Genesis 19:22

KJV

Haste thee, escape thither; for I cannot do any thing till thou be come thither. Therefore the name of the city was called Zoar.

KJV (with Strong's)

Haste {H4116} thee, escape {H4422} thither; for I cannot {H3201} do {H6213} any thing {H1697} till thou be come {H935} thither. Therefore the name {H8034} of the city {H5892} was called {H7121} Zoar {H6820}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Hurry, and escape to that place, because I can't do anything until you arrive there." For this reason the city was named Tzo'ar [small].

Berean Standard Bible

Hurry! Run there quickly, for I cannot do anything until you reach it.” That is why the town was called Zoar.

American Standard Version

Haste thee, escape thither; for I cannot do anything till thou be come thither. Therefore the name of the city was called Zoar.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 19:22 records the angel's crucial declaration to Lot, revealing a profound aspect of divine justice: God's judgment on Sodom and Gomorrah was precisely restrained until Lot reached a place of safety. This verse profoundly underscores the divine priority of delivering the righteous before the execution of wrath, emphasizing the urgency of obedience and God's compassionate provision of refuge, even in a seemingly insignificant place, thereby marking the city with a new, descriptive name.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows Lot's desperate plea to the angels to be allowed to flee to a nearby small town, Zoar, instead of the mountains as initially commanded. The preceding verses ([Genesis 19:15-17](/genesis/19-15-17 "Angels urge Lot to flee Sodom")) depict the angels' forceful removal of Lot and his family from Sodom, emphasizing the extreme urgency of their escape. Lot's subsequent negotiation in [Genesis 19:18-20](/genesis/19-18-20 "Lot's plea for Zoar") reveals his fear and perceived inability to reach the mountains, prompting his request for the "little one" (Zoar) to be spared as his refuge. Genesis 19:22 serves as the divine response, confirming the granting of Lot's request and setting the stage for the cataclysmic destruction of the cities of the plain, which immediately follows in [Genesis 19:23-28](/genesis/19-23-28 "Destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events unfold in the fertile plain of the Jordan, a region described as well-watered and prosperous, "like the garden of the Lord" ([Genesis 13:10](/genesis/13-10 "Lot chooses the Jordan plain")). Sodom and Gomorrah were prominent cities in this region, notorious for their extreme wickedness, which had reached a point of divine judgment ([Genesis 18:20-21](/genesis/18-20-21 "The outcry against Sodom and Gomorrah")). The cultural norms of the time included a strong emphasis on hospitality, which the men of Sodom flagrantly violated, demonstrating deep moral depravity ([Genesis 19:4-9](/genesis/19-4-9 "The wickedness of Sodom")). The concept of divine judgment through natural or supernatural disaster was understood in the ancient Near East, often linked to the gods' response to human sin. The renaming of a city, as seen with Zoar, was also a common practice, often signifying a new beginning, a change in status, or commemorating a significant event.

* **Key Themes:** Genesis 19:22 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Genesis and biblical theology. It highlights God's **righteous judgment** against sin, a theme introduced early in the narrative with the flood ([Genesis 6-9](/genesis/6-9 "The Flood Narrative")) and continued through the Abrahamic covenant. Simultaneously, it underscores God's **unwavering mercy and faithfulness** to His covenant promises, particularly His commitment to protect the righteous, even for the sake of one individual, as seen in God's remembrance of Abraham in [Genesis 19:29](/genesis/19-29 "God remembered Abraham and delivered Lot"). The verse also emphasizes the **urgency of responding to divine warnings** and the **provision of refuge** for those who obey, even if imperfectly. Finally, it subtly introduces the theme of **divine accommodation to human weakness**, as God allows Lot to flee to a "small" city rather than the initially commanded mountains, demonstrating His compassion.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Genesis 19:22 captures a profound moment of divine interaction, revealing God's character and the mechanics of His judgment. The verse is composed of an urgent command, a remarkable declaration of divine restraint, and the subsequent renaming of a city.

