJV

And they smote the men that [were] at the door of the house with blindness, both small and great: so that they wearied themselves to find the door.

KJV (with Strong's)

And they smote {H5221} the men {H582} that were at the door {H6607} of the house {H1004} with blindness {H5575}, both small {H6996} and great {H1419}: so that they wearied {H3811} themselves to find {H4672} the door {H6607}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Then they struck the men at the door of the house with blindness, both small and great, so that they couldn't find the doorway.

Berean Standard Bible

And they struck the men at the entrance, young and old, with blindness, so that they wearied themselves trying to find the door.

American Standard Version

And they smote the men that were at the door of the house with blindness, both small and great, so that they wearied themselves to find the door.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 19:11 vividly portrays a critical moment of divine intervention in Sodom, where two angels, God's messengers, supernaturally incapacitate a violent, sexually perverse mob. As the men of the city, from the youngest to the oldest, aggressively surrounded Lot's house demanding his angelic guests for illicit purposes, the angels struck them with a disorienting blindness. This miraculous act rendered the mob helpless, causing them to exhaust themselves in a futile attempt to locate the very door they stood before, thereby thwarting their wicked intentions and underscoring God's immediate protection of His servants before the city's ultimate judgment.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Genesis 19:11 follows the dramatic arrival of two angels in Sodom, sent by God to investigate the city's pervasive wickedness. Lot, Abraham's nephew, extends hospitality to them, inviting them into his home. The immediate preceding verses (Genesis 19:4-10) describe the escalating tension as the men of Sodom, "both young and old, all the people to the last man," surround Lot's house, demanding that he bring out his guests "that we may know them." This demand, understood in its biblical context, is a demand for homosexual rape, highlighting the extreme moral depravity of the city. Lot's desperate attempt to protect his guests by offering his own daughters is rejected with scorn, and the mob presses in, threatening Lot himself. It is at this critical juncture, as the mob attempts to break down the door, that the angels intervene, pulling Lot back inside and then striking the men with blindness, setting the stage for the city's imminent destruction detailed in [Genesis 19:24-25](/genesis/19-24-25 "The Destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The narrative of Sodom and Gomorrah is set in the ancient Near East, a region where hospitality was a sacred duty, and its violation was a grave offense. The demand of the men of Sodom to "know" Lot's guests was not merely an act of inhospitality but a violent assertion of dominance and sexual perversion, deeply offensive to both human and divine law. Such acts were considered an abomination, reflecting a profound societal breakdown and moral degradation. The cities of the plain, including Sodom and Gomorrah, were known for their prosperity but also for their profound wickedness, which had reached a point where divine judgment was deemed necessary. The account serves as a stark warning against unchecked sin and societal corruption, illustrating that God's patience has limits and that He will ultimately judge unrepentant evil. The "small and great" detail emphasizes the pervasive nature of this depravity, indicating that the entire male population participated in or condoned this heinous act.
* **Key Themes:** Genesis 19:11 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within Genesis and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it powerfully demonstrates the theme of **Divine Justice and Judgment**, showing God's active intervention against profound human wickedness. The blindness is a precursor to the total destruction of Sodom, illustrating that God's righteous character necessitates a response to sin. Secondly, it highlights **God's Protection of the Righteous**, as the angels act swiftly to safeguard Lot and themselves from the mob, underscoring God's commitment to preserving those who align with His will, even imperfectly. This theme resonates with God's covenant promises to Abraham and his descendants, ensuring their preservation. Thirdly, the incident vividly portrays the theme of **Spiritual Blindness**, where the physical blindness inflicted upon the men of Sodom mirrors their profound moral and spiritual inability to discern right from wrong or recognize divine authority, even when confronted with supernatural power. Their persistent efforts to find the door despite their affliction underscore their unyielding commitment to evil, a spiritual hardening that ultimately leads to their demise, as seen in [Genesis 19:24](/genesis/19-24 "God's Judgment on Sodom and Gomorrah").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **smote (Hebrew, _nâkâh'_):** From H5221, a primitive root meaning "to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)." In this context, it signifies a decisive and forceful act of striking, indicating a direct, intentional, and powerful blow. Here, it refers to the supernatural infliction of blindness by the angels, demonstrating their divine authority and power to incapacitate the mob.
* **blindness (Hebrew, _çanvêr'_):** From H5575, a term of uncertain derivation, appearing in the plural. It denotes a specific type of supernatural, disorienting, and bewildering blindness, rather than mere physical sightlessness. This is not a simple loss of vision but a profound confusion that prevents the afflicted from discerning direction or location, causing them to be utterly disoriented and unable to achieve their malicious goals. Its rare usage in the Old Testament, notably in [2 Kings 6:18](/2_kings/6-18 "Elisha prays for blindness for the Syrian army"), emphasizes its unique, divinely imposed nature.
* **wearied (Hebrew, _lâʼâh'_):** From H3811, a primitive root meaning "to tire; (figuratively) to be (or make) disgusted." In this verse, it describes the physical and mental exhaustion of the Sodomite men as they fruitlessly struggled to find the door. This word highlights the futility of their persistent evil efforts against divine intervention, emphasizing their inability to overcome the supernatural affliction despite their determination.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And they smote the men that [were] at the door of the house with blindness":** This clause describes the direct, supernatural intervention by the two angels. The "they" refers to the angelic messengers who had taken refuge in Lot's house. Faced with the aggressive mob attempting to force entry and commit a heinous act, the angels used divine power to strike the men. The "blindness" inflicted was not ordinary sightlessness but a disorienting, bewildering affliction, specifically designed to incapacitate and confuse them, preventing them from achieving their wicked purpose.
* **"both small and great":** This phrase emphasizes the pervasive nature of the depravity in Sodom. It indicates that the mob was composed of all segments of the male population, from the youngest to the oldest, signifying that the city's wickedness was widespread and deeply ingrained, affecting the entire community. This detail underscores the comprehensive nature of the city's moral corruption, justifying the impending, sweeping judgment.
* **"so that they wearied themselves to find the door":** This final clause highlights the immediate and profound effect of the angelic intervention. Despite being directly in front of Lot's house and having a clear objective, the supernatural blindness caused such disorientation that the men became utterly confused. They expended significant effort, becoming exhausted, in a futile attempt to locate the very door they were trying to break down. This detail not only demonstrates the effectiveness of the divine strike but also subtly reveals the persistent, unyielding nature of their evil intent, as they continued to seek their wicked aim even under divine affliction.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several powerful literary devices. **Divine Intervention** is central, as the angels directly intervene with supernatural power to protect Lot and themselves, showcasing God's active involvement in human affairs and His immediate response to extreme wickedness. The **Symbolism** of blindness is profound; the physical disorientation inflicted upon the men of Sodom serves as a powerful metaphor for their deep-seated spiritual blindness. Despite being physically incapacitated, their relentless pursuit of the door underscores their moral inability to perceive truth or recognize the divine hand, illustrating how sin can utterly blind individuals to righteousness. Furthermore, the scene acts as **Foreshadowing**, where this initial, targeted judgment of blindness prefigures the complete and catastrophic destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah that follows, serving as a clear warning of God's impending wrath against unrepentant sin. The phrase "both small and great" is a form of **Merism**, using two contrasting terms to represent the totality of the group, emphasizing that the entire male population of Sodom was complicit in the city's depravity.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Genesis 19:11 is a powerful testament to God's active sovereignty and His commitment to justice. It demonstrates that God is not a passive observer of human depravity but actively intervenes to protect His righteous servants and to bring judgment upon unrepentant sin. The supernatural blindness inflicted upon the men of Sodom serves as a clear, undeniable sign of divine power and a preliminary act of judgment, illustrating that even in the face of overwhelming evil, God has the means to disable and disorient those who oppose His will. This incident underscores the severe consequences of deep-seated moral corruption and the limits of divine patience, foreshadowing the ultimate destruction that awaits those who persistently reject God's standards.

