### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word Λώτ (Lṓt), Strong's number `{{G3091}}`, is a direct transliteration of the Hebrew name לוֹט (Lot, `{{H3875}}`). As a proper noun, its core meaning refers exclusively to the specific biblical individual: Lot, the nephew of Abraham. While the etymology of the Hebrew name is debated, often linked to concepts of "covering" or "veil," the primary semantic range in biblical usage revolves around the narrative and character traits associated with this figure. Lot's story serves as a profound case study in choices, consequences, divine judgment, and deliverance, thus shaping the interpretive scope of the name beyond mere identification.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
Lot appears extensively in the Old Testament, primarily in the book of Genesis, and is referenced in the New Testament as a significant historical and theological figure.
In Genesis, Lot is introduced as the son of Haran, Abraham's brother ([[Genesis 11:27]]). He accompanies Abraham and Sarah from Ur of the Chaldeans to Canaan ([[Genesis 11:31]], [[Genesis 12:4]]). A pivotal moment occurs when their growing herds necessitate a separation. Lot chooses the fertile plain of the Jordan, settling near (and eventually within) the wicked cities of Sodom and Gomorrah, while Abraham chooses the hill country ([[Genesis 13:10-12]]). This choice, driven by worldly prosperity rather than spiritual discernment, sets the stage for much of his subsequent narrative.
Lot is later captured during a regional war and is rescued by Abraham ([[Genesis 14:11-16]]). His most significant role comes in the account of Sodom's destruction. He extends hospitality to two angelic visitors, shielding them from the depraved men of Sodom ([[Genesis 19:1-8]]). Despite his reluctance and the entreaties of the angels, Lot and his two daughters are forcibly removed from the city before its fiery destruction. His wife, however, looks back and is turned into a pillar of salt ([[Genesis 19:15-26]]). The narrative concludes with the morally compromised actions of his daughters, leading to the birth of Moabites and Ammonites ([[Genesis 19:30-38]]).
In the New Testament, Lot is mentioned by Jesus in an eschatological context. Jesus warns His disciples about the suddenness of His return, comparing it to the days of Noah and Lot, where people were engrossed in daily life until judgment suddenly came ([[Luke 17:28-32]]). This highlights Lot's experience as a historical precedent for divine intervention and the need for readiness. The Apostle Peter also refers to Lot, notably describing him as "righteous" (δίκαιος - dikaios) who was "distressed by the filthy lives of lawless men" ([[2 Peter 2:7-8]]). This description is crucial, offering a unique perspective on Lot's spiritual state despite his compromised living environment.
### Related Words & Concepts
The study of Λώτ naturally connects with several key biblical words and theological concepts:
* **Abraham (`{{H85}}`, `{{G11}}`):** Lot's uncle, whose faith-driven journey contrasts sharply with Lot's more worldly choices. Their separation and Abraham's intercession for Sodom (and implicitly for Lot) highlight themes of covenant, intercession, and divine election.
* **Sodom and Gomorrah (`{{H5467}}`, `{{H1606}}`):** These cities represent extreme human depravity and serve as a paradigm for divine judgment against unrepentant sin. Lot's association with them underscores the dangers of proximity to evil.
* **Righteousness (δίκαιος - dikaios, `{{G1342}}`, `{{G1343}}`):** Peter's designation of Lot as "righteous" is a significant theological point. It suggests that even within a corrupt environment and despite personal failings, a genuine abhorrence for sin and an internal alignment with God's standards can constitute righteousness in God's eyes.
* **Deliverance/Salvation (σῴζω - sōzō, `{{G4982}}`):** Lot's rescue from Sodom is a vivid illustration of God's selective deliverance of the righteous from impending judgment.
* **Worldliness/Compromise:** Lot's choice of the Jordan plain, described as "like the garden of the Lord" ([[Genesis 13:10]]), yet leading him into the midst of Sodom, serves as a cautionary tale regarding the allure of worldly prosperity and the dangers of spiritual compromise.
* **Hospitality (φιλοξενία - philoxenia, `{{G5381}}`):** Lot's initial act of welcoming the angels showcases a virtue that stands in stark contrast to the wickedness of Sodom's inhabitants, echoing a broader biblical theme of welcoming strangers.
### Theological Significance
The narrative of Lot carries profound theological significance, serving as a complex case study in divine justice, human choices, and God's preserving grace.
Firstly, Lot's story powerfully illustrates God's unwavering judgment against sin. The destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, with Lot's miraculous escape, stands as a stark testament to the consequences of unrepentant wickedness. This event foreshadows future divine judgments and underscores God's holiness and justice.
Secondly, Lot's "righteousness" as declared by Peter offers a nuanced understanding of this attribute. Despite his questionable choices (settling in Sodom, the actions of his daughters), Lot's internal grief over the "lawless deeds" of the Sodomites marked him as distinct from them. This suggests that genuine righteousness, in God's eyes, can be an internal disposition of the heart, a lament over sin, even when one's outward circumstances or immediate actions are imperfect or compromised. It highlights God's grace in discerning and preserving those who, however flawed, bear a true spiritual distinction.
Thirdly, Lot's choices serve as a cautionary tale for believers. His decision to prioritize worldly gain over spiritual discernment led him into a compromising environment, resulting in significant personal loss and trauma, despite his ultimate deliverance. Jesus' reference to Lot's time in Luke emphasizes the danger of spiritual complacency and entanglement with worldly concerns, urging vigilance and readiness for the Lord's return.
Finally, the narrative underscores the efficacy of intercessory prayer. Abraham's fervent plea for Sodom, though ultimately unsuccessful in averting the city's destruction, ensured Lot's rescue, demonstrating God's responsiveness to the prayers of the righteous.
### Summary
Λώτ (Lṓt, `{{G3091}}`) refers to Abraham's nephew, a pivotal figure in the Old Testament whose narrative profoundly illustrates several theological truths. His story begins with a choice driven by worldly appeal, leading him to settle near and within the wicked city of Sodom. He is miraculously delivered by divine intervention from the city's destruction, yet suffers significant personal loss. The New Testament affirms Lot's historical role, with Jesus using his experience as a warning against worldliness and Peter explicitly designating him as "righteous" due to his inner distress over the surrounding depravity. Lot's life serves as a powerful testament to God's judgment against sin, His preserving grace for the righteous, and a timeless admonition regarding the consequences of compromising choices and the importance of spiritual discernment in a fallen world.
TRV