Genesis 19:15

KJV

¶ And when the morning arose, then the angels hastened Lot, saying, Arise, take thy wife, and thy two daughters, which are here; lest thou be consumed in the iniquity of the city.

KJV (with Strong's)

And when {H3644} the morning {H7837} arose {H5927}, then the angels {H4397} hastened {H213} Lot {H3876}, saying {H559}, Arise {H6965}, take {H3947} thy wife {H802}, and thy two {H8147} daughters {H1323}, which are here {H4672}; lest thou be consumed {H5595} in the iniquity {H5771} of the city {H5892}.

Complete Jewish Bible

When morning came, the angels told Lot to hurry. "Get up," they said, "and take your wife and your two daughters who are here; otherwise you will be swept away in the punishment of the city."

Berean Standard Bible

At daybreak the angels hurried Lot along, saying, “Get up! Take your wife and your two daughters who are here, or you will be swept away in the punishment of the city.”

American Standard Version

And when the morning arose, then the angels hastened Lot, saying, Arise, take thy wife, and thy two daughters that are here, lest thou be consumed in the iniquity of the city.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 19:15 vividly portrays the critical moment of divine intervention before the catastrophic judgment of Sodom. As dawn breaks, the angelic messengers urgently compel Lot to gather his wife and two daughters and flee the city without delay, emphasizing the immediate and decisive action required to escape the impending destruction and the pervasive wickedness that has brought about God's righteous wrath.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows the angels' terrifying encounter with the men of Sodom, who attempted to sexually assault them ([Genesis 19:4-11](/genesis/19-4-11 "The depravity of Sodom")). This event solidified the angels' assessment of the city's profound wickedness, confirming God's judgment. Lot's desperate attempt to protect his guests, even offering his own daughters, highlights his compromised position within Sodom, yet also his adherence to the ancient custom of hospitality. The verse sets the stage for the swift and irreversible destruction, marking the final opportunity for escape after the angels had already revealed their mission to Lot in [Genesis 19:12-13](/genesis/19-12-13 "Angels reveal Sodom's destruction").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Sodom and Gomorrah, located in the fertile plain of the Jordan (likely near the southern end of the Dead Sea), were renowned for their prosperity but also their extreme moral depravity. The specific "iniquity" (Hebrew: *ʻâvôn*) mentioned throughout the narrative encompasses not only sexual perversion (homosexuality, attempted gang rape in [Genesis 19:5](/genesis/19-5 "Sodomites demand Lot's guests")) but also pride, abundance of food, and neglect of the poor and needy, as later described in [Ezekiel 16:49-50](/zekiel/16-49-50 "The Sins of Sodom"). The cultural norm of hospitality, which Lot upheld, was a stark contrast to the city's violent and inhospitable nature, making the Sodomites' actions against the angels a particularly egregious violation. The impending destruction by "brimstone and fire from the Lord out of heaven" ([Genesis 19:24](/genesis/19-24 "God destroys Sodom and Gomorrah")) was an unprecedented act of divine judgment, signaling a new level of severity in God's dealings with human sin.
* **Key Themes:** Genesis 19:15 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Genesis and biblical theology. It powerfully illustrates **Divine Judgment** against pervasive wickedness, a theme introduced earlier with the Flood narrative ([Genesis 6-9](/genesis/6-9 "The Flood and Noah's Ark")). Simultaneously, it highlights **God's Mercy and Deliverance** for the righteous, even those compromised by their surroundings, often extended through the intercession of a faithful servant like Abraham ([Genesis 18:23-33](/genesis/18-23-33 "Abraham's Intercession for Sodom")). The verse also underscores the theme of **Separation from Sin**, emphasizing the necessity of physically and spiritually distancing oneself from corrupting influences to avoid shared destruction. Finally, it reinforces the **Urgency of Obedience** to divine commands, as delay in heeding God's warnings can have catastrophic consequences, a lesson tragically exemplified by [Lot's wife](/genesis/19-26 "Lot's wife becomes a pillar of salt").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **hastened (Hebrew, _ʼûwts'_):** From H213, a primitive root meaning "to press; (by implication) to be close, hurry, withdraw." In this context, it conveys the angels' forceful and urgent prompting of Lot. It implies a strong, immediate call to action, indicating that God's warnings are not to be taken lightly or delayed, especially when judgment is at hand. The angels were not merely advising but actively compelling Lot due to the extreme peril.
