Genesis 19:36

KJV

Thus were both the daughters of Lot with child by their father.

KJV (with Strong's)

Thus were both {H8147} the daughters {H1323} of Lot {H3876} with child {H2029} by their father {H1}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Thus both the daughters of Lot became pregnant by their father.

Berean Standard Bible

Thus both of Lot’s daughters became pregnant by their father.

American Standard Version

Thus were both the daughters of Lot with child by their father.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 19:36 delivers a stark and unambiguous declaration, confirming the tragic and morally reprehensible outcome of the daughters of Lot's desperate plan: both became pregnant by their own father. This verse serves as a sober, unvarnished confirmation of the incestuous acts detailed in the preceding narrative, highlighting the profound moral degradation that can occur in extreme circumstances and underscoring the Bible's unflinching portrayal of human sin and its far-reaching consequences.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse concludes the deeply disturbing account of Lot and his daughters following the catastrophic destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. Having narrowly escaped the divine judgment, Lot, along with his two daughters, sought refuge in a cave after his wife perished by looking back and becoming [a pillar of salt](/genesis/19-26 "Lot's Wife Becomes a Pillar of Salt"). Isolated and fearing the extinction of their family line, the daughters, without consulting Lot, conceived and executed a plan to ensure progeny by intoxicating their father and engaging in incestuous relations with him over two successive nights, as meticulously described in [Genesis 19:30-35](/genesis/19-30-35 "Lot and His Daughters in the Cave"). Genesis 19:36, therefore, acts as the grim culmination and factual confirmation of these acts, setting the stage for the subsequent birth of Moab and Ben-Ammi.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, the preservation of family lineage and the continuation of a patriarchal household were paramount. The fear expressed by Lot's daughters—that "there is not a man on earth to come in unto us after the manner of all the earth" ([Genesis 19:31](/genesis/19-31 "The Daughters' Fear of No Descendants"))—reflects the cultural imperative for procreation and the perceived necessity of male heirs. While the method they chose was a severe violation of universal moral norms and later explicitly forbidden by Mosaic Law as an abomination ([Leviticus 18:6-7](/leviticus/18-6-7 "Prohibition of Incest")), their desperation arose from a context where a woman's identity and security were often tied to her marital status and ability to bear children. The geographical isolation in the cave further exacerbated their sense of urgency and limited their perceived options, leading to a profound moral lapse.

* **Key Themes:** Genesis 19:36 contributes significantly to several major themes woven throughout the book of Genesis and the broader biblical narrative. It powerfully illustrates the **pervasiveness of human sin** and moral corruption, even among those spared from divine judgment, underscoring humanity's fallen nature (cf. [Genesis 6:5](/genesis/6-5 "The Wickedness of Man")). The verse also highlights the **consequences of moral compromise and desperation**, showing how extreme circumstances can lead to actions that violate fundamental divine and natural laws. Furthermore, it serves as an etiological narrative, providing the origin story for the **Moabite and Ammonite nations**, peoples who would later become significant, often adversarial, figures in Israel's history, demonstrating how even through deeply flawed and sinful acts, God's sovereign plan continues to unfold, shaping the destinies of nations (cf. [Deuteronomy 23:3-6](/deuteronomy/23-3-6 "Exclusion of Ammonites and Moabites")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **daughters (Hebrew, _bath'_ - H1323):** This term, derived from the root meaning "to build" (בָּנָה, _banah_), emphasizes the role of daughters in building a family line. Here, it tragically highlights the very individuals who, in their desperation to "build" a family, engaged in an act that simultaneously undermined the foundational structure of the family unit. The use of "both" (H8147, _shᵉnayim_) further stresses the joint nature of their transgression.
* **with child (Hebrew, _hârâh'_ - H2029):** This primitive root signifies the state of being pregnant or conceiving, whether literally or figuratively. In this context, it is a stark, unadorned declaration of a physical reality. The Hebrew text offers no euphemism or softening of the truth, directly stating the biological outcome of the incestuous union. This directness underscores the Bible's commitment to portraying human events, even the most disturbing, with unvarnished accuracy.
* **father (Hebrew, _ʼâb'_ - H1):** This fundamental word denotes the male parent, a figure typically associated with protection, provision, and moral guidance. The use of "father" in this context is profoundly shocking, as it identifies the direct violation of one of the most sacred and foundational relationships, highlighting the complete breakdown of natural and divine order within this family unit.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Thus were both the daughters of Lot":** This opening clause serves as a direct and immediate consequence of the preceding narrative. The word "Thus" (וַתַּהֲרֶ֣יןָ, _wataharenah_, implied in the verb form) links the outcome directly to the daughters' actions described in [Genesis 19:30-35](/genesis/19-30-35 "Lot and His Daughters' Plan"). The explicit mention of "both" emphasizes the shared culpability and the complete success of their desperate, albeit morally reprehensible, plan.
* **"with child":** This phrase unequivocally states the physical reality of pregnancy. The Hebrew verb (הָרוֹת, _harot_, from H2029) is a simple, factual declaration, leaving no room for ambiguity. It is a stark confirmation of the biological result of the incestuous acts, underscoring the undeniable consequences of their choices.
* **"by their father":** This final, shocking phrase identifies the source of the conception, leaving no doubt about the incestuous nature of the event. It highlights the profound moral transgression and the complete collapse of familial boundaries and natural law. This detail is crucial for understanding the ethical gravity of the passage and its implications for the lineage that follows.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in Genesis 19:36 is **Unvarnished Realism** or **Direct Statement**. The text presents the grim outcome with stark simplicity and no attempt at euphemism or moral commentary within the verse itself. This directness reflects the biblical narrative's commitment to portraying human history, including its darkest chapters, without embellishment. The verse also employs **Foreshadowing**, as this factual statement about conception sets the stage for the birth of the Moabite and Ammonite nations, whose future interactions with Israel will be a recurring theme throughout the Old Testament. The brevity and bluntness of the statement amplify its shocking impact, leaving the reader to grapple with the profound moral implications of the act.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This somber verse, while disturbing, offers profound theological insights into the depths of human depravity and the pervasive nature of sin, even in the lives of those who have experienced divine deliverance. It underscores that human desperation, when untethered from divine principles, can lead to severe moral compromise and the violation of fundamental natural and familial laws. The narrative unflinchingly records this act, not to condone it, but to illustrate the severe consequences of isolation, a distorted sense of necessity, and a departure from God's established order. Ultimately, it serves as a stark reminder of humanity's fallen nature and the enduring ripple effects of sinful choices across generations.

* [Leviticus 18:6](/leviticus/18-6 "Prohibition of Incest")
* [Deuteronomy 23:3](/deuteronomy/23-3 "Exclusion of Ammonites and Moabites from the Assembly")
* [Romans 1:24-25](/romans/1-24-25 "God Gives Them Over to Impurity")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This somber passage offers critical insights for believers today, underscoring the dangers of succumbing to extreme circumstances without steadfast reliance on God's guidance and moral law. It serves as a powerful reminder that isolation and desperation can profoundly distort judgment, leading to grave moral compromise. The narrative emphasizes the importance of maintaining a strong connection to community and unwavering adherence to divine principles, even when faced with overwhelming pressure or perceived lack of options. Furthermore, the long-term, intergenerational consequences of the daughters' actions, as seen in the subsequent history of the Moabites and Ammonites, powerfully illustrate that sinful choices carry far-reaching ripple effects. This urges believers to live righteously, considering the broader impact of their decisions on future generations and the testimony of God's people.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do extreme circumstances or perceived isolation influence our moral decision-making, and what safeguards can we put in place to prevent compromise?**
* **What does this passage teach us about the long-term, intergenerational consequences of sin, and how should this awareness shape our actions today?**
* **In what ways does this narrative challenge or reinforce our understanding of God's sovereignty and His ability to work even through human brokenness?**

### FAQ
**Why is this disturbing event included in the biblical narrative?**

Answer: The Bible, as a divinely inspired text, presents a realistic and unvarnished account of human history, including its darkest moments. This event is recorded not to condone incest but to demonstrate the pervasive nature of sin, the consequences of moral compromise, and the origins of nations that would later interact with Israel. It provides crucial historical and theological context for future biblical narratives, showing how even deeply flawed human actions fit into God's larger, often mysterious, providential plan, as seen in the later interactions between Israel and the [Moabites and Ammonites](/deuteronomy/23-3-6 "Exclusion of Ammonites and Moabites").

**What was the fate of the descendants of Lot's daughters?**

Answer: The children born from this union became the ancestors of two distinct nations: the Moabites (from the elder daughter's son, Moab) and the Ammonites (from the younger daughter's son, Ben-Ammi). These nations later became significant, often adversarial, figures in Israel's history, engaging in conflict and idolatry. For example, the Moabites famously hired Balaam to curse Israel in [Numbers 22](/numbers/22 "Balaam and the King of Moab"), and both nations were excluded from the assembly of the Lord for ten generations due to their hostility towards Israel during the Exodus ([Deuteronomy 23:3-6](/deuteronomy/23-3-6 "Exclusion of Ammonites and Moabites")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Even within this dark and disturbing narrative, the overarching theme of God's sovereign plan working through flawed humanity can be observed, ultimately pointing to Christ. While the origins of the Moabites and Ammonites are rooted in profound sin and moral transgression, God's redemptive plan is so vast and encompassing that it can incorporate and even redeem elements from such brokenness. Notably, Ruth, a Moabitess, is later found in the lineage of King David ([Ruth 4:18-22](/ruth/4-18-22 "The Genealogy of David")) and, by extension, in the very genealogy of Jesus Christ ([Matthew 1:1-17](/matthew/1-1-17 "The Genealogy of Jesus Christ")). This inclusion powerfully demonstrates God's boundless grace, His ability to bring good from tragic and sinful circumstances, and His willingness to include those from unexpected and even morally compromised origins into His covenant purposes. It underscores that God's redemptive work transcends human failure, ultimately fulfilling His promise of a Messiah who would come not just for Israel, but for all humanity, drawing people from every nation into His glorious kingdom ([Revelation 7:9-10](/revelation/7-9-10 "A Great Multitude from Every Nation")).

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

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!

Genesis 19:8

Behold now, I have two daughters which have not known man; let me, I pray you, bring them out unto you, and do ye to them as [is] good in your eyes: only unto these men do nothing; for therefore came they under the shadow of my roof.

1 Samuel 15:33

And Samuel said, As thy sword hath made women childless, so shall thy mother be childless among women. And Samuel hewed Agag in pieces before the LORD in Gilgal.

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.

Judges 1:7

And Adonibezek said, Threescore and ten kings, having their thumbs and their great toes cut off, gathered [their meat] under my table: as I have done, so God hath requited me. And they brought him to Jerusalem, and there he died.

Matthew 7:2

For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.