Genesis 19:33

KJV

And they made their father drink wine that night: and the firstborn went in, and lay with her father; and he perceived not when she lay down, nor when she arose.

KJV (with Strong's)

And they made {H8248} their father {H1} drink {H8248} wine {H3196} that night {H3915}: and the firstborn {H1067} went in {H935}, and lay {H7901} with her father {H1}; and he perceived {H3045} not when she lay down {H7901}, nor when she arose {H6965}.

Complete Jewish Bible

So they plied their father with wine that night, and the older one went in and slept with her father; he didn't know when she lay down or when she got up.

Berean Standard Bible

So that night they got their father drunk with wine, and the firstborn went in and slept with her father; he was not aware when she lay down or when she got up.

American Standard Version

And they made their father drink wine that night: and the first-born went in, and lay with her father; and he knew not when she lay down, nor when she arose.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 19:33 starkly portrays a morally desperate act by Lot's daughters, who, believing themselves to be the last hope for humanity's continuation after the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, conspire to intoxicate their father. The verse details the first night of this incestuous scheme, where the elder daughter lies with Lot, who, rendered completely oblivious by the wine, remains unaware of the profound violation occurring. This disturbing account underscores the extreme lengths to which perceived necessity can drive human behavior, the devastating consequences of intoxication, and the pervasive nature of sin even in the aftermath of divine judgment.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Genesis 19:33 is situated immediately following the divine judgment upon Sodom and Gomorrah, from which Lot and his two daughters are miraculously delivered by angels. The preceding verses ([Genesis 19:15-26](/genesis/19-15-26 "Lot's Escape from Sodom and Gomorrah")) describe their urgent escape and the tragic fate of Lot's wife, who disobeys the angelic warning and is turned into a pillar of salt. Lot and his daughters then seek refuge in a cave in the mountains, a place of isolation and perceived desolation. This verse initiates a new, dark chapter in their story, driven by the daughters' perceived need to preserve their family line, directly leading to the origins of the Moabite and Ammonite peoples.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, the continuation of a family line was paramount, often seen as a form of immortality and a sacred duty. The concept of "raising up offspring" for a deceased kinsman (levirate marriage, though not directly applicable here, illustrates the cultural emphasis on lineage) or ensuring the survival of a clan was deeply ingrained. The daughters' actions, while abhorrent, are presented within a context where they genuinely believe all other potential mates have been annihilated in the cataclysm. Their isolation in the cave, away from any surviving populations, likely reinforced this extreme perception. Furthermore, the narrative implicitly critiques the dangers of intoxication, a theme common in biblical wisdom literature, where loss of control often leads to moral failure.
* **Key Themes:** This passage contributes to several overarching themes in Genesis and the broader biblical narrative. It highlights the **pervasiveness of human sin and depravity**, demonstrating that even those spared from judgment can quickly succumb to moral compromise, as seen in the daughters' scheme and Lot's vulnerability. It also explores the **consequences of human desperation and fear**, showing how extreme circumstances can lead individuals to violate fundamental moral boundaries. Furthermore, the narrative continues the theme of **lineage and covenant**, albeit through a morally compromised origin, setting the stage for the future interactions between Israel and the Moabite and Ammonite nations, whose origins are explicitly traced back to these events in [Genesis 19:37-38](/genesis/19-37-38 "The Birth of Moab and Ammon"). The story also serves as a cautionary tale regarding the **dangers of intoxication**, a theme echoed in later wisdom literature like [Proverbs 20:1](/proverbs/20-1 "Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **father (Hebrew, _ʼâb'_):** (H1) This term denotes Lot, the direct paternal figure. Its use here emphasizes the profound violation of familial bonds and natural order inherent in the incestuous act. The daughters' scheme targets their own father, highlighting the depth of their desperation and the moral degradation.
* **drink (Hebrew, _shâqâh'_):** (H8248) This primitive root means "to quaff" or "to furnish a potion to." Here, it is used causatively, indicating the daughters actively "made their father drink" wine. This highlights their premeditated action and their intent to incapacitate Lot, removing his agency and awareness.
* **firstborn (Hebrew, _bᵉkîyrâh'_):** (H1067) This feminine noun specifically refers to the eldest daughter. The text's explicit mention of "the firstborn" and then "the younger" in the subsequent verse ([Genesis 19:34](/genesis/19-34 "The Younger Daughter's Scheme")) emphasizes the systematic and sequential nature of their plan, with each daughter taking her turn.
* **perceived (Hebrew, _yâdaʻ'_):** (H3045) This versatile primitive root means "to know," "to ascertain by seeing," or "to be aware." In this context, the negative "he perceived not" (wəloʾ-yāḏaʿ) is crucial, underscoring Lot's complete lack of awareness or knowledge of the sexual act. This ignorance is directly attributed to his intoxication, mitigating his direct culpability for the sexual sin while still implicating him in the broader moral failure of drunkenness.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And they made their father drink wine that night:"** This clause establishes the daughters' initiative and the calculated nature of their plan. They are the active agents in intoxicating Lot, setting the stage for the subsequent events. The mention of "that night" emphasizes the darkness and secrecy surrounding the act, a common biblical motif for deeds of shame.
* **"and the firstborn went in, and lay with her father;"** This is the direct and unambiguous description of the incestuous act. The Hebrew verb "lay" (shâkab) is a common euphemism for sexual intercourse, leaving no doubt about the nature of the encounter. The phrase "went in" further emphasizes the physical intimacy and violation.
* **"and he perceived not when she lay down, nor when she arose."** This concluding clause highlights Lot's state of utter unconsciousness or extreme intoxication. His inability to "perceive" (yada') or know what happened, both at the beginning and end of the act, is central to understanding his passive role and the daughters' deception. It underscores the profound dangers of drunkenness, which can render an individual completely vulnerable and unaware of grievous sin committed against or by them.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several potent literary devices. **Irony** is evident in the fact that Lot, who was miraculously saved from the moral depravity of Sodom, now becomes a participant, albeit unwitting, in an equally grievous sin. The divine judgment on Sodom was for its sexual perversion, and here, a form of sexual perversion occurs within the family of the one spared. The **Repetition** of Lot's lack of perception ("he perceived not when she lay down, nor when she arose") emphasizes his complete incapacitation and the daughters' successful manipulation. The **Foreshadowing** of the future Moabite and Ammonite nations through this act of incest subtly points to the morally compromised origins of these peoples, which will later be significant in Israel's history. The stark, unadorned language used to describe the act itself (e.g., "lay with her father") serves as a form of **Understatement** or **Litotes**, allowing the shocking nature of the event to speak for itself without excessive embellishment, thus increasing its impact.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This disturbing narrative serves as a stark reminder of the pervasive reach of sin, even into the lives of those who have experienced divine deliverance. While Lot and his daughters were spared from the fiery judgment of Sodom, they quickly fall prey to a different form of moral corruption, driven by fear and desperation. This illustrates the inherent human tendency towards sin, regardless of external circumstances or divine intervention, emphasizing the need for ongoing spiritual vigilance and reliance on God's grace. The passage also highlights the severe consequences of intoxication, which impairs judgment and renders individuals vulnerable to grievous sin and exploitation.

* [Proverbs 23:31-35](/proverbs/23-31-35 "Warnings Against Drunkenness")
* [Ephesians 5:18](/ephesians/5-18 "Be Filled with the Spirit, Not Drunk with Wine")
* [Romans 1:28-32](/romans/1-28-32 "The Depravity of Humanity")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The account in Genesis 19:33, though unsettling, offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. It compels us to examine the sources of our own decisions, particularly when confronted with fear or perceived hopelessness. The daughters' actions, born of extreme desperation, serve as a cautionary tale against allowing circumstances, no matter how dire, to dictate our moral compass. Our hope and security must always be rooted in God's sovereign plan and unfailing provision, rather than in human schemes that violate His commands. Furthermore, Lot's unwitting complicity due to intoxication is a powerful warning against the dangers of excessive alcohol consumption. It underscores how losing control of one's faculties can lead to vulnerability, moral compromise, and a loss of dignity and awareness, making one susceptible to sin and exploitation. This narrative calls us to cultivate sobriety, self-control, and a steadfast commitment to God's standards, trusting that His grace is sufficient even in the most challenging of times.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do I respond when faced with extreme fear or perceived hopelessness? Do I tend to trust in God's provision or resort to human schemes?**
* **What are the subtle ways in which desperation might tempt me to compromise my moral convictions?**
* **In what areas of my life might I be susceptible to losing self-control, and how can I cultivate greater discipline and reliance on the Holy Spirit?**
* **How does this passage deepen my understanding of the pervasive nature of sin and the constant need for God's grace and forgiveness?**

### FAQ

**Why did Lot's daughters believe there were no other men on earth?**

Answer: After witnessing the cataclysmic destruction of Sodom, Gomorrah, and the surrounding cities, and having been explicitly instructed by the angels to flee to the mountains and not look back (as seen in [Genesis 19:17](/genesis/19-17 "The Angel's Warning to Lot")), Lot's daughters likely interpreted the widespread devastation as a complete annihilation of all humanity outside of their immediate family. Their subsequent isolation in the cave, away from any signs of life or other human settlements, would have reinforced this perception of utter desolation, leading them to believe they were the last hope for human procreation.

**Was Lot culpable for the incestuous act?**

Answer: The text states that Lot "perceived not" the act, emphasizing his complete unawareness due to his extreme intoxication. This mitigates his direct culpability for willingly participating in the sexual act itself. However, Lot is certainly culpable for his state of profound drunkenness. The Bible consistently warns against the dangers of excessive alcohol consumption, which impairs judgment and renders an individual vulnerable to sin and exploitation. While the daughters were the instigators and deceivers, Lot's failure to maintain sobriety created the conditions for this moral atrocity, making him indirectly responsible for the situation that unfolded.

**What is the significance of the offspring born from these acts?**

Answer: The sons born from these incestuous unions were Moab (from the elder daughter) and Ben-Ammi (the progenitor of the Ammonites, from the younger daughter), as detailed in [Genesis 19:37-38](/genesis/19-37-38 "The Birth of Moab and Ammon"). These two nations, the Moabites and the Ammonites, became significant and often antagonistic neighbors to Israel throughout their history. Their origins in incest and Lot's moral failure served as a perpetual reminder of their separation from the covenant people of God and their morally compromised beginnings. This narrative explains the deep-seated animosity and cultural distinctions between Israel and these nations, which are frequently mentioned in subsequent biblical books like [Numbers 22-24](/numbers/22 "Balaam and the Moabites") and [Judges 10:6-9](/judges/10-6-9 "Ammonite Oppression").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Genesis 19:33 paints a grim picture of human depravity and moral compromise, it powerfully underscores the profound need for a divine Savior. This narrative demonstrates that even those who have witnessed God's direct intervention and judgment remain susceptible to the pervasive corruption of sin, highlighting humanity's inherent brokenness and inability to redeem itself. In the person and work of Jesus Christ, we find the ultimate answer to such moral darkness. His perfect life, atoning death on the cross, and victorious resurrection provide the only true escape from the cycle of sin, desperation, and moral failure that Lot's family exemplifies. The fact that God's redemptive plan, culminating in Christ, unfolds even through such morally compromised lineages (for instance, Ruth, a Moabitess, is found in Christ's genealogy in [Matthew 1:5](/matthew/1-5 "Ruth in Jesus' Genealogy")) beautifully illustrates His sovereign grace and His ability to work His purposes despite, and even through, human sin. Christ is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world, offering forgiveness and new life where only despair and depravity once reigned, as proclaimed in [John 1:29](/john/1-29 "Jesus, the Lamb of God"). He is the one who delivers us from the power of darkness and transfers us into His kingdom of light, as celebrated in [Colossians 1:13-14](/colossians/1-13-14 "Redemption Through Christ").

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

Leviticus 18:6

¶ None of you shall approach to any that is near of kin to him, to uncover [their] nakedness: I [am] the LORD.

Leviticus 18:7

The nakedness of thy father, or the nakedness of thy mother, shalt thou not uncover: she [is] thy mother; thou shalt not uncover her nakedness.

Proverbs 23:29

¶ Who hath woe? who hath sorrow? who hath contentions? who hath babbling? who hath wounds without cause? who hath redness of eyes?

Proverbs 23:35

They have stricken me, [shalt thou say, and] I was not sick; they have beaten me, [and] I felt [it] not: when shall I awake? I will seek it yet again.

Habakkuk 2:15

¶ Woe unto him that giveth his neighbour drink, that puttest thy bottle to [him], and makest [him] drunken also, that thou mayest look on their nakedness!

Habakkuk 2:16

Thou art filled with shame for glory: drink thou also, and let thy foreskin be uncovered: the cup of the LORD'S right hand shall be turned unto thee, and shameful spewing [shall be] on thy glory.

Proverbs 20:1

¶ Wine [is] a mocker, strong drink [is] raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise.