Genesis 19:5

KJV

And they called unto Lot, and said unto him, Where [are] the men which came in to thee this night? bring them out unto us, that we may know them.

KJV (with Strong's)

And they called {H7121} unto Lot {H3876}, and said {H559} unto him, Where are the men {H582} which came in {H935} to thee this night {H3915}? bring them out {H3318} unto us, that we may know {H3045} them.

Complete Jewish Bible

They called Lot and said to him, "Where are the men who came to stay with you tonight? Bring them out to us! We want to have sex with them!"

Berean Standard Bible

They called out to Lot, saying, “Where are the men who came to you tonight? Send them out to us so we can have relations with them!”

American Standard Version

and they called unto Lot, and said unto him, Where are the men that came in to thee this night? bring them out unto us, that we may know them.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 19:5 starkly unveils the profound moral degradation of Sodom, portraying the collective and aggressive demand of the city's men for Lot to surrender his angelic guests "that we may know them." This chilling phrase functions as a euphemism for intended sexual assault, specifically homosexual rape, unequivocally exposing the extreme depravity that permeated the city and firmly establishing the divine judgment that was imminently to be unleashed upon it.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a pivotal moment following Abraham's intercession with God in [Genesis 18](/genesis/18 "Abraham's Intercession for Sodom"), where God reveals His intent to destroy Sodom due to its grievous sin. The narrative then shifts to the arrival of two angels, disguised as men, in Sodom, where Lot extends hospitality by inviting them into his home ([Genesis 19:1-3](/genesis/19-1-3 "Angels arrive in Sodom and Lot's hospitality")). Lot's righteous act of hospitality, a deeply esteemed virtue in the ancient Near East, stands in stark contrast to the city's immediate and violent response. The events of [Genesis 19:4-11](/genesis/19-4-11 "The Men of Sodom Demand Lot's Guests") serve as the ultimate confirmation of Sodom's incurable wickedness, directly preceding the city's catastrophic destruction, thus fulfilling the divine decree.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, hospitality was a sacred and inviolable custom, offering protection to travelers and strangers. To violate this custom was considered an egregious offense, often inviting divine wrath. Lot's sitting at the city gate ([Genesis 19:1](/genesis/19-1 "Lot at the City Gate")), a place of public assembly, commerce, and legal judgment, indicates his position of influence or at least his readiness to engage with the public. The demand to "know" the guests carries a specific cultural weight; while `yādaʻ` (to know) can mean intellectual acquaintance, in the context of persons and sexual relations, it is a well-established biblical euphemism for sexual intercourse, as seen in [Genesis 4:1](/genesis/4-1 "Adam knew Eve"). The collective, aggressive nature of the demand by "all the people from every quarter" underscores a pervasive societal perversion rather than isolated acts.
* **Key Themes:** Genesis 19:5 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Genesis and biblical theology. It highlights the theme of **Divine Judgment** against unrepentant sin, particularly when wickedness becomes systemic and public, as foreshadowed in [Genesis 13:13](/genesis/13-13 "The Wickedness of Sodom"). It underscores the **Depravity of Humanity** when left to its own devices, contrasting sharply with the **Righteousness of God**. The narrative also emphasizes the **Importance of Hospitality** as a divine mandate, juxtaposing Lot's virtue with Sodom's vice. Furthermore, it sets the stage for the theme of **God's Preservation of the Righteous**, even within a corrupt society, as Lot and his family are spared from the impending destruction.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
The King James Version text of Genesis 19:5 records the chilling demand: "And they called unto Lot, and said unto him, Where [are] the men which came in to thee this night? bring them out unto us, that we may know them." This statement, seemingly innocuous on the surface, carries profound implications due to the specific Hebrew verbs and the context of their usage.

#### Key Word Analysis
* **know (Hebrew, _yâdaʻ'_):** (H3045) A primitive root meaning "to know," but used in a great variety of senses, including figuratively and euphemistically. In contexts involving persons in intimate settings, particularly when coupled with aggressive intent, it signifies sexual intercourse, as in the idiom "[phrase] lie by man." Here, the demand by the men of Sodom to "know" Lot's guests, coupled with Lot's desperate offer of his daughters ([Genesis 19:8](/genesis/19-8 "Lot's offer of his daughters")), unequivocally points to an intent for sexual violation, specifically homosexual rape.
* **men (Hebrew, _ʼĕnôwsh'_):** (H582) Properly, "a mortal," distinguishing from the more dignified `ʼādām` (man, mankind). It refers to a man in general, singly or collectively. The use of `ʼĕnôwsh` here emphasizes that it was the general male population of Sodom, from "every quarter" ([Genesis 19:4](/genesis/19-4 "All the men of Sodom surround Lot's house")), who made this demand, highlighting the widespread nature of the city's depravity.
* **bring them out (Hebrew, _yâtsâʼ'_):** (H3318) A primitive root meaning "to go or come (causatively, bring) out." This verb highlights the aggressive and forceful nature of the Sodomites' demand. They were not merely asking to meet the guests but were demanding their physical extraction from Lot's home, intending to subject them to public humiliation and sexual assault.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And they called unto Lot, and said unto him":** This opening clause establishes the direct confrontation. "They" refers to the men of Sodom, who had surrounded Lot's house, indicating a collective, unified, and intimidating action. Their addressing Lot directly underscores their challenge to his authority as head of the household and their blatant disregard for the sacred laws of hospitality he was upholding.
* **"Where [are] the men which came in to thee this night?":** This is a direct, accusatory question, revealing the Sodomites' immediate awareness of the guests' arrival and their predatory focus. The phrase "came in to thee this night" emphasizes the guests' vulnerable status as strangers seeking shelter, a status that should have afforded them protection, not made them targets. The question is not one of genuine inquiry but a prelude to a demand.
* **"bring them out unto us, that we may know them":** This is the core of the Sodomites' demand and the most damning statement of their depravity. "Bring them out unto us" is an imperative, a forceful command for Lot to surrender his guests. The concluding phrase, "that we may know them," uses the euphemistic Hebrew verb `yâdaʻ` (to know). In this context, given the aggressive mob, Lot's subsequent desperate offer of his virgin daughters ([Genesis 19:8](/genesis/19-8 "Lot offers his daughters")), and the angels' later intervention, the meaning is unequivocally a demand for sexual intercourse, specifically homosexual rape. This reveals a society consumed by perverse desires, utterly devoid of moral restraint, and willing to commit extreme violence.

#### Literary Devices
Genesis 19:5 employs several potent literary devices. The most prominent is **Euphemism**, specifically in the phrase "that we may know them." While "know" can have various meanings, its use here is a veiled, yet transparent, reference to sexual intercourse, made clear by the violent context and Lot's desperate reaction. This euphemism underscores the depravity by implying an act so heinous it is not spoken directly, yet its meaning is universally understood within the narrative. The scene also utilizes **Foreshadowing**, as the aggressive, unrepentant wickedness of the Sodomites confirms the divine judgment previously announced in [Genesis 18](/genesis/18 "Abraham's Intercession for Sodom"), signaling the imminent destruction of the city. Furthermore, there is a stark **Contrast** between Lot's adherence to the sacred laws of hospitality and the Sodomites' utter contempt for them, highlighting the moral chasm between the righteous remnant and the corrupt society. The sheer number of men, "all the people from every quarter," creates an element of **Hyperbole** or extreme exaggeration, emphasizing the pervasive and universal nature of the city's sin, suggesting that no one was free from its moral decay.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Genesis 19:5 serves as a profound theological statement on the nature of sin, divine justice, and the sanctity of moral order. It illustrates how unchecked and pervasive sin, particularly sexual perversion and violence, can utterly corrupt a society, leading to its moral bankruptcy and ultimately inviting severe divine judgment. The incident underscores God's absolute holiness and His inability to tolerate such profound evil, affirming His character as a righteous judge who holds humanity accountable for its actions. The narrative also reinforces the biblical emphasis on hospitality as a reflection of God's own welcoming nature and a fundamental aspect of righteous living, contrasting Lot's virtue with Sodom's vice. The judgment upon Sodom is not merely punitive but serves as a historical and enduring warning against the progression of sin from individual acts to widespread societal norms, demonstrating that there comes a point where divine intervention is not only justified but necessary.

