Genesis 19:19

KJV

Behold now, thy servant hath found grace in thy sight, and thou hast magnified thy mercy, which thou hast shewed unto me in saving my life; and I cannot escape to the mountain, lest some evil take me, and I die:

KJV (with Strong's)

Behold now, thy servant {H5650} hath found {H4672} grace {H2580} in thy sight {H5869}, and thou hast magnified {H1431} thy mercy {H2617}, which thou hast shewed {H6213} unto me {H5978} in saving {H2421} my life {H5315}; and I cannot {H3201} escape {H4422} to the mountain {H2022}, lest some evil {H7451} take {H1692} me, and I die {H4191}:

Complete Jewish Bible

Here, your servant has already found favor in your sight, and you have shown me even greater mercy by saving my life. But I can't escape to the hills, because I'm afraid the disaster will overtake me, and I will die.

Berean Standard Bible

Your servant has indeed found favor in your sight, and you have shown me great kindness by sparing my life. But I cannot run to the mountains; the disaster will overtake me, and I will die.

American Standard Version

behold now, thy servant hath found favor in thy sight, and thou hast magnified thy lovingkindness, which thou hast showed unto me in saving my life; and I cannot escape to the mountain, lest evil overtake me, and I die:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 19:19 captures Lot's desperate plea to the angelic messengers, an acknowledgment of God's profound grace and magnified mercy in delivering him from the impending destruction of Sodom, immediately followed by an expression of fear and perceived inability to obey the divine command to flee to the mountain, suggesting an alternative escape route to a smaller, closer town.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a pivotal moment in the dramatic narrative of Sodom and Gomorrah's judgment. Immediately preceding it, the angels have physically intervened to [pull Lot, his wife, and two daughters out of the city](/genesis/19-16 "Genesis 19:16 - Angels Rescue Lot's Family"), urging them to flee for their lives. The explicit command given to Lot in [Genesis 19:17](/genesis/19-17 "Genesis 19:17 - The Command to Flee to the Mountain") was "Escape for thy life; look not behind thee, neither stay thou in all the plain; escape to the mountain, lest thou be consumed." Lot's response in [Genesis 19:19](/genesis/19-19 "Genesis 19:19 - Lot's Plea") is a direct reaction to this urgent divine directive, revealing his human frailty and a desire to negotiate the terms of his deliverance, despite having just witnessed the terrifying power of God's judgment and the miraculous intervention on his behalf.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, divine judgment on cities was understood as a catastrophic event, often involving natural disasters or military conquest. The destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah by fire and brimstone would have been perceived as a unique and terrifying act of divine wrath, demonstrating God's absolute sovereignty over creation and His moral order. Mountains often served as places of refuge and safety in times of war or disaster, offering natural fortifications and a vantage point. However, fleeing to an unknown mountain could also imply exposure to dangers like wild animals, harsh elements, or bandits. Lot's preference for a known, smaller town (Zoar, mentioned in [Genesis 19:20](/genesis/19-20 "Genesis 19:20 - Lot's Request for Zoar")) reflects a common human inclination towards perceived safety and familiarity over the unknown, even when the latter is divinely appointed.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Genesis and biblical theology. It highlights God's **righteous judgment** against sin, as seen in the impending destruction of Sodom, but also His profound **covenant faithfulness** and **abundant mercy** in delivering the righteous (or at least, those associated with Abraham's covenant, as Lot was). The narrative underscores the theme of **human weakness and limited faith**, as Lot, despite experiencing miraculous salvation, struggles to fully trust God's specific instructions for his deliverance. It also subtly introduces the theme of **divine accommodation**, where God, in His patience, sometimes adjusts His immediate commands to human frailty without compromising His ultimate redemptive purpose, as seen in the angel's subsequent allowance for Lot to flee to Zoar in [Genesis 19:20-21](/genesis/19-20-21 "Genesis 19:20-21 - The Angel Grants Lot's Request").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **magnified (Hebrew, _gâdal'_):** From H1431, this primitive root means "to twist," and by extension, "to be (causatively make) large (in various senses, as in body, mind, estate or honor, also in pride)." Lot's use of "magnified" (H1431, _higdaltā_) here emphasizes the immense, overwhelming, and truly great nature of the mercy God has shown him, far exceeding any expectation or deserving. It speaks to the vastness of God's compassion.
* **mercy (Hebrew, _chêçêd'_):** From H2617, this word signifies "kindness," and by implication, "piety" towards God. More profoundly, it denotes "steadfast love," "covenant loyalty," or "unfailing love." Lot's recognition of God's _chesed_ highlights that his deliverance is not merely a random act of kindness but an expression of God's consistent, faithful, and compassionate character, particularly in the context of His relationship with Abraham and, by extension, Lot.
* **escape (Hebrew, _mâlaṭ'_):** From H4422, this primitive root means "to be smooth," and by implication, "to escape (as if by slipperiness)." Causatively, it means "to release or rescue." Lot's claim "I cannot escape" (H3201, _yâkôl_ + H4422, _mâlaṭ_) reveals his perceived inability to achieve the divinely commanded flight to the mountain. It underscores his sense of vulnerability and the daunting nature of the task in his eyes, despite the miraculous intervention that has already occurred.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Behold now, thy servant hath found grace in thy sight":** Lot begins with a deferential address, acknowledging his subordinate position ("thy servant") and expressing immediate gratitude. "Found grace" (H4672, _mâtsâʼ_ + H2580, _chên_) signifies that he has experienced undeserved favor and acceptance from the angelic messengers, who represent God's presence and authority. This opening sets a tone of humility and recognition of divine benevolence.
* **"and thou hast magnified thy mercy, which thou hast shewed unto me in saving my life":** This clause deepens Lot's expression of gratitude. He attributes his deliverance directly to God's "magnified mercy" (H1431, _gâdal_ + H2617, _chêçêd_), emphasizing the extraordinary nature of the compassion shown. The phrase "in saving my life" (H2421, _châyâh_ + H5315, _nephesh_) clarifies the specific act of mercy: his physical preservation from imminent destruction. He understands that his very existence at this moment is a testament to God's profound and active compassion.
* **"and I cannot escape to the mountain":** Despite the profound acknowledgment of grace and mercy, Lot immediately pivots to a statement of perceived inability. "I cannot escape" (H3201, _yâkôl_ + H4422, _mâlaṭ_) highlights his fear and lack of confidence in his own strength or the angels' continued protection for the divinely appointed path. The "mountain" (H2022, _har_) was the specific, divinely commanded refuge, yet it appears daunting and insurmountable to him.
* **"lest some evil take me, and I die":** This final clause articulates the root of Lot's fear: the apprehension of "evil" (H7451, _raʻ_) and death (H4191, _mûwth_). He fears that by attempting to reach the mountain, he will encounter unforeseen dangers or succumb to the judgment still active in the region. This reveals a limited trust in the completeness of God's protective power, as if the divine command itself might lead him into peril rather than safety.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several **Literary Devices** to convey Lot's complex emotional state and the theological implications. **Irony** is prominent, as Lot expresses profound gratitude for his life being saved by divine mercy, only to immediately express fear that the very path prescribed by his deliverers will lead to his death. This highlights the paradox of human fear in the face of divine omnipotence. The phrase "magnified thy mercy" functions as **Hyperbole**, emphasizing the extraordinary and overwhelming nature of God's compassion in contrast to the dire circumstances. There is also a strong **Contrast** between the divine command for absolute trust and the human inclination for self-preservation and negotiation, revealing the tension between God's perfect will and human frailty.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Genesis 19:19 powerfully illustrates the tension between God's boundless grace and human limitations. It reveals a God who is not only just in His judgment but also overflowing with _chesed_ (steadfast love) and _chen_ (grace), willing to deliver even the imperfect. Lot's response, however, underscores the pervasive nature of human fear and a lack of complete trust, even after experiencing miraculous intervention. This highlights that salvation, while divinely initiated, often requires a step of faith that challenges our perceived limitations and comforts. God's subsequent accommodation of Lot's plea (in the following verses) further emphasizes His patience and willingness to work with human weakness, without condoning disobedience, but rather demonstrating a compassionate condescension to lead His people towards ultimate safety.