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Haste (Hebrew, _mâhar_'):** From the root meaning "to be liquid or flow easily," this word implies a swift, prompt, and urgent movement. In this context, it emphasizes the critical need for immediate action from Lot, highlighting the imminent danger and the time-sensitive nature of God's impending judgment. It conveys a sense of rapid movement, often used adverbially to mean "quickly" or "speedily."
* **cannot (Hebrew, _yâkôl_'):** This word signifies the ability or power to do something. The negative "cannot" here is not an expression of divine impotence, but rather a self-imposed limitation based on God's character and principles. It indicates that the divine agent (the angel) is constrained by a higher decree or a divine promise, preventing the execution of judgment until a specific condition (Lot's safety) is met.
* **any thing (Hebrew, _dâbâr_'):** While broadly meaning "word" or "speech," in this context, _dâbâr_ refers to a "matter" or "thing," encompassing the entirety of the destructive act awaiting Sodom and Gomorrah. The phrase "cannot do any thing" thus means the angel is unable to perform *any part* of the judgment until Lot is secure, emphasizing the absolute nature of the divine restraint.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Haste thee, escape thither":** This imperative command, spoken by the angel to Lot, conveys the extreme urgency of the situation. It is a dual call to action: to move quickly ("haste") and to secure safety by fleeing ("escape") to the designated refuge ("thither," referring to Zoar). The repetition of the command for Lot to flee throughout the narrative highlights the non-negotiable requirement for swift obedience in the face of impending divine judgment. There is no room for delay or hesitation; the very act of escaping is intertwined with the timing of God's wrath. This urgency serves as a stark warning against complacency when confronted with God's warnings.
* **"for I cannot do any thing till thou be come thither.":** This is the theological core of the verse, revealing a profound divine principle. The angel, acting as God's agent, declares an inability to proceed with the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah until Lot, the one righteous individual (though flawed), is safely out of harm's way. This statement does not imply a limitation of God's omnipotence, but rather a self-imposed restraint rooted in His perfect justice, mercy, and faithfulness to His promise to protect the righteous. It demonstrates that God's judgment is precise, deliberate, and tempered with mercy, ensuring the safety of those He intends to save before His wrath is poured out. It powerfully illustrates the immense value God places on even one righteous soul, delaying cataclysmic events for their sake.
* **"Therefore the name of the city was called Zoar.":** The renaming of the city from its original name, Bela ([Genesis 14:2](/genesis/14-2 "Kings of cities including Bela (Zoar)")), to Zoar (Hebrew: צֹעַר, _Tso'ar_) is deeply significant. The name Zoar literally means "smallness" or "insignificance," directly reflecting Lot's plea in [Genesis 19:20](/genesis/19-20 "Lot's plea for Zoar") where he described it as a "little one" (_mits'ar_). This renaming permanently marks the city as the "small place" that served as a divinely appointed refuge for Lot. It highlights how God, in His compassion, accommodates human weakness and provides a way of escape, even if it deviates from His initial, perhaps more demanding, instructions (to flee to the mountains). It also underscores God's ability to use seemingly insignificant places or circumstances for His profound divine purposes of salvation and refuge.

#### Literary Devices
Genesis 19:22 employs several literary devices to convey its powerful message. The **Imperative Mood** is prominent in "Haste thee, escape thither," emphasizing the urgency and directness of the divine command. The angel's declaration, "I cannot do any thing," serves as a form of **Divine Anthropomorphism** or **Self-Limitation**, where God (through His agent) expresses a restraint on His power, not due to inability, but due to His unwavering commitment to justice and mercy. This statement also functions as **Dramatic Irony**, as the reader knows the immense power of God, yet here it is voluntarily held back. Finally, the renaming of the city to Zoar demonstrates **Etymological Significance**, where the new name directly reflects the circumstances of its naming and Lot's plea, imbuing the place with symbolic meaning as a "small refuge" and a testament to God's accommodating grace.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Genesis 19:22 encapsulates profound theological truths regarding divine judgment, mercy, and the nature of salvation. It reveals that God's wrath is not arbitrary but precisely timed and executed, always prioritizing the deliverance of His chosen ones. This self-imposed divine restraint highlights God's unwavering commitment to His promises and His deep compassion, even in the midst of righteous indignation. The urgency of the command to "haste" underscores the critical importance of immediate and decisive obedience to God's calls for repentance and escape from spiritual danger, reminding humanity that opportunities for salvation are often time-sensitive. Furthermore, the provision of Zoar as a refuge, despite Lot's imperfect faith and the city's insignificance, illustrates God's gracious accommodation of human weakness and His ability to use humble means to accomplish His grand purposes of salvation.

* [2 Peter 2:7-9](/2-peter/2-7-9 "God rescues the righteous")
* [Psalm 91:1-2](/psalm/91-1-2 "God is our refuge and fortress")
* [Proverbs 1:33](/proverbs/1-33 "Whoever listens to me will live in safety")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 19:22 offers timeless lessons for believers today, serving as a powerful reminder of God's character and our appropriate response. Firstly, it assures us of the certainty of God's judgment on sin, but more profoundly, it reveals His boundless mercy that consistently provides a way of escape for those who heed His call. Just as the angels would not act until Lot was safely out, God meticulously ensures the salvation of His people before the full outpouring of His wrath. Secondly, the imperative "Haste thee" emphasizes the critical importance of immediate and decisive action when God calls us to flee from spiritual danger or to embrace His salvation. There is no room for procrastination when eternal stakes are involved. Our ultimate refuge is found not in a physical city, but in God Himself, a secure haven from all spiritual and eternal judgment. This verse urges us not to neglect the great salvation offered through Christ, who is our ultimate Zoar, a place of safety and rest from the coming judgment.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the angel's statement, "I cannot do any thing till thou be come thither," deepen your understanding of God's justice and mercy?**
* **In what areas of your life might God be calling you to "haste" or "escape" from spiritual danger or compromise?**
* **How does the renaming of Bela to Zoar illustrate God's willingness to accommodate human weakness and provide refuge in unexpected places?**
* **What does this verse teach us about the value God places on even one righteous individual?**

### FAQ
**Why couldn't the angels act until Lot was safe in Zoar?**

Answer: The angel's statement, "for I cannot do any thing till thou be come thither," reveals a self-imposed divine limitation rooted in God's perfect justice and mercy. It signifies that God's judgment is precise and deliberate; He would not allow the destruction of the wicked cities to commence while a righteous individual (Lot), whom He had purposed to save, remained within the zone of judgment. This demonstrates God's unwavering commitment to protecting His own and His ordered nature, ensuring the deliverance of the righteous before the outpouring of His wrath. It is not a limitation of power, but a profound expression of divine principle and covenant faithfulness, highlighting the immense value God places on His chosen ones.

**What is the significance of the city being named Zoar?**

Answer: The city was originally called Bela ([Genesis 14:2](/genesis/14-2 "Kings of cities including Bela (Zoar)")), but its name was changed to Zoar (meaning "smallness" or "insignificance") because Lot himself described it as a "little one" in his desperate plea to the angels ([Genesis 19:20](/genesis/19-20 "Lot's plea for Zoar")). This renaming permanently reflects its modest size and its role as a divinely appointed, albeit humble, refuge. It signifies that God can use even seemingly insignificant places or circumstances to fulfill His profound purposes of salvation and refuge, and that He graciously accommodates human weakness by providing an accessible means of escape, even when His initial command (to flee to the mountains) might have seemed too daunting.

**Does this verse imply God is limited in His power?**

Answer: No, the verse does not imply a limitation of God's omnipotence. Rather, it reveals a self-imposed limitation based on God's character and covenant faithfulness. God, being perfectly just and merciful, chose to restrain His power of judgment until Lot, whom He had purposed to save, was safely out of the area of destruction. This demonstrates God's ordered nature, His commitment to His promises, and the immense value He places on the righteous, rather than any inherent lack of power. It is a testament to His moral perfection and His fidelity to His salvific plan, not a deficiency in His omnipotence.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Zoar offered Lot a temporary physical refuge from physical judgment, Christ offers ultimate and eternal refuge from spiritual judgment. He is the true "Zoar"—the humble, seemingly insignificant "small one" who, though born in Bethlehem, a "little" town ([Matthew 2:1-6](/matthew/2-1-6 "Jesus born in Bethlehem")), and appearing as a man among men, became the secure haven for all who flee the wrath to come. His sacrifice on the cross supremely fulfills the divine restraint shown in [Genesis 19:22](/genesis/19-22 "God's restraint for Lot"), as God's righteous judgment for sin was poured out on Him, the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), allowing believers to escape. His call to "flee" sin and come to Him is the ultimate urgent command, promising eternal safety and refuge from the spiritual destruction that awaits those who reject Him. In Christ, the promise of a secure dwelling place from divine wrath is fully realized, as He is our [refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble](/psalm/46-1 "Psalm 46:1 - God is our refuge"). Just as Lot found safety in Zoar, so too do believers find their ultimate and secure salvation in [Him who delivers us from the wrath to come](/1-thessalonians/1-10 "1 Thessalonians 1:10 - Jesus delivers us from wrath").

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 13:10

¶ And Lot lifted up his eyes, and beheld all the plain of Jordan, that it [was] well watered every where, before the LORD destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah, [even] as the garden of the LORD, like the land of Egypt, as thou comest unto Zoar.

Genesis 14:2

[That these] made war with Bera king of Sodom, and with Birsha king of Gomorrah, Shinab king of Admah, and Shemeber king of Zeboiim, and the king of Bela, which is Zoar.

Deuteronomy 9:14

Let me alone, that I may destroy them, and blot out their name from under heaven: and I will make of thee a nation mightier and greater than they.

Genesis 32:25

And when he saw that he prevailed not against him, he touched the hollow of his thigh; and the hollow of Jacob's thigh was out of joint, as he wrestled with him.

Genesis 32:28

And he said, Thy name shall be called no more Jacob, but Israel: for as a prince hast thou power with God and with men, and hast prevailed.

Exodus 32:10

Now therefore let me alone, that my wrath may wax hot against them, and that I may consume them: and I will make of thee a great nation.

Psalms 91:1

¶ He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.