Genesis 19:9

KJV

And they said, Stand back. And they said [again], This one [fellow] came in to sojourn, and he will needs be a judge: now will we deal worse with thee, than with them. And they pressed sore upon the man, [even] Lot, and came near to break the door.

KJV (with Strong's)

And they said {H559}, Stand {H5066} back {H1973}. And they said {H559} again, This one {H259} fellow came in {H935} to sojourn {H1481}, and he will needs {H8199} be a judge {H8199}: now will we deal worse {H7489} with thee, than with them. And they pressed {H6484} sore {H3966} upon the man {H376}, even Lot {H3876}, and came near {H5066} to break {H7665} the door {H1817}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"Stand back!" they replied. "This guy came to live here, and now he's decided to play judge. For that we'll deal worse with you than with them!"Then they crowded in on Lot, in order to get close enough to break down the door.

Berean Standard Bible

“Get out of the way!” they replied. And they declared, “This one came here as a foreigner, and he is already acting like a judge! Now we will treat you worse than them.” And they pressed in on Lot and moved in to break down the door.

American Standard Version

And they said, Stand back. And they said, This one fellow came in to sojourn, and he will needs be a judge: now will we deal worse with thee, than with them. And they pressed sore upon the man, even Lot, and drew near to break the door.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 19:9 vividly portrays the escalating depravity of Sodom as its aggressive inhabitants turn their wrath upon Lot. After Lot attempts to protect his angelic guests from their intended sexual assault, the men of the city vehemently reject his authority as a mere "sojourner," accusing him of presuming to "judge" them. They then threaten him with greater violence than they intended for his visitors, physically assaulting him and attempting to breach his door, revealing the city's complete moral collapse and unbridled wickedness.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a pivotal moment in the narrative of Sodom's destruction, immediately following Lot's desperate and morally compromised attempt to appease the mob by offering his own daughters in place of his angelic guests ([Genesis 19:8](/genesis/19-8 "Lot's Desperate Offer")). The mob's response in [Genesis 19:9](/genesis/19-9 "The Sodomites' Violent Rejection of Lot") demonstrates their utter rejection of any moral appeal or the sacred ancient Near Eastern laws of hospitality, intensifying the tension and highlighting the inevitability of divine judgment. The narrative quickly moves from this physical assault to the angels' miraculous intervention and the subsequent destruction of the city, underscoring the immediate consequences of such unrepentant wickedness.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient Near Eastern culture placed immense value on hospitality, considering the protection of guests a sacred duty, even at great personal cost. Lot's actions, though flawed, stemmed from this deeply ingrained cultural obligation. The Sodomites' demand to "know" Lot's visitors (a euphemism for sexual assault) and their subsequent violent assault on Lot himself, represent a radical and shocking transgression of these foundational societal norms. This behavior, alongside other accounts of their wickedness (e.g., [Ezekiel 16:49-50](/ezekiel/16-49-50 "Sodom's Sins of Arrogance and Inhospitality")), paints a picture of a society that had completely abandoned moral and social order, embracing perversion and violence without restraint, setting the stage for divine retribution.
* **Key Themes:** Genesis 19:9 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the broader Genesis narrative and biblical theology. It highlights the **pervasiveness of human sin and depravity** when left unchecked, contrasting sharply with God's holiness and justice. It underscores the **dangers of moral compromise** and the consequences of choosing to dwell in environments steeped in wickedness, as Lot's initial choice to settle near Sodom ([Genesis 13:10-13](/genesis/13-10-13 "Lot's Choice of the Jordan Plain")) ultimately put him and his family in grave peril. Furthermore, the verse sets the stage for **divine judgment**, demonstrating that God will not tolerate unrepentant evil indefinitely, and foreshadows the swift and decisive action He takes to protect the righteous and punish the wicked.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **sojourn (Hebrew, _gûwr'_):** This primitive root signifies "to turn aside from the road (for a lodging or any other purpose), i.e. sojourn (as a guest)." It emphasizes Lot's status as a temporary resident, a foreigner without inherent rights or authority in Sodom. The Sodomites' use of this term is a dismissive assertion that Lot, as an outsider, has no right to interfere or dictate terms to them, the native inhabitants. It highlights their contempt for his status and his attempt to uphold a universal custom of hospitality.
* **judge (Hebrew, _shâphaṭ'_):** This root means "to judge, i.e. pronounce sentence (for or against); by implication, to vindicate or punish; by extension, to govern." The Sodomites accuse Lot of presuming to "be a judge," implying that he is attempting to arbitrate, dictate terms, or impose moral standards upon them. This accusation reveals their utter rejection of any external moral or civil authority, particularly from a "sojourner" who challenges their depraved desires. Their contempt for Lot's perceived authority underscores their lawlessness and arrogance.
* **pressed sore (Hebrew, _pâtsar'_):** This primitive root means "to peck at, i.e. (figuratively) stun or dull; press, urge, stubbornness." In this context, it describes the mob's forceful, persistent, and violent exertion against Lot. It conveys a relentless, unyielding assault, indicating their determined effort to overpower Lot and forcibly gain entry into his house. This word vividly portrays the physical aggression and unbridled will of the mob, underscoring the extreme danger Lot faced.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And they said, Stand back."**: This initial command is a harsh, dismissive rejection of Lot's intervention. It signifies the mob's contempt for Lot's attempt to reason with them or protect his guests, immediately establishing their hostile and unyielding stance.
* **"And they said [again], This one [fellow] came in to sojourn, and he will needs be a judge:"**: This is the core of their accusation and justification for their hostility. They mock Lot's status as a "sojourner" (a temporary resident or foreigner), asserting that he has no right to "judge" or dictate terms to them, the native inhabitants. This reveals their arrogance, their rejection of any moral authority, and their disdain for Lot's attempt to uphold the sacred laws of hospitality.
* **"now will we deal worse with thee, than with them."**: This chilling threat marks a significant escalation of their malice. It is not merely a rejection of Lot's plea but a declaration of intent to inflict even greater harm and degradation upon him for daring to stand in their way. It underscores the depth of their depravity and their willingness to punish anyone who challenges their sinful desires.
* **"And they pressed sore upon the man, [even] Lot, and came near to break the door."**: This describes the immediate physical manifestation of their threat. The mob violently and relentlessly "pressed" upon Lot, attempting to overpower him and force entry into his house. The objective was to "break the door," symbolizing their intent to violate the sanctity of his home and gain access to his guests, demonstrating their unbridled lust and aggression.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several potent literary devices. The escalating action, moving from verbal threats to physical assault, creates intense **Suspense** and highlights the dire peril Lot faces. The Sodomites' accusation that Lot, a mere "sojourner," presumes to "judge" them is a profound **Irony**, as their own actions demonstrate a complete absence of moral judgment and a rejection of any societal order. The "door" itself functions as powerful **Symbolism**, representing the final barrier of protection, the sanctity of the home, and the last vestige of civility. The mob's determined effort to "break the door" symbolizes their complete disregard for boundaries, their violent intent to violate privacy and safety, and their unbridled pursuit of their depraved desires, foreshadowing the complete breakdown of order that necessitates divine intervention.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Genesis 19:9 vividly illustrates the profound depth of human depravity when sin is allowed to fester unchecked, demonstrating a society utterly given over to its darkest desires, rejecting all moral boundaries and authority. This passage serves as a stark warning about the corrosive power of pervasive wickedness and the ultimate consequences of unrepentant sin. It also highlights the precarious position of the righteous living in a corrupt world, underscoring the need for divine intervention when human efforts fail to stem the tide of evil.

