Genesis 19:16

KJV

And while he lingered, the men laid hold upon his hand, and upon the hand of his wife, and upon the hand of his two daughters; the LORD being merciful unto him: and they brought him forth, and set him without the city.

KJV (with Strong's)

And while he lingered {H4102}, the men {H582} laid hold {H2388} upon his hand {H3027}, and upon the hand {H3027} of his wife {H802}, and upon the hand {H3027} of his two {H8147} daughters {H1323}; the LORD {H3068} being merciful {H2551} unto him: and they brought him forth {H3318}, and set him {H3240} without {H2351} the city {H5892}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But he dallied, so the men took hold of his hand, his wife's hand and the hands of his two daughters -ADONAI was being merciful to him - and led them, leaving them outside the city.

Berean Standard Bible

But when Lot hesitated, the men grabbed his hand and the hands of his wife and his two daughters. And they led them safely out of the city, because of the LORD’s compassion for them.

American Standard Version

But he lingered; and the men laid hold upon his hand, and upon the hand of his wife, and upon the hand of his two daughters, Jehovah being merciful unto him: and they brought him forth, and set him without the city.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 19:16 powerfully illustrates the unwavering, proactive mercy of God in the face of human hesitation and impending judgment. As the divine wrath is poised to consume Sodom, two angels, acting on the Lord's compassionate directive, physically intervene to extract Lot and his family from the doomed city. Despite Lot's reluctance and attachment to his worldly life, this verse underscores that divine grace often overrides human weakness, compellingly leading the chosen to safety and demonstrating God's sovereign initiative in salvation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Genesis 19:16 is a pivotal moment within the dramatic narrative of Sodom and Gomorrah's destruction. It immediately follows the angels' urgent command to Lot to flee the city and their explicit warning not to look back, as judgment was imminent ([Genesis 19:15](/genesis/19-15 "Genesis 19:15 - Angels Urge Lot to Flee")). Lot's "lingering" (v. 16a) serves as a stark contrast to the angels' urgency, highlighting a crucial point of tension before the cataclysmic events that unfold in the subsequent verses, where fire and brimstone rain down from heaven ([Genesis 19:24-25](/genesis/19-24-25 "Genesis 19:24-25 - Destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah")). This verse marks the transition from divine warning and human indecision to forceful divine intervention, setting the stage for the ultimate display of God's justice and mercy.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah is presented as a divine judgment against cities steeped in profound moral corruption, particularly sexual perversion and a lack of hospitality, which was a grave sin in ancient Near Eastern culture ([Ezekiel 16:49-50](/ezekiel/16-49-50 "Ezekiel 16:49-50 - Sodom's Sins: Pride, Abundance, and Cruelty")). Lot's decision to settle near Sodom, and eventually within it, reflects a common ancient practice of seeking fertile land and established communities, even if morally compromised. The urgency of the angels' command to flee and not look back resonates with the concept of a "holy war" or divine judgment, where complete separation from the condemned was essential for survival. The physical "laying hold" of hands was a common gesture of guidance, rescue, or even ownership in ancient cultures, here signifying a forceful, benevolent intervention.

* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Genesis and the broader biblical narrative. It powerfully illustrates the theme of **Divine Judgment and Salvation**, showcasing God's righteous wrath against sin alongside His particular mercy towards a chosen few, often in response to intercession, as seen in [Abraham's earnest plea for Sodom](/genesis/18-23-33 "Genesis 18:23-33 - Abraham's Intercession for Sodom"). The narrative also highlights the **Struggle of Worldly Attachment vs. Obedience**, with Lot's hesitation serving as a cautionary example of how material comforts and familiar surroundings can impede spiritual readiness and prompt obedience to divine commands. Furthermore, it underscores **God's Sovereign Initiative in Deliverance**, emphasizing that salvation is ultimately a work of divine grace and power, not contingent on human merit or perfect compliance, but on God's active intervention to bring about His purposes.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **lingered (Hebrew, _mâhahh'_):** From H4102, this word means "to question or hesitate," and by implication, "to be reluctant; delay, linger, stay selves, tarry." In the context of Genesis 19:16, Lot's lingering is not merely a slow pace but an internal struggle, an indecision born of his reluctance to abandon his established life, possessions, and social ties within Sodom. It highlights a profound spiritual inertia, a human tendency to cling to comfort zones even when faced with imminent divine judgment and clear warnings.
* **laid hold (Hebrew, _châzaq'_):** From H2388, this primitive root means "to fasten upon; hence, to seize, be strong (figuratively, courageous, causatively strengthen, cure, help, repair, fortify), obstinate; to bind, restrain, conquer." The angels' action of "laying hold" on Lot and his family's hands signifies a forceful, decisive, and active intervention. It communicates a divine "grasp" that overcomes human weakness and hesitation, demonstrating that their deliverance was not a casual invitation but a compelled rescue, initiated and executed by divine power.
* **merciful (Hebrew, _chemlâh'_):** From H2551, this noun denotes "commiseration; merciful, pity." This phrase, "the LORD being merciful unto him," is the theological anchor of the verse. It explicitly attributes Lot's rescue not to his righteousness or prompt obedience, but solely to God's unmerited favor and compassion. It underscores that divine deliverance, especially in the face of judgment, is fundamentally an act of God's character, a demonstration of His pity that extends even to the hesitant and undeserving.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And while he lingered,"**: This opening clause immediately establishes the tension of the moment. Lot's hesitation, despite the urgent warnings and the obvious depravity of Sodom, reveals his deep-seated attachment to his worldly life and possessions. It sets the stage for the necessity of divine intervention, as Lot's will was insufficient to prompt immediate obedience to the life-saving command.
* **"the men laid hold upon his hand, and upon the hand of his wife, and upon the hand of his two daughters;"**: This describes the physical, forceful action of the two angels (referred to as "the men"). Their act of grasping the hands of each family member signifies a direct, personal, and compelling rescue. It underscores that Lot's deliverance was not contingent upon his readiness or merit, but upon the proactive and powerful initiative of God's messengers, who literally pulled them out of danger.
* **"the LORD being merciful unto him:"**: This parenthetical clause provides the theological explanation for the angels' actions. It is the divine motivation behind the rescue. Lot's salvation was not earned by his righteousness or swift obedience, but was a direct outpouring of God's unmerited favor and compassion. This highlights God's character as fundamentally merciful, even in the midst of impending judgment, and His willingness to extend grace to those who are hesitant and undeserving.
* **"and they brought him forth, and set him without the city."**: This final clause describes the culmination of the divine intervention. The angels physically removed Lot and his family from the boundaries of Sodom, signifying a complete and decisive separation from the place of judgment. This act of "bringing forth" and "setting without" emphasizes the thoroughness of God's deliverance, ensuring that those He intends to save are fully removed from the locus of destruction and set apart into a place of safety.

#### Literary Devices
Genesis 19:16 employs several potent literary devices. The **Contrast** between Lot's "lingering" and the angels' decisive action immediately highlights the tension between human weakness and divine initiative. The angels' act of "laying hold upon his hand" is a powerful piece of **Symbolism**, representing God's active and sometimes forceful intervention to save. The hand here symbolizes divine power, guidance, and rescue, overriding human indecision. The phrase "the LORD being merciful unto him" functions as a **Theological Commentary** within the narrative, explicitly stating the divine motivation behind the rescue and emphasizing the theme of unmerited **Grace**. Finally, the entire scene can be seen as a **Type** or foreshadowing of God's broader redemptive work, where He actively delivers His people from judgment, often despite their own failings.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Genesis 19:16 is a profound theological statement on God's character and His method of salvation. It reveals that divine mercy is not passive but actively intervenes, sometimes forcefully, to rescue those appointed for deliverance, even when they are reluctant or undeserving. This passage underscores that salvation is fundamentally an act of God's sovereign grace, preceding and enabling human response. Lot's hesitation highlights the pervasive human struggle with worldly attachments and the difficulty of abandoning comfort zones, even when faced with dire spiritual consequences. Yet, God's compassion prevails, demonstrating His commitment to His covenant purposes and His willingness to overcome human weakness to bring about salvation.

* [Deuteronomy 7:7-8](/deuteronomy/7-7-8 "Deuteronomy 7:7-8 - God's Love and Chosen People")
* [2 Peter 2:7-8](/2_peter/2-7-8 "2 Peter 2:7-8 - Lot, a Righteous Man in Sodom")
* [Romans 9:15-16](/romans/9-15-16 "Romans 9:15-16 - God's Sovereign Mercy")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 19:16 serves as a profound mirror, reflecting both our human tendency to cling to the familiar and God's relentless, proactive grace. It challenges us to honestly assess what "Sodom" we might be lingering in—be it sinful habits, unhealthy relationships, worldly ambitions, or even comfortable spiritual apathy—despite clear warnings from God's Word or the Holy Spirit. Are we, like Lot, so attached to our present circumstances that we hesitate to obey God's call to separation, repentance, or a new direction? This verse assures us that God's mercy is so vast and His commitment to our salvation so strong that He may, through various means, "lay hold" on us—whether through a powerful conviction, a challenging life circumstance, or the direct intervention of His people—to pull us out of danger and set us on the path of safety. It is a comfort to know that His grace can overcome our weaknesses, but also a sober call to cultivate prompt and willing obedience, lest we, like Lot's wife, look back and forfeit the full blessing of deliverance.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "Sodom" (worldly attachment, sinful habit, unhealthy relationship) might I be lingering in, despite God's clear call to separate from it?**
* **How has God's mercy "laid hold" on me in the past, drawing me out of a dangerous situation or leading me to repentance when I was hesitant?**
* **What specific steps can I take today to respond with greater urgency and obedience to God's warnings and calls for separation in my life?**
* **How does understanding God's proactive mercy in Genesis 19:16 deepen my appreciation for His grace in my own salvation journey?**

### FAQ
**Why did Lot hesitate to leave Sodom despite the clear danger?**

Answer: Lot's hesitation, described by the Hebrew word _mâhahh'_ (H4102), likely stemmed from deep-seated worldly attachments and the comfort of familiarity. He had established his life, accumulated possessions, and likely built a social standing within Sodom. Despite the city's profound wickedness, which "vexed his righteous soul" as [2 Peter 2:7-8](/2_peter/2-7-8 "2 Peter 2:7-8 - Lot's Righteous Soul Vexed by Sodom") describes, the prospect of abandoning all he knew for an uncertain future created a powerful inertia. This highlights the universal human struggle between spiritual conviction and the powerful pull of material security or social comfort, even when faced with imminent divine judgment.

**Does "the LORD being merciful unto him" imply that God forces people to be saved?**

Answer: This phrase emphasizes that Lot's rescue was an act of divine grace and compassion (_chemlâh'_ H2551), not a reward for his promptness or merit. While God's mercy is sovereign and actively intervenes, even to the point of physically "laying hold" on Lot, it does not imply a forceful, unwilling salvation in a general sense for all humanity. Instead, it demonstrates God's commitment to His covenant purposes and His willingness to overcome human weakness and hesitation to bring about deliverance for those He chooses to save, often in response to intercession (like [Abraham's prayer for Sodom](/genesis/18-23-33 "Abraham's Intercession")). It highlights God's initiative in bringing about salvation, even when human will is faltering, ensuring that His redemptive plan is accomplished.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Genesis 19:16, with its vivid portrayal of divine mercy compelling salvation despite human hesitation, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Just as the angels physically "laid hold" on Lot and his family to deliver them from the literal fires of Sodom, so Christ, through His atoning sacrifice on the cross, "lays hold" on humanity, rescuing us from the spiritual judgment of sin and death. His grace is not contingent on our perfect readiness, unwavering faith, or moral merit, but on His proactive love and sovereign will. He is the ultimate Deliverer who, "while we were still sinners, Christ died for us" ([Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - God's Love Demonstrated in Christ's Death")). The unmerited mercy shown to Lot prefigures the boundless compassion of God in Christ, who offers a complete separation from the "city" of sin and its impending doom, and a new life of deliverance and righteousness. Through Him, we are not merely brought "without the city" but brought into a new covenant relationship, redeemed by His blood and empowered by His Spirit to "flee from the wrath to come" ([Matthew 3:7](/matthew/3-7 "Matthew 3:7 - John the Baptist Warns of Wrath to Come")) and find eternal refuge in the "city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem" ([Hebrews 12:22](/hebrews/12-22 "Hebrews 12:22 - The Heavenly Jerusalem")).

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

Romans 9:15

For he saith to Moses, I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion.

Romans 9:16

So then [it is] not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that sheweth mercy.

Psalms 106:1

¶ Praise ye the LORD. O give thanks unto the LORD; for [he is] good: for his mercy [endureth] for ever.

Luke 6:35

But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and [to] the evil.

Luke 6:36

Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful.

Psalms 106:8

Nevertheless he saved them for his name's sake, that he might make his mighty power to be known.

Psalms 103:8

The LORD [is] merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy.