Genesis 19:7

KJV

And said, I pray you, brethren, do not so wickedly.

KJV (with Strong's)

And said {H559}, I pray you, brethren {H251}, do not so wickedly {H7489}.

Complete Jewish Bible

and said, "Please, my brothers, don't do such a wicked thing.

Berean Standard Bible

“Please, my brothers,” he pleaded, “don’t do such a wicked thing!

American Standard Version

And he said, I pray you, my brethren, do not so wickedly.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 19:7 captures Lot's desperate and courageous plea to the men of Sodom, who have surrounded his home with the heinous demand to sexually assault his angelic guests. This pivotal verse immediately precedes the city's catastrophic divine judgment, serving as a stark illustration of the extreme moral degradation and flagrant violation of sacred hospitality that characterized Sodom's inhabitants, as Lot attempts to avert their wicked intent.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Genesis 19:7 is situated at a critical and intensely dramatic juncture in the narrative of Sodom and Gomorrah, immediately preceding their catastrophic destruction. The chapter opens with two angels, appearing as men, arriving in Sodom. Lot, Abraham's nephew, demonstrates commendable hospitality by insisting they lodge with him, providing them shelter and a meal. As night descends, the men of the city, encompassing all ages and social strata, converge on Lot's house, forming a menacing mob. Their demand, "Bring them out to us, that we may know them," is a clear euphemism for homosexual gang rape, underscoring the profound moral depravity and rampant wickedness that had permeated Sodom. This mob's aggressive intent confirms the "great cry" against the city that had reached God's ears, as described in [Genesis 18:20](/genesis/18-20 "The great cry against Sodom and Gomorrah"). Lot, attempting to uphold the ancient Near Eastern tradition of hospitality and protect his guests, steps outside to confront the aggressive crowd, leading to this desperate appeal in verse 7. His plea here is his initial, albeit ultimately unsuccessful, attempt to reason with the depraved populace before his controversial offer in the subsequent verse.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The cultural backdrop of ancient Near Eastern hospitality is paramount to understanding Genesis 19:7. Hospitality was not merely a social custom but a sacred duty, a cornerstone of societal order and a moral imperative. To offer shelter and protection to a stranger was a profound act of virtue, and to violate that hospitality, especially by harming guests under one's roof, was an unspeakable offense. The actions of the men of Sodom represent a radical inversion of this sacred norm. Their demand for sexual violence against Lot's guests was an egregious breach of this foundational cultural value, demonstrating a society that had completely abandoned moral boundaries. Furthermore, the urban setting of Sodom, described as a prosperous city in the Jordan Plain, contrasts sharply with the moral decay within its walls. The mob's collective and public display of depravity indicates a pervasive wickedness, not merely isolated acts, suggesting a culture where such behavior was normalized or even celebrated, leading to divine intervention.
* **Key Themes:** Genesis 19:7 contributes significantly to several major theological and narrative themes within the book of Genesis and broader Scripture. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates the theme of **moral depravity and pervasive sin**, showcasing the depths of human wickedness that necessitated divine judgment. The actions of the Sodomites confirm the severity of the "great cry" against them ([Genesis 18:20](/genesis/18-20 "The cry against Sodom and Gomorrah")), demonstrating a society utterly devoid of righteousness. Secondly, the verse highlights the **sacredness of hospitality**, contrasting Lot's adherence to this vital cultural and moral duty with the Sodomites' flagrant violation of it. This theme resonates throughout Scripture, emphasizing the importance of welcoming and protecting strangers, as seen in passages like [Hebrews 13:2](/hebrews/13-2 "Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers"). Thirdly, it sets the stage for the theme of **divine judgment**, underscoring the just consequences of persistent and unrepentant sin. The immediate aftermath of this confrontation is the swift and devastating destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, serving as a powerful warning against ungodliness and sexual immorality, a warning reiterated in the New Testament (e.g., [Jude 1:7](/jude/1-7 "Sodom and Gomorrah as an example of eternal fire")). Finally, the verse subtly introduces the theme of **Lot's compromised position** and moral struggle, as he attempts to navigate and survive within a deeply corrupt environment.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **said (Hebrew, _ʼâmar'_):** From the primitive root H559, meaning "to say" with great latitude. In this context, it signifies Lot's direct verbal address and appeal to the mob. It conveys his attempt to communicate and reason with them, despite the futility of such an endeavor given their hardened hearts. The act of "saying" here is an active engagement, a desperate verbal confrontation.
* **brethren (Hebrew, _ʼâch'_):** From the primitive word H251, meaning "a brother" used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance. Lot's use of this term is a rhetorical strategy, an appeal to any shared sense of humanity, community, or kinship that might exist among the men of Sodom. It is an attempt to invoke a common bond or a shared moral understanding to dissuade them from their wicked intentions.
* **wickedly (Hebrew, _râʻaʻ'_):** From the primitive root H7489, properly meaning "to spoil (literally, by breaking to pieces)" and figuratively "to make (or be) good for nothing, i.e., bad (physically, socially or morally)." This word encompasses a broad spectrum of evil. In this specific context, it denotes the profound moral corruption of the Sodomites, specifically their intent for violent sexual perversion (homosexual gang rape), their egregious violation of the sacred duty of hospitality, and their general rebellion against divine and human moral order. It signifies actions that are fundamentally destructive and morally bankrupt.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And said, I pray you, brethren,"**: This clause reveals Lot's immediate response to the mob's demand. His address of "brethren" (H251, _ʼâch'_) is a desperate, even rhetorical, appeal to the men of Sodom. As a resident alien, he attempts to invoke a sense of shared community or common humanity, hoping to appeal to any lingering sense of decency or social obligation. "I pray you" indicates a fervent, earnest plea, highlighting the urgency and gravity of the situation as Lot tries to de-escalate the confrontation and protect his guests.
* **"do not so wickedly."**: This is Lot's direct condemnation of their intended actions. The term "wickedly" (H7489, _râʻaʻ'_) is comprehensive, encompassing the full scope of their depravity. Primarily, it refers to their intent to commit homosexual gang rape, which was a violent and perverse act. Beyond this specific sexual sin, it also condemns their profound violation of the sacred ancient Near Eastern tradition of hospitality, a fundamental social and moral duty. Their actions represent a complete disregard for human dignity, moral law, and ultimately, God's standards, confirming the deep-seated corruption that permeated their society.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices to convey its powerful message. The most prominent is **Pathos**, as Lot's desperate plea, "I pray you, brethren, do not so wickedly," evokes a strong sense of pity and sorrow for his precarious situation and the moral abyss into which Sodom has fallen. His use of "brethren" is a form of **Rhetorical Appeal**, attempting to leverage a sense of shared community or kinship, however faint, to dissuade the mob. Furthermore, within the broader narrative context, the mob's demand to "know" Lot's guests is a clear **Euphemism** for sexual assault, a common biblical device to refer to sensitive or violent acts indirectly. The entire scene also functions as **Foreshadowing**, as the unyielding wickedness displayed by the Sodomites in this verse immediately precedes and justifies the catastrophic divine judgment that is about to befall the city, signaling the inevitable consequences of persistent sin.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Genesis 19:7 stands as a stark testament to the depths of human depravity and the critical importance of divine judgment. Lot's desperate plea highlights the pervasive sinfulness of Sodom, particularly its sexual perversion and egregious violation of hospitality, which had reached a point of no return, necessitating God's intervention. The narrative underscores that God's justice is not arbitrary but a righteous response to persistent and unrepentant wickedness, serving as a timeless warning against societal and individual moral decay.

* [Genesis 18:20](/genesis/18-20 "The great cry against Sodom and Gomorrah") vividly describes the "great cry" against Sodom and Gomorrah, which is confirmed by the depravity displayed in Lot's confrontation with the mob in Genesis 19:7.
* [Hebrews 13:2](/hebrews/13-2 "The importance of hospitality to strangers") commands believers to "not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it," directly echoing the narrative of Lot and the angels, and contrasting with Sodom's egregious failure.
* [Jude 1:7](/jude/1-7 "Sodom and Gomorrah as an example of eternal fire") explicitly references Sodom and Gomorrah as an example of those who "suffered the vengeance of eternal fire" for their sexual immorality and unnatural desire, directly linking their actions to divine judgment.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 19:7 serves as a sobering mirror, reflecting the enduring human struggle with sin and the critical importance of moral courage. Lot's imperfect stand, though ultimately insufficient to deter the mob, underscores the imperative for believers to confront wickedness and injustice, even when surrounded by pervasive evil and facing overwhelming opposition. It challenges us to cultivate moral clarity in a world that often blurs ethical lines, particularly concerning actions that violate human dignity, exploit the vulnerable, and defy God's moral law. The broader narrative of Sodom reminds us that unchecked depravity, whether individual or societal, inevitably leads to severe consequences. Therefore, this verse calls us to a life of righteousness, to actively resist the prevailing currents of sin, to uphold God's standards of justice and purity, and to be a light in dark places, offering true hospitality and refuge in a world often hostile to both God and neighbor.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What does Lot's desperate plea in this verse reveal about the pervasive nature of sin in Sodom, and how might this apply to challenges we face in our own societies today?**
* **How does the violation of hospitality in this narrative highlight the importance of welcoming and protecting the vulnerable, and what practical steps can we take to embody true hospitality?**
* **Considering Lot's flawed but initial stand against the mob, what does this verse teach us about the call to moral courage, even when facing overwhelming opposition or personal risk?**
* **What are the spiritual implications of a society that has lost its moral compass, as depicted in Sodom, and how should this inform our prayers and actions for our communities?**

### FAQ
**What does "wickedly" specifically refer to in this verse?**

Answer: In [Genesis 19:7](/genesis/19-7 "Lot's plea to the men of Sodom"), "wickedly" (Hebrew: _râʻaʻ_) refers primarily to the men of Sodom's intent to commit homosexual gang rape against Lot's guests. It also encompasses their profound violation of the sacred ancient Near Eastern tradition of hospitality, which was a fundamental social and moral duty, and their general moral depravity that defied both human decency and divine law. It signifies actions that are fundamentally destructive and morally bankrupt.

**Why did Lot call the men of Sodom "brethren"?**

Answer: Lot's address to the men as "brethren" (Hebrew: _ʼâch_) was a desperate rhetorical strategy. As a resident alien in Sodom, he was appealing to any lingering sense of shared community, common humanity, or social decency among them. He hoped to dissuade them from their heinous intent by invoking a sense of kinship or shared moral obligation, even if such a bond was tenuous in their depraved society.

**Does Lot's offer in the next verse diminish his stand in Genesis 19:7?**

Answer: While Lot's subsequent offer in [Genesis 19:8](/genesis/19-8 "Lot offers his daughters to the mob") to sacrifice his daughters is deeply troubling and morally reprehensible, [Genesis 19:7](/genesis/19-7 "Lot's plea to the men of Sodom") still represents his initial, immediate, and righteous instinct to protect his guests and uphold the sacred duty of hospitality. His later, compromised decision highlights his moral struggle and the extreme pressure he was under, but it does not negate the initial stand he took against the mob's wickedness. It underscores the immense moral compromise he felt forced into by the overwhelming evil surrounding him.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The harrowing narrative of Sodom, with [Genesis 19:7](/genesis/19-7 "Lot's plea to the men of Sodom") as a poignant moment of confrontation with unbridled sin, profoundly points to Christ as the ultimate answer to humanity's depravity and the fulfillment of God's righteous judgment and mercy. The severe judgment meted out against Sodom for its unrepentant wickedness foreshadows the ultimate divine judgment against all sin, a judgment that is perfectly executed by Christ, who will judge the living and the dead ([2 Timothy 4:1](/2_timothy/4-1 "Christ will judge the living and the dead")). Yet, it also highlights God's mercy and desire for righteousness, which finds its ultimate expression in Jesus. Unlike Lot's flawed attempts to reason with evil, Christ is the perfect embodiment of righteousness, who perfectly upholds God's law and offers true hospitality and refuge to all who come to Him, contrasting sharply with Sodom's violent rejection of strangers ([Matthew 25:35](/matthew/25-35 "Christ's teaching on hospitality")). Furthermore, Christ's atoning sacrifice on the cross is the only means by which humanity can escape the just condemnation for sin, a condemnation vividly illustrated by Sodom's destruction. He is the one who truly delivers us from wickedness, not merely by a plea for decency, but by His own life, death, and resurrection, offering not just a moral example but the power for transformation and eternal salvation to all who believe in Him ([Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "God demonstrates His love for us"), [2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "Christ made sin for us")).

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 20:13

If a man also lie with mankind, as he lieth with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination: they shall surely be put to death; their blood [shall be] upon them.

Genesis 19:4

¶ But before they lay down, the men of the city, [even] the men of Sodom, compassed the house round, both old and young, all the people from every quarter:

Leviticus 18:22

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

Romans 1:24

Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves:

Judges 19:23

And the man, the master of the house, went out unto them, and said unto them, Nay, my brethren, [nay], I pray you, do not [so] wickedly; seeing that this man is come into mine house, do not this folly.

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,

1 Corinthians 6:11

And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.