* [Romans 1:24-32](/romans/1-24-32 "The Depravity and Judgment of Humanity")
* [Jude 1:7](/jude/1-7 "Sodom and Gomorrah as an Example of Judgment")
* [2 Peter 2:6-9](/2_peter/2-6-9 "God's Judgment on the Ungodly and Deliverance of the Righteous")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 19:9 serves as a stark reminder of the corrosive power of societal moral decay and the critical importance of discerning the environments we choose for ourselves and our families. Lot's desperate situation underscores the dangers of allowing ourselves to become desensitized to sin or to compromise with evil, even for perceived benefits. While Lot's actions were imperfect, his willingness to stand against the overwhelming tide of wickedness, however flawed, challenges believers to be courageous in upholding righteous standards and to be "salt and light" in a dark world ([Matthew 5:13-16](/matthew/5-13-16 "The Call to Be Salt and Light")), even when it means confronting popular opinion or facing hostility. Ultimately, this passage highlights the reality of God's unwavering justice and His ultimate judgment on unrepentant sin, urging us to live in alignment with His holy character and to seek refuge in His righteousness.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the Sodomites' rejection of Lot's authority reflect a broader rejection of divine authority in their society?**
* **In what ways might believers today be tempted to compromise with or become desensitized to the prevailing moral decay in their own cultural contexts?**
* **What lessons can we learn from Lot's flawed but courageous stand against evil, and how can we apply them to our own lives?**

### FAQ

**Why did the Sodomites reject Lot's authority so vehemently?**

Answer: The Sodomites rejected Lot's authority so vehemently because he was a "sojourner" (a temporary resident or foreigner) and not a native citizen with inherent rights or power in their community. They viewed his attempt to intervene as an outsider presuming to "judge" or dictate terms to them, which they found arrogant and unacceptable. This rejection highlights their deep-seated depravity and their contempt for any moral restraint or external authority, especially one that challenged their sinful desires. Their hostility stemmed from a combination of xenophobia and a complete disregard for justice or hospitality.

**What does the phrase "now will we deal worse with thee, than with them" imply?**

Answer: This chilling phrase implies an immediate and severe escalation of their violent intentions. The Sodomites were threatening to inflict even greater harm and degradation upon Lot than they had originally planned for his angelic guests. It reveals the depth of their malice, their unbridled rage, and their willingness to punish anyone who dared to challenge their sinful desires or interfere with their intentions. This threat underscores the extreme danger Lot faced and the profound wickedness that characterized the men of Sodom, demonstrating their capacity for unmitigated cruelty and perversion.

**How does this verse contribute to our understanding of Sodom's depravity?**

Answer: Genesis 19:9 profoundly illustrates Sodom's depravity by showcasing its complete breakdown of societal order, moral authority, and the sacred custom of hospitality. The men's aggressive rejection of Lot's plea, their intent to commit gang rape, and their immediate resort to physical violence against an innocent resident who tried to protect his guests, reveals a society utterly consumed by unbridled lust, arrogance, and a contempt for any form of righteousness. This verse demonstrates that Sodom's sin was not merely sexual immorality but a pervasive, violent, and unrepentant rebellion against all moral and divine order, confirming the biblical assessment of their exceeding wickedness (cf. [Genesis 13:13](/genesis/13-13 "The Men of Sodom Were Wicked")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The unbridled depravity and violence displayed by the men of Sodom in [Genesis 19:9](/genesis/19-9 "The Sodomites' Violent Assault on Lot") powerfully illustrate humanity's desperate need for a Savior. Lot, a righteous man in a wicked city, stands vulnerable and helpless against an overwhelming force of evil, foreshadowing humanity's own inability to overcome the power of sin and its impending judgment. In Christ, we find the ultimate protector and deliverer. He is the righteous One who perfectly upholds God's standards and stands against all unrighteousness, not merely as a sojourner, but as the divine Judge and King, to whom all authority in heaven and on earth has been given ([Matthew 28:18](/matthew/28-18 "All Authority Given to Jesus")). While Sodom faced swift and complete destruction for its unrepentant sin, Christ offers salvation from the coming judgment to all who turn to Him ([Romans 5:9](/romans/5-9 "Saved from Wrath Through Him")), fulfilling God's promise to deliver the righteous ([2 Peter 2:9](/2_peter/2-9 "The Lord Knows How to Deliver the Godly")) and offering true refuge from the spiritual forces of darkness that seek to destroy ([Ephesians 6:12](/ephesians/6-12 "Our Struggle Against Spiritual Forces")). He is the ultimate Door, through whom we find safety and life ([John 10:9](/john/10-9 "Jesus, the Door of the Sheep")), unlike the door in Sodom that the wicked sought to violently breach.

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

Exodus 2:14

And he said, Who made thee a prince and a judge over us? intendest thou to kill me, as thou killedst the Egyptian? And Moses feared, and said, Surely this thing is known.

2 Peter 2:7

¶ And delivered just Lot, vexed with the filthy conversation of the wicked:

2 Peter 2:8

(For that righteous man dwelling among them, in seeing and hearing, vexed [his] righteous soul from day to day with [their] unlawful deeds;)

Genesis 13:12

Abram dwelled in the land of Canaan, and Lot dwelled in the cities of the plain, and pitched [his] tent toward Sodom.

Acts 7:26

And the next day he shewed himself unto them as they strove, and would have set them at one again, saying, Sirs, ye are brethren; why do ye wrong one to another?

Acts 7:28

Wilt thou kill me, as thou diddest the Egyptian yesterday?

Ecclesiastes 9:3

This [is] an evil among all [things] that are done under the sun, that [there is] one event unto all: yea, also the heart of the sons of men is full of evil, and madness [is] in their heart while they live, and after that [they go] to the dead.