* [2 Kings 6:18](/2_kings/6-18 "Elisha prays for blindness for the Syrian army")
* [Psalm 121:7-8](/psalms/121-7-8 "The Lord will keep you from all evil")
* [Proverbs 13:21](/proverbs/13-21 "Disaster pursues sinners")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 19:11 offers profound lessons for believers today, serving as both a comfort and a warning. It reassures us of God's unwavering protection over His people and His divine purposes, even when they face overwhelming hostility and moral darkness. Just as the angels intervened to protect Lot, God continues to safeguard His own, though His methods may vary. This passage also stands as a stark warning about the insidious nature and severe consequences of persistent, unrepentant sin. The men of Sodom, despite being supernaturally afflicted, remained stubbornly committed to their evil desires, illustrating the profound spiritual hardening that can occur when sin takes root. This spiritual blindness prevents individuals from recognizing God's hand, His truth, or the impending judgment. We are therefore called to cultivate spiritual discernment, to remain vigilant against the seductive power of sin, and to respond to God's warnings with repentance and obedience. The account reminds us that while God is patient, His justice is certain, and His judgment will ultimately fall upon those who refuse to turn from their wickedness. It compels us to reflect on areas in our own lives or society where spiritual blindness might be leading to destructive paths, urging us to seek God's light and truth.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the angels' immediate intervention in Genesis 19:11 encourage you regarding God's protection in your own life?**
* **In what ways might the "blindness" of the men of Sodom symbolize spiritual blindness in our contemporary society or even in our own hearts?**
* **What lessons can we draw from the Sodomites' persistence in their evil intent, even when confronted by supernatural power, regarding the dangers of unrepentant sin?**