* **consumed (Hebrew, _çâphâh'_):** From H5595, a primitive root meaning "to scrape (literally, to shave; but usually figuratively) together (i.e. to accumulate or increase) or away (i.e. to scatter, remove, or ruin; intransitively, to perish)." Here, it signifies complete and utter destruction, to be swept away or to perish entirely. This word emphasizes the totality of the impending judgment, leaving no room for survival for those who remain.
* **iniquity (Hebrew, _ʻâvôn'_):** From H5771, meaning "perversity, i.e. (moral) evil; fault, iniquity, mischief, punishment (of iniquity), sin." This term points to the profound moral corruption and guilt of the city of Sodom, which had reached a point where divine judgment was the inevitable consequence. It encompasses both the act of sin and its deserved punishment, highlighting the just nature of God's impending wrath.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And when the morning arose,"**: This phrase establishes the critical timing. The dawn, typically a symbol of new beginnings or hope, here marks the precise moment for the execution of divine judgment. It signifies the end of the night's reprieve and the beginning of the inevitable, underscoring the swiftness and certainty of God's action.
* **"then the angels hastened Lot, saying,"**: This highlights the divine initiative and the urgency of the situation. The "angels" (Hebrew: *mălʼâk*), as God's messengers and agents of His will, actively "hastened" (Hebrew: *ʼûwts*) Lot, implying a forceful and immediate command rather than a gentle suggestion. Their direct address underscores the gravity of the warning and the necessity of immediate obedience.
* **"Arise, take thy wife, and thy two daughters, which are here;"**: This is a direct, imperative command, specifying exactly who must be gathered and the immediate action required. "Arise" (Hebrew: *qûwm*) implies getting up and preparing for departure, while "take" (Hebrew: *lâqach*) denotes gathering and securing. The inclusion of "thy wife, and thy two daughters, which are here" emphasizes the specific individuals designated for deliverance, highlighting God's precise and merciful provision for Lot's immediate family.
* **"lest thou be consumed in the iniquity of the city."**: This clause articulates the dire consequence of remaining. The warning is explicit: failure to obey will result in being "consumed" (Hebrew: *çâphâh*) or utterly destroyed, not merely by the physical catastrophe but *in* the "iniquity" (Hebrew: *ʻâvôn*) of the city. This implies that those who remain will share in the fate brought about by the city's pervasive moral corruption and guilt, underscoring the principle that association with sin can lead to shared judgment.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several powerful literary devices to convey its urgent message. The immediate setting of "when the morning arose" uses **Pacing** to build tension, signaling the imminent and unavoidable nature of the judgment. The angels' action to "hasten" Lot, coupled with the direct, **Imperative Mood** of their commands ("Arise, take"), creates a sense of extreme urgency and divine authority, leaving no room for hesitation. The phrase "lest thou be consumed in the iniquity of the city" serves as a stark **Warning**, explicitly stating the dire consequences of disobedience and emphasizing the totality of the impending destruction. Furthermore, the "city" itself functions as **Symbolism**, representing not just a physical location but a bastion of profound moral corruption and spiritual decay, whose "iniquity" has reached a tipping point, necessitating divine intervention. This passage also contains **Foreshadowing**, hinting at the cataclysmic events that will unfold shortly after Lot's departure, and tragically, the fate of [Lot's wife](/genesis/19-26 "Lot's wife becomes a pillar of salt") who failed to fully heed the warning.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Genesis 19:15 serves as a profound theological statement on the nature of divine judgment and mercy. It underscores God's absolute righteousness in condemning sin while simultaneously revealing His compassionate provision for those He chooses to deliver. The urgency of the angels' command highlights the critical importance of immediate obedience to God's warnings, particularly when facing the consequences of unrepentant sin. This passage also reinforces the biblical principle of separation from wickedness, demonstrating that lingering in environments saturated with moral corruption can lead to shared destruction. Lot's deliverance, though not without his own compromises, is a testament to God's faithfulness, largely extended due to Abraham's intercession, illustrating the power of prayer and covenantal grace.

* [2 Peter 3:9](/2_peter/3-9 "The Lord is patient, not wanting anyone to perish")
* [2 Corinthians 6:17](/2_corinthians/6-17 "Come out from among them and be separate")
* [Revelation 18:4](/revelation/18-4 "Come out of her, my people")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 19:15 offers timeless lessons for contemporary believers, urging a profound self-examination of our own spiritual posture. The angels' "hastening" of Lot serves as a powerful metaphor for the Holy Spirit's promptings in our lives, calling us to decisive action concerning sin and spiritual compromise. Are we, like Lot, lingering in situations or relationships that threaten our spiritual well-being, perhaps too comfortable in the "iniquity" of the surrounding culture? This verse compels us to consider the urgency of repentance and separation from anything that could lead to spiritual "consumption." It reminds us that God's warnings are not mere suggestions but life-saving commands, requiring swift and unwavering obedience. Our response to divine revelation, whether through Scripture, conscience, or providential circumstances, should be marked by immediate action, lest we fall prey to the consequences of spiritual procrastination, as tragically exemplified by [Lot's wife who looked back](/genesis/19-26 "Lot's wife became a pillar of salt"). We are called to live distinct lives, reflecting God's holiness, and to flee from every appearance of evil, trusting in His provision for deliverance.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "cities" or environments in my life might I be lingering in that are spiritually compromising or dangerous?**
* **How quickly and decisively do I respond to God's warnings or prompts for change in my life?**
* **In what ways might I be compromising my faith by associating too closely with the "iniquity" of the world around me?**
* **What steps can I take today to "arise" and "take" what is necessary to separate myself from harmful influences and live more fully for Christ?**

### FAQ
**Why did the angels "hasten" Lot, rather than simply commanding him?**

Answer: The Hebrew word *ʼûwts* (H213) translated "hastened" carries a strong sense of pressing, urging, or compelling, rather than merely giving a command. It implies that Lot was perhaps hesitant, slow, or reluctant to respond to the initial instructions to leave. This divine "hastening" highlights the extreme urgency and critical nature of the moment; God's judgment was about to fall swiftly and completely upon Sodom, and there was no time for delay or indecision. The angels' forceful intervention underscores that God's warnings are not to be taken lightly, and that procrastination in the face of imminent spiritual or physical danger can lead to catastrophic consequences. This urgency is a recurring theme in divine calls to repentance and deliverance, such as [John the Baptist's call to flee](/matthew/3-7 "John the Baptist warns the Pharisees to flee from the wrath to come").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Genesis 19:15 describes a temporal deliverance from physical destruction, it powerfully foreshadows the ultimate and eternal deliverance offered through Jesus Christ. Just as Lot was called to flee a city doomed by its pervasive "iniquity," Christ calls all humanity to flee from the spiritual judgment and eternal destruction that sin inevitably brings ([John 3:18](/john/3-18 "Whoever believes in him is not condemned")). He is the ultimate "refuge" ([Hebrews 6:18](/hebrews/6-18 "We have strong encouragement to hold fast to the hope set before us")) and the only "way" ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life")) of escape from the wrath to come, which is the just consequence of human rebellion against a holy God ([Romans 6:23](/romans/6-23 "The wages of sin is death")). Through His atoning sacrifice on the cross, Jesus became the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), offering salvation and a new, righteous life to all who heed His urgent call to repentance and faith ([Mark 1:15](/mark/1-15 "Repent and believe the good news")). He delivers us not merely from a city's destruction, but from the very power and penalty of sin itself, enabling us to live in freedom and hope, no longer "consumed in the iniquity" of a fallen world but transformed by His grace ([Romans 8:1-2](/romans/8-1-2 "There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are 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

Numbers 16:24

Speak unto the congregation, saying, Get you up from about the tabernacle of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram.

Numbers 16:27

So they gat up from the tabernacle of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram, on every side: and Dathan and Abiram came out, and stood in the door of their tents, and their wives, and their sons, and their little children.

Revelation 18:4

And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues.

2 Corinthians 6:2

(For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now [is] the accepted time; behold, now [is] the day of salvation.)

Genesis 19:22

Haste thee, escape thither; for I cannot do any thing till thou be come thither. Therefore the name of the city was called Zoar.

Proverbs 6:4

Give not sleep to thine eyes, nor slumber to thine eyelids.

Proverbs 6:5

Deliver thyself as a roe from the hand [of the hunter], and as a bird from the hand of the fowler.