Genesis 19:21

KJV

And he said unto him, See, I have accepted thee concerning this thing also, that I will not overthrow this city, for the which thou hast spoken.

KJV (with Strong's)

And he said {H559} unto him, See {H2009}, I have accepted {H5375} thee {H6440} concerning this thing {H1697} also, that I will not overthrow {H2015} this city {H5892}, for the which {H834} thou hast spoken {H1696}.

Complete Jewish Bible

He replied, "All right, I agree to what you have asked. I won't overthrow the city of which you have spoken.

Berean Standard Bible

“Very well,” he answered, “I will grant this request as well, and will not demolish the town you indicate.

American Standard Version

And he said unto him, See, I have accepted thee concerning this thing also, that I will not overthrow the city of which thou hast spoken.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Records a profound moment of divine condescension and mercy, where God, through His angelic messenger, graciously accedes to Lot's specific plea to spare the small city of Zoar from the impending, widespread destruction of the Jordan Plain. This pivotal interaction highlights God's attentiveness to individual human petitions and His willingness to temper His just judgment with compassion, even when those pleas arise from human weakness or fear.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated at a climactic point within the narrative of [Genesis chapter 19](/genesis/19 "Genesis 19 - The Destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah"), immediately following the angels' urgent command for Lot and his family to flee Sodom and seek refuge in the mountains, without looking back ([Genesis 19:17](/genesis/19-17 "The Angel's Command to Lot")). Lot, however, expresses fear that he will not survive the journey to the distant mountains and instead pleads for a closer, "little" city, Zoar (formerly Bela), to be spared as his place of refuge ([Genesis 19:18-20](/genesis/19-18-20 "Lot's Plea to the Angels")). [Genesis 19:21](/genesis/19-21 "God's Acceptance of Lot's Plea") marks the divine acceptance of this specific, human-initiated deviation from the original instruction, setting the stage for the subsequent catastrophic judgment on Sodom and Gomorrah. This episode underscores the narrative's focus on divine justice, human frailty, and God's surprising mercy amidst judgment, echoing themes found earlier in [Abraham's intercession for Sodom](/genesis/18-23-33 "Abraham's Intercession for Sodom").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah serves as a powerful historical and theological example of divine judgment against profound moral corruption, particularly related to sexual perversion and a lack of hospitality, which was a grave sin in the ancient Near East. The cities of the plain, including Sodom, Gomorrah, Admah, Zeboiim, and Bela (later Zoar), were exceptionally fertile and prosperous ([Genesis 13:10](/genesis/13-10 "The Lush Plain of Jordan")). Their wealth, however, led to arrogance and neglect of the poor, as later described in [Ezekiel 16:49](/ezekiel/16-49 "Sodom's Sins"). The cataclysmic nature of their overthrow (likely involving brimstone and fire) was a stark warning against widespread wickedness. God's willingness to spare Zoar for Lot's sake, despite its inherent lack of righteousness, highlights the ancient concept of a righteous individual's presence influencing a community's fate, and the profound importance of divine mercy in a context of otherwise absolute judgment.
* **Key Themes:** [Genesis 19:21](/genesis/19-21 "God Spares Zoar for Lot's Sake") contributes significantly to several overarching themes within Genesis and biblical theology. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates the theme of **Divine Mercy and Forbearance**, showcasing God's willingness to extend grace beyond strict justice, even to an imperfect servant like Lot. Secondly, it highlights the **Power of Intercession**, demonstrating that God listens and responds to the earnest prayers of His people, even if those prayers are driven by human fear or self-preservation, as seen in Lot's plea for Zoar. This echoes the earlier, more expansive intercession of [Abraham for Sodom](/genesis/18 "Abraham's Intercession for Sodom"). Thirdly, it underscores **God's Discernment in Judgment**, revealing that divine wrath is not indiscriminate but precise, capable of distinguishing between general wickedness and specific acts of grace for the sake of the righteous. Finally, it reinforces the theme of **God's Personal Care Amidst Catastrophe**, assuring believers that even in times of widespread calamity, God remains intimately attentive to the safety and deliverance of those who belong to Him.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
[Genesis 19:21](/genesis/19-21 "God's Response to Lot's Plea") records the divine response to Lot's desperate plea for refuge. The angelic messenger, speaking with the authority of God, declares, "And he said unto him, See, I have accepted thee concerning this thing also, that I will not overthrow this city, for the which thou hast spoken." This statement signifies a direct and personal divine concession, altering the initial command for Lot to flee to the mountains. God's willingness to accommodate Lot's fear and specific request underscores a profound aspect of His character: His mercy and responsiveness to the cries of His people, even when those cries arise from human weakness or fear.

#### Key Word Analysis
* **accepted (Hebrew, _nâsâʼ'_):** From H5375, a primitive root meaning "to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative; accept, advance, arise, (able to, (armor), suffer to) bear(-er, up), bring (forth), burn, carry (away), cast, contain, desire, ease, exact, exalt (self), extol, fetch, forgive, furnish, further, give, go on, help, high, hold up, honorable ([phrase] man), lade, lay, lift (self) up, lofty, marry, magnify, [idiom] needs, obtain, pardon, raise (up), receive, regard, respect, set (up), spare, stir up, [phrase] swear, take (away, up), [idiom] utterly, wear, yield." In this context, it specifically conveys the idea of "to lift up the face" or "to show favor," signifying God's personal and gracious reception of Lot's plea. It implies a favorable disposition and a willingness to grant the request.
* **overthrow (Hebrew, _hâphak'_):** From H2015, a primitive root meaning "to turn about or over; by implication, to change, overturn, return, pervert; [idiom] become, change, come, be converted, give, make (a bed), overthrow (-turn), perverse, retire, tumble, turn (again, aside, back, to the contrary, every way)." This word vividly describes the complete and utter destruction intended for the cities of the plain. God's promise "not to overthrow" Zoar signifies a direct reversal of the fate that would otherwise befall it, a turning away from judgment for that specific city.
* **spoken (Hebrew, _dâbar'_):** From H1696, a primitive root meaning "perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue; answer, appoint, bid, command, commune, declare, destroy, give, name, promise, pronounce, rehearse, say, speak, be spokesman, subdue, talk, teach, tell, think, use (entreaties), utter, [idiom] well, [idiom] work." This word highlights the direct link between Lot's verbal petition and God's merciful response. It emphasizes the active role of Lot's "speaking" or "pleading" in securing Zoar's exemption from destruction.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he said unto him, See, I have accepted thee concerning this thing also,"**: This opening clause establishes the divine response to Lot's plea. The phrase "he said unto him" refers to the angelic messenger, acting as God's direct representative. The imperative "See" (H2009, _hinnêh_) draws immediate attention to the significant declaration that follows. "I have accepted thee" (H5375, _nâsâʼ_) indicates a favorable reception of Lot's person and his request, a divine showing of grace. The addition of "concerning this thing also" (H1697, _dâbâr_) is crucial; it implies that this act of mercy is an *additional* favor, building upon the initial deliverance from Sodom and demonstrating a layered, overflowing grace beyond what might be strictly required or initially commanded.
* **"that I will not overthrow this city,"**: This is the core promise of the verse, a direct and unequivocal declaration of Zoar's exemption from the impending judgment. The verb "overthrow" (H2015, _hâphak_) carries the weight of the catastrophic destruction planned for Sodom and Gomorrah. God's explicit statement that He "will not overthrow" Zoar underscores the specificity and intentionality of this act of mercy, setting Zoar apart from the fate of its neighboring cities.
* **"for the which thou hast spoken."**: This concluding phrase directly attributes Zoar's salvation to Lot's intercession. The city is not spared due to its own righteousness or merit, but solely "for the which thou hast spoken" (H1696, _dâbar_). This emphasizes the powerful impact of a righteous person's presence and prayer, even if the prayer is primarily for self-preservation. It reveals God's precise and purposeful judgment, which is always tempered with discernment and the capacity for mercy, responding directly to the human voice.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several literary devices to convey its profound theological truths. **Divine Accommodation** is evident as God, through His messenger, adjusts His initial command (to flee to the mountains) to accommodate Lot's fear and specific request for a closer city. This highlights God's compassionate nature and His willingness to meet humanity in its weakness. There is also a subtle **Irony** in the narrative: Lot, who lingered in Sodom and whose righteousness was questionable, becomes the catalyst for the salvation of an entire city, albeit a small one. This underscores that God's mercy often extends beyond human merit. Furthermore, the passage presents a powerful **Contrast** between the universal, sweeping judgment against Sodom and Gomorrah and the particular, precise mercy extended to Zoar, emphasizing God's ability to discern and act with both justice and grace simultaneously.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse powerfully demonstrates God's compassionate nature and His sovereign responsiveness to human prayer. Despite Lot's initial reluctance to obey the command to go to the mountains and his self-preserving plea, God chose to show mercy and accommodate his request, sparing Zoar. This underscores God's willingness to be flexible within His divine plan when His children cry out to Him, even when those cries are imperfect or born of fear. It highlights that divine judgment, while just, is always tempered with discernment and the capacity for grace, especially for the sake of His chosen, however flawed. The episode also serves as a testament to the profound impact of even a single individual's presence and petition, illustrating that God listens to the earnest cries of His servants, even if the prayer is primarily for self-preservation.

* [Psalm 145:18](/psalms/145-18 "The Lord is near to all who call on Him"): "The Lord is nigh unto all them that call upon him, to all that call upon him in truth."
* [James 5:16](/james/5-16 "The Prayer of a Righteous Person"): "...The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much."
* [Romans 9:15](/romans/9-15 "God's Mercy and Compassion"): "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."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
[Genesis 19:21](/genesis/19-21 "God's Responsive Mercy") offers enduring lessons for believers today, encouraging us to bring our specific concerns, fears, and even our perceived limitations to God with boldness, knowing that He is a compassionate listener who hears and responds to our earnest prayers ([Philippians 4:6-7](/philippians/4-6-7 "Paul's Exhortation to Prayer and Peace")). This narrative reminds us that even imperfect prayers, born of genuine need or fear, can be met with divine favor, highlighting God's personal care for His people even amid global events or widespread judgments. Just as Lot sought physical refuge from the coming destruction, believers are called to flee from sin and its ultimate consequences, finding our ultimate refuge and salvation in God's grace through Christ. This passage challenges us to trust in God's particular providence, recognizing that His attention is not only on grand cosmic plans but also on the intimate details of our lives and our desperate cries for help.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does God's willingness to accommodate Lot's fear, despite His initial command, deepen your understanding of His mercy and compassion?**
* **In what areas of your life are you holding back from bringing your specific fears or needs to God, perhaps thinking they are too small or that you should be stronger?**
* **How does the sparing of Zoar, solely for Lot's sake, illustrate the power of a righteous person's presence and prayer, even when that person is flawed?**
* **What "refuge" are you seeking in your life, and how does this passage encourage you to find your ultimate refuge in God's provision?**

### FAQ
**Why did God grant Lot's specific request to spare Zoar, rather than insisting he go to the mountains?**

Answer: God granted Lot's request out of His profound mercy and forbearance. While the initial command was to flee to the mountains for safety, Lot's fear and plea for a closer, "little" city (Zoar) demonstrated his human weakness and lack of full trust. God, in His compassion, accommodated Lot's specific need, demonstrating that His divine plan can be flexible to respond to the earnest cries of His servants, even when those cries arise from fear rather than perfect obedience. This act highlights God's personal attentiveness and willingness to show grace, ensuring Lot's survival as part of His broader covenant purposes, as seen in [Genesis 12:3](/genesis/12-3 "God's Blessing on Abraham and His Descendants").

**Does this verse suggest that God's plans can be changed by human prayer?**

Answer: This verse illustrates that God, in His sovereignty, chooses to interact with and respond to human prayer. While God's ultimate purposes and eternal decrees are unchangeable ([Malachi 3:6](/malachi/3-6 "God Does Not Change")), He often works through the prayers of His people, allowing their petitions to influence the immediate course of events or the application of His judgments. In this case, God's decision to spare Zoar was directly tied to Lot's spoken request, demonstrating that prayer is a powerful means through which God exercises His will and mercy in the world. It shows God's responsiveness and His desire for humanity to participate in His work, not a change in His eternal nature or ultimate plan ([Jeremiah 29:12-13](/jeremiah/29-12-13 "God Hears When You Call")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
[Genesis 19:21](/genesis/19-21 "God's Mercy and Refuge in Zoar") powerfully foreshadows the greater refuge and deliverance found in Jesus Christ. Just as Lot found a temporary physical refuge in Zoar from the impending judgment of brimstone and fire, believers find ultimate spiritual refuge from the judgment of sin and eternal wrath in Christ. Lot's intercession, though imperfect and self-focused, moved God to spare a city; this points to Christ, our perfect Intercessor, whose single, selfless prayer and sacrifice on the cross secured eternal salvation and deliverance for all who believe ([Hebrews 7:25](/hebrews/7-25 "Christ's Eternal Intercession")). The sparing of Zoar by grace, not merit, prefigures the salvation offered freely in Christ, where deliverance from divine wrath is granted not based on human righteousness, but solely on God's abounding mercy and the atoning work of His Son ([Ephesians 2:8-9](/ephesians/2-8-9 "Salvation by Grace Through Faith")). Christ is the true "little one" who became humble and lowly to provide a way of escape for all who would flee to Him for safety, becoming our ultimate sanctuary from the coming judgment ([Matthew 11:28-30](/matthew/11-28-30 "Jesus' Invitation to the Weary")).

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 145:19

He will fulfil the desire of them that fear him: he also will hear their cry, and will save them.

Psalms 102:17

He will regard the prayer of the destitute, and not despise their prayer.

Job 42:8

Therefore take unto you now seven bullocks and seven rams, and go to my servant Job, and offer up for yourselves a burnt offering; and my servant Job shall pray for you: for him will I accept: lest I deal with you [after your] folly, in that ye have not spoken of me [the thing which is] right, like my servant Job.

Job 42:9

So Eliphaz the Temanite and Bildad the Shuhite [and] Zophar the Naamathite went, and did according as the LORD commanded them: the LORD also accepted Job.

Psalms 34:15

The eyes of the LORD [are] upon the righteous, and his ears [are open] unto their cry.

Genesis 4:7

If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted? and if thou doest not well, sin lieth at the door. And unto thee [shall be] his desire, and thou shalt rule over him.

Hebrews 4:15

For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as [we are, yet] without sin.