Genesis 19:20

KJV

Behold now, this city [is] near to flee unto, and it [is] a little one: Oh, let me escape thither, ([is] it not a little one?) and my soul shall live.

KJV (with Strong's)

Behold now, this city {H5892} is near {H7138} to flee {H5127} unto, and it {H1931} is a little one {H4705}: Oh, let me escape {H4422} thither,( is it not a little one {H4705}?) and my soul {H5315} shall live {H2421}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Look, there's a town nearby to flee to, and it's a small one. Please let me escape there - isn't it just a small one? -and that way I will stay alive."

Berean Standard Bible

Look, there is a town nearby where I can flee, and it is a small place. Please let me flee there—is it not a small place? Then my life will be saved.”

American Standard Version

behold now, this city is near to flee unto, and it is a little one. Oh let me escape thither (is it not a little one?), and my soul shall live.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In a moment of profound fear and desperation, Lot, facing the imminent destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, pleads with the angelic messengers to deviate from their divine command to flee to the mountains. He requests permission to escape instead to a nearby, seemingly insignificant city, which he emphatically describes as "a little one." Lot's urgent petition, underscored by the rhetorical question, "is it not a little one?", reveals his human tendency to prioritize perceived safety and convenience over complete obedience to God's instruction, driven by an overriding desire for his "soul to live." This plea, remarkably accommodated by divine mercy, highlights the tension between human fear and God's sovereign plan for salvation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Genesis 19:20 is situated at a critical juncture in the narrative of God's judgment upon Sodom and Gomorrah. Immediately preceding this verse, the angels, having forcibly removed Lot and his family from Sodom, issue a clear and urgent command: "Escape for thy life; look not behind thee, neither stay thou in all the plain; escape to the mountain, lest thou be consumed" ([Genesis 19:17](/genesis/19-17 "Genesis 19:17 - Angelic Command to Flee")). Lot's response in the subsequent verses (18-19) is one of fear and protest, expressing his inability or unwillingness to reach the mountains. Verse 20, therefore, is Lot's proposed alternative, a direct plea for a "lesser" escape route, setting up the divine accommodation that follows in [Genesis 19:21-22](/genesis/19-21-22 "Genesis 19:21-22 - God Spares Zoar for Lot's Sake"), where the angels grant his request for the city of Zoar. This exchange underscores the immediate threat of divine wrath and Lot's desperate scramble for survival.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah reflects a profound act of divine judgment against cities characterized by extreme wickedness, particularly sexual perversion and a lack of hospitality, as highlighted in [Genesis 19:4-9](/genesis/19-4-9 "Genesis 19:4-9 - The Depravity of Sodom"). In the ancient Near East, cities were often fortified and represented centers of civilization, commerce, and protection. Fleeing to the mountains would typically imply seeking refuge in remote, less accessible areas, perhaps in caves or temporary shelters, which could be perceived as more arduous or dangerous than a known, smaller town. Lot's plea for a "little one" city (later identified as Zoar) reflects a human desire for a recognizable, seemingly safer, and more convenient refuge from an overwhelming catastrophe. The concept of divine judgment through natural phenomena (fire and brimstone) was understood as a direct intervention of God, signifying His absolute sovereignty over creation and human affairs.

* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes within Genesis and biblical theology. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **divine judgment and salvation**, showcasing God's righteous wrath against sin while simultaneously demonstrating His mercy in providing a way of escape for the righteous, even if imperfectly so. Secondly, it explores the theme of **human fear and weakness** in the face of overwhelming circumstances, as Lot's plea is born out of terror and a perceived inability to fully obey. His rationalization of the "little one" city is a testament to human inclination to compromise divine directives for perceived convenience. Thirdly, the passage underscores **God's patient accommodation of human frailty**, as the Lord graciously grants Lot's request despite his deviation from the initial command, emphasizing His steadfast commitment to His covenant with Abraham, for whose sake Lot was spared (cf. [Genesis 19:29](/genesis/19-29 "Genesis 19:29 - God Remembers Abraham")). Finally, it subtly introduces the theme of **the nature of refuge**, contrasting a divinely appointed, difficult path (mountains) with a humanly preferred, seemingly easier one (Zoar), raising questions about true safety and obedience.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **little one (Hebrew, _mitsʻâr'_):** This word (H4705) conveys the meaning of something "petty in size or number," "small," or "insignificant." Lot's repeated emphasis on the city being a "little one" is central to his argument, suggesting that its diminutive size would make it less likely to attract divine wrath, thus serving as a safe haven. This term is directly linked to the city's eventual name, Zoar (צֹעַר, _Tso'ar_), which means "smallness," highlighting a linguistic and conceptual connection between Lot's plea and the city's identity.
* **soul (Hebrew, _nephesh'_):** The term (H5315) is rich in meaning, referring to a "breathing creature," "vitality," or the "self" in its entirety—bodily and mental. When Lot declares, "and my soul shall live," he is expressing a desperate desire for the preservation of his very being, his life, in the most comprehensive sense. It's not merely about physical survival but the continuation of his existence as a living person, emphasizing the profound and existential nature of his fear and his plea.
* **live (Hebrew, _châyâh'_):** This primitive root (H2421) means "to live," both literally and figuratively, and can also imply "to revive" or "preserve alive." In Lot's plea, "my soul shall live," it signifies the fundamental act of survival and the continuation of life. It encapsulates his ultimate goal: to escape the impending judgment and remain alive, highlighting the stark choice between life and death presented by the divine judgment.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Behold now, this city [is] near to flee unto":** Lot begins his plea by drawing attention to a specific, tangible alternative to the mountains. The phrase "Behold now" serves as an urgent interjection, capturing the angels' attention. He identifies a city that is "near," implying accessibility and a quicker escape route compared to the more distant mountains commanded by the angels. This highlights his immediate, practical concern for survival and his perceived limitations.
* **"and it [is] a little one":** This is Lot's primary justification for his proposed alternative. By emphasizing the city's small size and apparent insignificance, he implicitly suggests it would be overlooked by the divine judgment destined for larger, more prominent cities like Sodom and Gomorrah. This reveals Lot's attempt to rationalize his deviation from the direct command, believing that its smallness would render it harmless or unworthy of destruction.
* **"Oh, let me escape thither":** This is the core of Lot's supplication. The interjection "Oh" conveys the depth of his desperation and urgency. He is not merely suggesting but earnestly pleading for permission to flee to this specific, smaller city. This clause directly expresses his desire for an alternative path to safety, driven by fear rather than full faith in the initial, more arduous divine instruction.
* **"([is] it not a little one?)":** This parenthetical rhetorical question serves to reinforce Lot's argument and elicit agreement from the angels. It underscores his conviction that the city's smallness makes it a viable and safe option. The repetition of "a little one" emphasizes his central point and reveals his anxiety, as he tries to persuade the divine messengers of the validity of his compromise.
* **"and my soul shall live":** This concluding phrase reveals Lot's ultimate motivation and the stakes involved. His overriding concern is the preservation of his life, his very being. This statement encapsulates the existential terror he faces and his desperate hope that by fleeing to this "little one" city, he will secure his survival from the impending catastrophe. It underscores the life-or-death nature of the situation and his focus on immediate physical preservation.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. **Repetition** is prominent with the phrase "a little one" appearing twice, emphasizing Lot's central argument and his desperate attempt to persuade the angels. This repetition also highlights the city's defining characteristic, which later becomes its name, Zoar. The use of a **Rhetorical Question** ("is it not a little one?") serves to underscore Lot's plea, making it sound more persuasive and implying that the answer is self-evident, thus justifying his request. There is also an element of **Plea** or **Supplication**, as Lot's words are framed as an earnest request, revealing his vulnerable state and his reliance on the angels' mercy. Furthermore, the passage contains subtle **Irony**; Lot chooses a "little one" out of fear, yet this choice, while accommodated by God, ultimately leads him to further moral compromise and isolation (cf. [Genesis 19:30](/genesis/19-30 "Genesis 19:30 - Lot Flees Zoar to a Cave and Incest")).

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Lot's plea in Genesis 19:20 profoundly illustrates the tension between human fear and divine command, revealing our inherent tendency to rationalize disobedience when faced with daunting circumstances. Despite God's clear instruction to flee to the mountains, Lot's perceived limitations and immediate anxieties lead him to propose a "safer," more convenient alternative. Yet, this passage also beautifully showcases God's profound mercy and patience. Even when His people falter in obedience, God, in His sovereign grace, often accommodates their weakness to ensure their ultimate salvation, demonstrating His unwavering commitment to His promises and His compassionate nature.

* [Genesis 19:16](/genesis/19-16 "Genesis 19:16 - Lot's Lingering and Angelic Intervention"): This verse shows Lot's initial hesitation and lingering, necessitating the angels' forceful intervention, highlighting his fear and reluctance to fully obey the divine command to flee.
* [Genesis 19:21-22](/genesis/19-21-22 "Genesis 19:21-22 - God Grants Lot's Request for Zoar"): These verses directly confirm God's remarkable accommodation of Lot's plea, demonstrating His mercy and willingness to adjust His immediate plan for the sake of His servant's salvation, even when that servant's faith is weak.
* [Psalm 103:8](/psalms/103-8 "Psalm 103:8 - The Lord is Merciful and Gracious"): This psalm beautifully encapsulates the character of God displayed in His dealings with Lot, emphasizing His compassion, slowness to anger, and abounding steadfast love, which allows for accommodation of human weakness.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 19:20 serves as a powerful mirror reflecting the human condition, particularly our common struggle with fear and our inclination to seek comfort and convenience over complete obedience to God's often challenging commands. Lot's desperate plea for a "little one" city, born out of a desire for his "soul to live," resonates deeply with our own tendencies to choose what seems easy or safe in the face of daunting spiritual or life challenges, rather than fully trusting God's radical, often uncomfortable, directives. This passage compels us to examine our hearts: are we truly willing to embrace God's path, even when it leads us to "mountains" that seem too high or too far, or do we, like Lot, seek a "little one" compromise? Yet, the profound grace extended to Lot also offers immense hope. It reminds us that even in our weakness, fear, and faltering obedience, God's mercy is vast enough to meet us where we are, providing a way of escape and preserving our lives, not because of our perfect faith, but because of His perfect faithfulness. This should inspire both humility in our own walk and profound gratitude for His enduring compassion.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life might you be, like Lot, prioritizing perceived safety or convenience over complete obedience to God's clear commands?**
* **How does Lot's fear and rationalization in this verse challenge your own trust in God's perfect plan, especially when it seems difficult or counter-intuitive?**
* **What does God's gracious accommodation of Lot's plea reveal about His character, and how does this truth encourage you in your own moments of weakness or doubt?**

### FAQ
**Why did Lot not simply obey the angels' initial command to flee to the mountains?**

Answer: Lot's reluctance and subsequent plea stemmed primarily from fear and a perceived inability to reach the distant mountains quickly enough before the impending destruction. He likely viewed the mountains as too far, too arduous, or too dangerous a refuge in his panicked state. Instead, he sought a more immediate, "little" refuge, which seemed safer and more manageable, reflecting a human tendency to prioritize perceived convenience over full obedience to a daunting divine directive. His fear overshadowed his faith in the angels' specific command (cf. [Genesis 19:17](/genesis/19-17 "Genesis 19:17 - Angelic Command to Flee")).

**What is the significance of the city of Zoar being called "a little one"?**

Answer: The Hebrew word for "little one" (*mits'âr*) is the linguistic root of the city's name, Zoar (*Tso'ar*), which literally means "smallness." Lot's repeated emphasis on its diminutive size was a rhetorical strategy to persuade the angels. He likely believed that because it was so insignificant, it would be overlooked by the divine judgment destined for larger, more prominent cities like Sodom and Gomorrah. This highlights Lot's human-centric reasoning and his attempt to find a loophole or exception to the divine decree, believing that its perceived insignificance would spare it, and thus him, from destruction.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Lot's salvation in Genesis 19:20 was a direct act of divine mercy, accommodating his human weakness and fear, it ultimately serves as a shadow pointing to the greater, perfect, and uncompromised salvation offered through Jesus Christ. Lot's desperate plea for his "soul to live" in a "little one" city underscores humanity's inherent inability to fully save itself or to perfectly obey God's commands. We, like Lot, are prone to fear and compromise, seeking our own "little" solutions to the overwhelming problem of sin and judgment. However, Christ is not a "little one" chosen out of human fear or convenience; He is the ultimate and perfect refuge, the "Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!" ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). Unlike Lot's compromised escape, Jesus offers a complete and eternal salvation, perfectly fulfilling the Father's will, even to death on the cross ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience to Death")). He is the true "strong tower" to which the righteous run and are safe ([Proverbs 18:10](/proverbs/18-10 "Proverbs 18:10 - The Name of the Lord is a Strong Tower")), not a temporary, fear-driven alternative. Through His perfect obedience and atoning sacrifice, Christ provides the only true way for our souls to live eternally, securing a salvation that is not based on our flawed choices but on His flawless grace and power ([Ephesians 2:8-9](/ephesians/2-8-9 "Ephesians 2:8-9 - Salvation by Grace Through Faith")).

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 119:175

¶ Let my soul live, and it shall praise thee; and let thy judgments help me.

Proverbs 3:5

Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.

Proverbs 3:7

¶ Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil.

Isaiah 55:3

Incline your ear, and come unto me: hear, and your soul shall live; and I will make an everlasting covenant with you, [even] the sure mercies of David.

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.

Genesis 19:30

¶ And Lot went up out of Zoar, and dwelt in the mountain, and his two daughters with him; for he feared to dwell in Zoar: and he dwelt in a cave, he and his two daughters.

Amos 3:6

Shall a trumpet be blown in the city, and the people not be afraid? shall there be evil in a city, and the LORD hath not done [it]?