* [Psalm 103:8](/psalms/103-8 "Psalm 103:8 - The Lord is Merciful and Gracious")
* [Matthew 14:30-31](/matthew/14-30-31 "Matthew 14:30-31 - Peter's Wavering Faith on the Water")
* [Isaiah 42:3](/isaiah/42-3 "Isaiah 42:3 - A Bruised Reed He Will Not Break")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 19:19 offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. We are called to cultivate a heart that is quick to acknowledge and confess God's undeserved grace and abundant mercy in our lives, especially when we are delivered from spiritual danger or the consequences of sin. Lot's initial gratitude is a model for our own praise. Yet, like Lot, we often find ourselves overwhelmed by fear or doubt, thinking God's prescribed path is too difficult or that we "cannot escape" the challenges before us. This verse serves as a powerful reminder to trust God's complete provision and protection, even when the path He sets before us seems arduous or counter-intuitive. While God demonstrates immense patience and accommodation for our human frailties, as seen in His allowance for Lot to flee to Zoar, this does not excuse disobedience but rather highlights His compassionate nature and our need for complete reliance on His wisdom, not our own comfort or perceived limitations. Our fears often blind us to the greater safety found in full obedience to God's commands.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life have you recently experienced God's "magnified mercy" and grace?**
* **When God gives you a clear command or direction that feels daunting, do you, like Lot, tend to express fear or seek an alternative path?**
* **How can you cultivate deeper trust in God's protection, even when His path seems challenging or counter-intuitive to your own fears?**
* **What "mountains" (challenging, divinely appointed paths) might God be calling you to, and what "Zoars" (easier, self-chosen alternatives) are you tempted to choose instead?**

### FAQ
**Why did Lot, having just been saved, still fear and doubt God's command?**

Answer: Lot's fear and doubt, despite miraculous intervention, stem from the inherent human tendency towards self-preservation and a limited perspective. He had just witnessed terrifying judgment and was overwhelmed by the scale of divine wrath. Even though God's angels had physically rescued him, the immediate command to flee to the "mountain" (as seen in [Genesis 19:17](/genesis/19-17 "Genesis 19:17 - The Command to Flee")) likely appeared more arduous and dangerous than a nearby, familiar town like Zoar. This reveals that even those who experience God's direct salvation can still struggle with complete trust in His ongoing protection and provision, often preferring a path of perceived ease or familiarity over the divinely appointed, yet challenging, way.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Lot's physical deliverance from the fiery judgment of Sodom, an act of God's "magnified mercy," prefigures the ultimate spiritual deliverance offered through Jesus Christ. Just as Lot was saved from a city condemned by divine wrath, so too are believers saved from the condemnation of sin through Christ's atoning sacrifice on the cross, as declared in [Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "God's Love Demonstrated"). Lot's plea for an alternative, and God's gracious accommodation, points to the greater grace found in Christ, who not only accommodates our weakness but fully bears our burden, providing the perfect escape from the wrath to come ([1 Thessalonians 1:10](/1_thessalonians/1-10 "Jesus Delivers from Wrath")). Unlike Lot's partial obedience and lingering fear, Christ offers complete salvation and empowers believers to walk in full trust, leading them to a secure refuge in Him ([Psalm 91:2](/psalms/91-2 "God Our Refuge")), the true "mountain" of safety and salvation, where we find rest for our souls ([Matthew 11:28-30](/matthew/11-28-30 "Come to Me, All Who Are Weary")). In Christ, our inability to "escape" by our own strength is overcome by His perfect work, providing a secure and eternal dwelling place ([John 14:2-3](/john/14-2-3 "Jesus Prepares a Place")).

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

Psalms 106:1

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

Psalms 106:48

Blessed [be] the LORD God of Israel from everlasting to everlasting: and let all the people say, Amen. Praise ye the LORD.

Genesis 12:13

Say, I pray thee, thou [art] my sister: that it may be well with me for thy sake; and my soul shall live because of thee.

Matthew 8:25

And his disciples came to [him], and awoke him, saying, Lord, save us: we perish.

Matthew 8:26

And he saith unto them, Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith? Then he arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm.

Psalms 116:1

¶ I love the LORD, because he hath heard my voice [and] my supplications.

Psalms 116:19

In the courts of the LORD'S house, in the midst of thee, O Jerusalem. Praise ye the LORD.