### FAQ

**Was the blindness inflicted upon the men of Sodom permanent?**

Answer: The biblical text does not explicitly state whether the blindness was permanent. However, the immediate context suggests it was a temporary, supernatural affliction designed for a specific purpose: to incapacitate the mob, protect the angels and Lot, and allow for their escape before the city's ultimate destruction. Its function was to disorient and deter, not necessarily to inflict lasting physical harm. The narrative concludes with the angels leading Lot and his family out of the city, implying that the immediate threat from the mob was neutralized, and their continued presence was no longer a factor. This type of supernatural, temporary blindness is also seen in [2 Kings 6:18-20](/2_kings/6-18-20 "Elisha prays for blindness and then sight for the Syrian army"), where Elisha prays for the Syrian army to be struck with blindness and later for their sight to be restored, suggesting such afflictions could be reversible.

**Why did God inflict blindness instead of immediately destroying the city?**

Answer: The act of inflicting blindness served multiple strategic and theological purposes beyond immediate destruction. Firstly, it was a precise and targeted act of **divine protection** for His messengers and Lot, allowing them to escape the immediate danger posed by the violent mob. Secondly, it functioned as a clear, undeniable **sign of divine intervention and preliminary judgment**, giving the inhabitants a final, albeit unheeded, warning of God's power and righteous indignation. This act showcased God's measured, yet firm, response to extreme wickedness before the full, cataclysmic judgment of the city described later in [Genesis 19:24](/genesis/19-24 "Destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah"). It demonstrated God's ability to disable and disorient His adversaries, highlighting His sovereignty even over the most entrenched human evil.

**What is the significance of the men "wearying themselves to find the door" despite being blind?**

Answer: This detail is profoundly significant. Despite being supernaturally struck with a disorienting blindness, the men of Sodom did not cease their evil intent or repent. Instead, they persisted in their attempts to find the door, demonstrating an extreme level of depravity and spiritual hardening. It illustrates that their wickedness was not merely circumstantial but deeply ingrained and unyielding, so much so that even a direct, undeniable act of divine power could not deter them from their sinful desires. This highlights the profound spiritual blindness that accompanies unrepentant sin, where individuals remain fixed on their destructive path even when confronted by clear signs of divine opposition. Their physical blindness mirrored their spiritual inability to see God's truth or recognize the gravity of their sin, leading them to exhaust themselves in a futile pursuit of further wickedness.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Genesis 19:11, while a narrative of immediate divine intervention and judgment, points forward to Christ in several profound ways. The angels' supernatural protection of Lot from the violent mob foreshadows Christ's ultimate role as the supreme Protector and Shepherd of His people, rescuing them not merely from physical threats but from the dominion of sin and death itself. The judgment enacted upon Sodom's inhabitants, particularly their spiritual and physical blindness, prefigures Christ's coming as the ultimate Judge, who will expose and condemn all unrighteousness. Indeed, John's Gospel declares that "the light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil" ([John 3:19](/john/3-19 "People loved darkness instead of light")). Furthermore, Christ Himself came to open the eyes of the spiritually blind, declaring Himself to be the "door" through whom humanity must enter to find salvation ([John 10:9](/john/10-9 "Jesus is the Door")). The men of Sodom, unable to find the physical door in their blindness despite their relentless efforts, powerfully symbolize humanity's inherent inability to find the way to God apart from Christ, the true light who overcomes all spiritual darkness ([John 1:5](/john/1-5 "The Light shines in the darkness")). Through His atoning work on the cross, Christ provides the ultimate escape from the judgment that sin demands, offering sight to the blind and passage through the only door to eternal life, fulfilling the protective and redemptive aspects of God's character revealed in this early narrative.

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

2 Kings 6:18

And when they came down to him, Elisha prayed unto the LORD, and said, Smite this people, I pray thee, with blindness. And he smote them with blindness according to the word of Elisha.

Acts 13:11

And now, behold, the hand of the Lord [is] upon thee, and thou shalt be blind, not seeing the sun for a season. And immediately there fell on him a mist and a darkness; and he went about seeking some to lead him by the hand.

Deuteronomy 28:28

The LORD shall smite thee with madness, and blindness, and astonishment of heart:

Deuteronomy 28:29

And thou shalt grope at noonday, as the blind gropeth in darkness, and thou shalt not prosper in thy ways: and thou shalt be only oppressed and spoiled evermore, and no man shall save [thee].

Jeremiah 2:36

Why gaddest thou about so much to change thy way? thou also shalt be ashamed of Egypt, as thou wast ashamed of Assyria.

Isaiah 57:10

Thou art wearied in the greatness of thy way; [yet] saidst thou not, There is no hope: thou hast found the life of thine hand; therefore thou wast not grieved.

Ecclesiastes 10:15

The labour of the foolish wearieth every one of them, because he knoweth not how to go to the city.