* [Jude 1:7](/jude/1-7 "Sodom and Gomorrah as an example of eternal fire")
* [2 Peter 2:6-8](/2_peter/2-6-8 "Sodom and Gomorrah made an example for the ungodly")
* [Romans 1:26-27](/romans/1-26-27 "Paul's teaching on unnatural affections")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The chilling demand in Genesis 19:5 encapsulates the moral bankruptcy of Sodom, providing irrefutable evidence for God's decision to bring judgment upon it. It serves as a timeless testament to the destructive consequences of rampant sin, especially when it becomes normalized, aggressively asserted, and even celebrated within a community. For believers today, this passage is a solemn reminder of the importance of upholding righteousness and biblical morality, even in the face of widespread societal decay and cultural pressure. It calls us to discern the signs of sin that grieve the Holy Spirit and to stand firm in our convictions, demonstrating courageous faithfulness in an increasingly morally ambiguous world. This narrative reaffirms the unchanging nature of God's justice and holiness, reminding us that while His patience is vast, His judgment is certain for unrepentant wickedness, urging us to live lives that honor Him and reflect His character.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the collective nature of Sodom's sin in Genesis 19:5 challenge our understanding of individual versus societal responsibility for moral decay?**
* **What lessons can believers today draw from Lot's desperate attempt to protect his guests, even at great personal cost, regarding standing for righteousness in a corrupt environment?**
* **In what ways might contemporary society exhibit similar patterns of normalizing or asserting sin that could invite divine displeasure?**

### FAQ

**What is the precise meaning of "that we may know them" in Genesis 19:5?**

Answer: In this specific and highly charged context, the Hebrew verb `yādaʻ` (H3045), translated as "to know," unequivocally refers to intimate sexual knowledge. While `yādaʻ` has a broad semantic range, its usage here, coupled with the aggressive, collective demand by the men of Sodom for Lot to "bring them out," and Lot's subsequent desperate offer of his virgin daughters ([Genesis 19:8](/genesis/19-8 "Lot's offer of his daughters")), leaves no doubt that their intent was to commit sexual assault, specifically homosexual rape. This highlights the profound perversion and violent intent prevalent in the city, making the euphemism clear to the ancient reader.

**Why was Sodom destroyed, and how does Genesis 19:5 contribute to understanding its sin?**

Answer: Sodom was destroyed due to its extreme and pervasive wickedness, which encompassed a range of sins including pride, idleness, indifference to the poor and needy, and particularly rampant sexual immorality and violence, as described in [Ezekiel 16:49-50](/ezekiel/16-49-50 "The Sins of Sodom and Samaria"). Genesis 19:5 provides the most explicit and immediate evidence of this depravity, demonstrating the city's collective embrace of unnatural and violent sexual desires, even against guests under the protection of hospitality. This incident served as the final, undeniable proof that Sodom's sin had reached a point of no return, where divine judgment was not only justified but a necessary act of God's holiness and justice.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Genesis 19:5 vividly depicts human depravity and the ensuing divine judgment, it ultimately points to Christ as the ultimate answer to humanity's sin and the fulfillment of God's righteous judgment and boundless mercy. Christ, the perfectly righteous Son of God, stands in stark contrast to the pervasive wickedness of Sodom, embodying the holiness, purity, and perfect love that humanity so desperately lacks. He is the one through whom God's judgment is ultimately executed, as He Himself warned of a judgment more severe for those who reject His light than for Sodom ([Matthew 11:23-24](/matthew/11-23-24 "Woe to Capernaum and Bethsaida")). Yet, Christ also offers the only escape from such judgment, providing salvation, forgiveness, and radical transformation from sin through His atoning sacrifice on the cross. He is the ultimate Deliverer, offering repentance and a new life that stands in stark opposition to the destructive path exemplified by Sodom. Through His Spirit, He empowers believers to live lives of righteousness and true hospitality, reflecting God's character and anticipating the new heavens and new earth where righteousness dwells ([2 Peter 3:13](/2_peter/3-13 "The New Heavens and New Earth")).

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

Judges 19:22

¶ [Now] as they were making their hearts merry, behold, the men of the city, certain sons of Belial, beset the house round about, [and] beat at the door, and spake to the master of the house, the old man, saying, Bring forth the man that came into thine house, that we may know him.

Isaiah 3:9

¶ The shew of their countenance doth witness against them; and they declare their sin as Sodom, they hide [it] not. Woe unto their soul! for they have rewarded evil unto themselves.

Jude 1:7

Even as Sodom and Gomorrha, and the cities about them in like manner, giving themselves over to fornication, and going after strange flesh, are set forth for an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire.

Leviticus 18:22

Thou shalt not lie with mankind, as with womankind: it [is] abomination.

Romans 1:26

For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature:

Romans 1:27

And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet.

1 Corinthians 6:9

¶ Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind,