Genesis 19:2

KJV

And he said, Behold now, my lords, turn in, I pray you, into your servant's house, and tarry all night, and wash your feet, and ye shall rise up early, and go on your ways. And they said, Nay; but we will abide in the street all night.

KJV (with Strong's)

And he said {H559}, Behold now, my lords {H113}, turn in {H5493}, I pray you, into your servant's {H5650} house {H1004}, and tarry all night {H3885}, and wash {H7364} your feet {H7272}, and ye shall rise up early {H7925}, and go {H1980} on your ways {H1870}. And they said {H559}, Nay; but we will abide {H3885} in the street {H7339} all night {H3885}.

Complete Jewish Bible

He said, "Here now, my lords, please come over to your servant's house. Spend the night, wash your feet, get up early, and go on your way.""No," they answered, "we'll stay in the square."

Berean Standard Bible

and said, “My lords, please turn aside into the house of your servant; wash your feet and spend the night. Then you can rise early and go on your way.” “No,” they answered, “we will spend the night in the square.”

American Standard Version

and he said, Behold now, my lords, turn aside, I pray you, into your servant’s house, and tarry all night, and wash your feet, and ye shall rise up early, and go on your way. And they said, Nay; but we will abide in the street all night.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 19:2 records Lot's immediate and earnest invitation to two angelic visitors, disguised as men, to accept his hospitality by lodging in his home for the night, offering the customary foot-washing and lodging. The verse also captures their initial refusal, stating a preference to remain in the public street. This exchange immediately highlights Lot's adherence to ancient customs of hospitality, setting a profound contrast with the impending revelation of Sodom's pervasive depravity and the subsequent divine judgment.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Genesis chapter 19 opens immediately following the Lord's revelation to Abraham concerning His intention to destroy Sodom and Gomorrah due to their egregious sins, which had reached a great outcry before God, as detailed in [Genesis 18:20-21](/genesis/18-20-21 "The Lord's Declaration Concerning Sodom and Gomorrah"). The two "men" who arrive in Sodom are identified in [Genesis 19:1](/genesis/19-1 "The Arrival of the Two Angels in Sodom") as angels, fulfilling the divine mission to investigate and execute judgment. Lot, Abraham's nephew, is found sitting at the city gate, a prominent public space where legal, social, and commercial activities took place. His immediate action upon seeing the strangers—rising, bowing, and earnestly inviting them—sets the stage for a dramatic contrast between his character and the collective depravity of Sodom, which will become horrifyingly evident later in the chapter.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, hospitality was not merely a courtesy but a sacred duty and a deeply ingrained cultural norm. Travelers were vulnerable, and offering shelter, food, and protection was considered a moral imperative, often seen as a reflection of one's piety and standing. Foot-washing, as offered by Lot, was a common and essential act of hospitality, as travelers wore sandals on dusty roads. Staying in a public street or city square (*rehov*) was an option for those without connections or means, but it left travelers exposed to the elements and potential dangers, especially in a city known for its wickedness. Lot's persistence in inviting the strangers into his private home underscores the gravity of this cultural expectation and his personal commitment to it.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several major themes within Genesis and the broader biblical narrative. It immediately introduces the theme of **hospitality**, contrasting Lot's righteous adherence to this duty with Sodom's utter lack thereof, which quickly devolves into attempted sexual violence in [Genesis 19:4-9](/genesis/19-4-9 "The Depravity of Sodom's Men"). It also highlights **divine discernment and judgment**, as the angels' presence signifies God's direct involvement in assessing and responding to human sin. Furthermore, Lot's actions, despite his flawed decision to reside in Sodom, introduce the theme of **righteousness amidst corruption**, foreshadowing God's eventual preservation of Lot and his daughters from the city's destruction, echoing God's earlier promise to Abraham concerning the preservation of the righteous in [Genesis 18:23-33](/genesis/18-23-33 "Abraham's Intercession for Sodom").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **lords (Hebrew, _ʼâdôwn'_):** From an unused root meaning "to rule," this term (H113) signifies "sovereign," "controller," "lord," or "master." Lot's use of "my lords" indicates a profound respect and deference, acknowledging the visitors' apparent status or authority, even though he does not yet know their true identity as divine messengers. It underscores his humility and the honor he bestows upon them as he seeks to provide hospitality.
* **tarry all night (Hebrew, _lûwn'_):** This primitive root (H3885) means "to stop (usually over night)," and by implication, "to stay permanently." It encompasses the act of lodging and remaining. Lot's invitation for them to "tarry all night" is a direct offer of secure, private lodging, a stark contrast to the angels' stated preference to "abide in the street all night," which uses the same root. The repetition emphasizes the core of the hospitality dispute: where they will spend the night.
* **street (Hebrew, _rᵉchôb'_):** This word (H7339), derived from a root meaning "to be wide," refers to a "width," specifically an "avenue" or "area," often translated as "broad place" or "public square." It is not merely a narrow lane but an open, public area within the city. The angels' initial desire to stay in the *rehov* highlights their willingness to observe the city's public life and potentially test its inhabitants, while Lot's insistence on bringing them into his private home reflects his understanding of the dangers inherent in such a public space in a city like Sodom.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he said, Behold now, my lords, turn in, I pray you, into your servant's house,"**: Lot's immediate and respectful address ("my lords") and his urgent plea ("I pray you") reveal his deep commitment to hospitality. He does not hesitate but actively seeks to bring them into the safety and privacy of his own home, recognizing their vulnerability as strangers in a potentially hostile environment. This initial gesture sets him apart from the general populace of Sodom.
* **"and tarry all night, and wash your feet,"**: These phrases detail the specific acts of hospitality Lot offers. "Tarry all night" means to lodge and stay securely through the night, providing rest and protection. "Wash your feet" was a common and necessary courtesy in a dusty climate, symbolizing refreshment and care after a journey. It also implies a transition from the public, external world to the private, intimate space of the home.
* **"and ye shall rise up early, and go on your ways."**: Lot's offer is for a temporary, restorative stay, allowing them to resume their journey refreshed and unhindered. This demonstrates a complete and selfless act of hospitality, focused on the well-being and convenience of his guests, without imposing any burden or expectation of prolonged stay.
* **"And they said, Nay; but we will abide in the street all night."**: The angels' initial refusal serves as a test of Lot's sincerity and persistence. Their stated preference to remain in the public square (*rehov*) is significant. While a public square could offer some shelter, it was inherently less secure and more exposed than a private home, especially in a city known for its moral decay. This refusal implicitly foreshadows the dangers and depravity that will soon be revealed in Sodom.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several key literary devices. **Dialogue** is central, presenting a direct exchange between Lot and the angels that immediately establishes the narrative's tension and Lot's character. The angels' initial refusal creates a subtle **test** of Lot's sincerity and commitment to hospitality, which he passes through his persistence. There is a strong element of **foreshadowing** in the angels' preference to "abide in the street," subtly hinting at the dangers and moral corruption of Sodom that will soon erupt violently. The entire scene is imbued with **irony**, as Lot, a righteous man, is found extending sacred hospitality in a city utterly devoid of it, setting up the dramatic **contrast** between his actions and the city's impending wickedness.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Lot's earnest and persistent offer of hospitality in Genesis 19:2 stands as a beacon of righteous conduct amidst the moral darkness of Sodom, echoing the profound biblical emphasis on welcoming strangers and extending kindness. This narrative serves as a powerful reminder that God observes and values acts of genuine compassion and generosity, especially towards the vulnerable. The angels' mission, which involves both observation and judgment, underscores divine justice and the fact that God's assessment of human wickedness is thorough and direct. Lot's actions, despite his compromised living situation, highlight God's ability to discern and preserve individuals who maintain a measure of righteousness, even within environments steeped in sin.

* [Genesis 18:1-8](/genesis/18-1-8 "Abraham's Hospitality to Divine Visitors")
* [Hebrews 13:2](/hebrews/13-2 "Entertaining Angels Unawares")
* [2 Peter 2:7-8](/2_peter/2-7-8 "Lot, a Righteous Man Distressed by Wickedness")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
For believers today, Genesis 19:2 offers a profound challenge and encouragement regarding the practice of hospitality. It underscores the importance of extending genuine welcome and care, not just to those we know, but especially to strangers, even when it might be inconvenient or initially declined. Lot's persistence reminds us that true hospitality often requires overcoming initial resistance or perceived awkwardness, demonstrating a sincere desire to provide refuge and comfort. This passage also subtly teaches discernment about the environments we choose to inhabit or allow into our lives, highlighting the stark contrast between Lot's righteous, though flawed, character and the pervasive sin of Sodom. Our homes and lives, as followers of Christ, should strive to be places of safety, welcome, and spiritual nourishment, reflecting God's own welcoming nature and His heart for the vulnerable.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Lot's persistence in offering hospitality challenge my own willingness to serve others, especially strangers?**
* **In what ways can my home or personal space become a place of genuine welcome and refuge for those in need?**
* **What does the angels' initial refusal and Lot's response teach me about discerning opportunities for service, even when they are not immediately accepted?**

### FAQ
**Why did the angels initially refuse Lot's offer of hospitality?**

Answer: The angels' initial refusal served multiple purposes. Primarily, it functioned as a test of Lot's sincerity and persistence in offering hospitality, a sacred duty in the ancient Near East. Their stated preference to remain in the public square also allowed them to observe the true moral climate of Sodom, quickly revealing the city's pervasive wickedness when the men of Sodom surrounded Lot's house later that night, demanding access to the visitors ([Genesis 19:4-9](/genesis/19-4-9 "The Depravity of Sodom's Men")).

**What does "abide in the street" imply about Sodom?**

Answer: The phrase "abide in the street" refers to staying in a broad public square (*rehov*). While a common place for travelers without lodging, the angels' initial preference for it, combined with Lot's insistence on private lodging, implicitly suggests the inherent dangers and lack of safety for strangers in Sodom. This foreshadows the extreme depravity that would soon be revealed by the city's inhabitants, confirming that even public spaces were unsafe and morally compromised.

**How does Lot's hospitality in this verse relate to Abraham's?**

Answer: Lot's immediate and persistent offer of hospitality mirrors that of his uncle Abraham in [Genesis 18:1-8](/genesis/18-1-8 "Abraham's Hospitality to Divine Visitors"), who also welcomed divine visitors. Both instances highlight the high value placed on hospitality in biblical culture and serve as examples of righteous conduct in contrast to the surrounding societies. Abraham's hospitality was to the Lord Himself and two angels, while Lot's was to the two angels, demonstrating a shared spiritual heritage and commitment to this virtue within their family line.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Genesis 19:2, with its poignant theme of divine visitation and human hospitality, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person of Jesus Christ. While the angels in Sodom initially declined Lot's offer, seeking to observe the city's true nature, Jesus, the very Son of God, "came to his own, and his own received him not" ([John 1:11](/john/1-11 "Jesus, the Word Made Flesh")). He was the divine visitor who, far from being welcomed into every home, often had "no where to lay his head" ([Luke 9:58](/luke/9-58 "Jesus Has No Place to Lay His Head")) during His earthly ministry. Yet, paradoxically, Jesus is also the ultimate Host, extending an open and eternal invitation to all who are weary and burdened to find rest and refuge in Him ([Matthew 11:28-30](/matthew/11-28-30 "Jesus' Invitation to the Weary")). Just as Lot's house became a temporary sanctuary from Sodom's impending judgment, Christ offers eternal sanctuary and deliverance from the judgment due to sin, welcoming us into His eternal dwelling ([John 14:2-3](/john/14-2-3 "Jesus Prepares a Place for His Disciples")). He is the perfect embodiment of hospitality, not only receiving us but also empowering us by His Spirit to extend that same radical, self-giving welcome to others, for "whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me" ([Matthew 25:40](/matthew/25-40 "The King's Judgment of the Nations")).

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

Genesis 18:4

Let a little water, I pray you, be fetched, and wash your feet, and rest yourselves under the tree:

Acts 16:15

And when she was baptized, and her household, she besought [us], saying, If ye have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come into my house, and abide [there]. And she constrained us.

Luke 24:28

And they drew nigh unto the village, whither they went: and he made as though he would have gone further.

Luke 24:29

But they constrained him, saying, Abide with us: for it is toward evening, and the day is far spent. And he went in to tarry with them.

Hebrews 13:2

Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.

Judges 19:17

And when he had lifted up his eyes, he saw a wayfaring man in the street of the city: and the old man said, Whither goest thou? and whence comest thou?

Judges 19:21

So he brought him into his house, and gave provender unto the asses: and they washed their feet, and did eat and drink.