### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The lemma לוֹט (Lôwṭ), transliterated as Lot, is a proper noun referring to the nephew of Abraham. Its base definition indicates it is the name of a specific individual. As a proper noun, its semantic range is primarily defined by the narrative portrayal of the person it designates. While the etymology of the name is debated, some scholars propose connections to roots meaning "to wrap," "to cover," or "to veil," or even to Arabic roots suggesting "adherence" or "clinging." However, these etymological suggestions do not definitively inform the character's biblical meaning, which is derived from his actions and relationships within the narrative.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
Lot's story is predominantly found in the book of Genesis, serving as a significant counterpoint and parallel to the life of Abraham. He is first introduced as the son of Haran and nephew of Abraham ([[Genesis 11:27]]). Lot accompanies Abraham from Ur of the Chaldeans, through Haran, and into the land of Canaan ([[Genesis 11:31]], [[Genesis 12:4]]). A pivotal moment occurs when their growing herds necessitate a separation. Lot chooses the well-watered plain of the Jordan, described as "like the garden of the LORD," but ultimately leading towards the wicked city of Sodom ([[Genesis 13:5-13]]). This choice, driven by apparent material prosperity, foreshadows his later entanglement with the corrupt city.
He is subsequently captured during the battle of the kings and rescued by Abraham ([[Genesis 14:1-16]]), demonstrating Abraham's loyalty and Lot's vulnerability. The climax of his narrative unfolds in [[Genesis 19]], where two angels visit him in Sodom. Lot demonstrates hospitality by receiving them and protecting them from the depraved men of Sodom, even offering his own daughters ([[Genesis 19:1-8]]). Despite his reluctance and lingering, he is divinely rescued from the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, though his wife perishes for looking back ([[Genesis 19:15-26]]). The tragic aftermath involves Lot's daughters getting him drunk to perpetuate their family line, resulting in the birth of Moab and Ammon, the progenitors of nations that would later become adversaries of Israel ([[Genesis 19:30-38]]). Lot's life illustrates a complex interplay of personal choices, divine judgment, and God's preserving grace.
### Related Words & Concepts
Lot's narrative is deeply intertwined with several key biblical figures and themes:
* **Abraham (אַבְרָהָם, `{{H87}}`):** Lot's uncle and spiritual mentor. Their relationship highlights themes of divine calling, separation, and intercession. Abraham's faith-driven choices stand in stark contrast to Lot's more worldly inclinations.
* **Sodom (סְדֹם, `{{H5467}}`) and Gomorrah (עֲמֹרָה, `{{H6017}}`):** These cities represent extreme human depravity and serve as the primary setting for God's severe judgment, from which Lot is miraculously delivered.
* **Righteous (צַדִּיק, `{{H6662}}`):** Significantly, the New Testament refers to Lot as "righteous Lot" ([[2 Peter 2:7-8]]), indicating that despite his moral failings and poor judgment in choosing Sodom, his inner spirit was vexed by the wickedness around him. This perspective offers a crucial theological lens through which to understand his character.
* **Hospitality:** Lot's immediate and courageous act of hospitality towards the angelic visitors in Sodom ([[Genesis 19:1-3]]) is a notable virtue in his character, contrasting with the depravity of the city's inhabitants.
* **Worldliness/Materialism:** Lot's choice of the fertile Jordan plain ([[Genesis 13:10]]) exemplifies a prioritization of material gain over spiritual discernment, leading him into a compromising environment.
### Theological Significance
Lot's story carries profound theological weight, serving as both a testament to divine grace and a cautionary tale. It powerfully illustrates God's unwavering judgment against sin, particularly the egregious wickedness of Sodom, while simultaneously demonstrating His selective grace in delivering the "righteous" ([[2 Peter 2:7]]). Lot's rescue underscores the principle that God remembers and preserves those who are His, even when they make poor choices or find themselves in morally compromising situations.
His life also highlights the severe consequences of worldly choices. Lot's decision to settle near Sodom, driven by the allure of material prosperity, ultimately led to profound personal loss, the corruption of his family, and moral compromise. This serves as a stark warning against prioritizing worldly advantage over spiritual integrity and the dangers of compromising with sin.
Furthermore, Peter's designation of Lot as "righteous" ([[2 Peter 2:7-8]]) offers a nuanced understanding of biblical righteousness. It suggests that while Lot's outward actions were often flawed and his judgment questionable, his inner spirit was genuinely distressed by the depravity he witnessed. This points to a righteousness that is not based solely on perfect behavior, but also on a heart that grieves over sin and longs for purity, even if imperfectly expressed. Finally, the narrative, particularly the fate of Lot's wife ([[Genesis 19:26]]), serves as a powerful reminder against lingering attachments to the world and the importance of decisive separation from sin when God calls for it, a lesson echoed by Jesus in [[Luke 17:32]].
### Summary
Lot (לוֹט, `{{H3876}}`) is a key figure in the book of Genesis, primarily known as Abraham's nephew, whose life provides a compelling study of human choice, divine judgment, and preserving grace. His narrative arc, from accompanying Abraham to his fateful choice of Sodom, his miraculous rescue from its destruction, and the tragic aftermath, underscores several critical biblical themes. Lot's initial choice of the Jordan plain, driven by material considerations, led him into a compromising environment, illustrating the dangers of worldliness. Despite his moral failings and poor judgment, he is notably referred to as "righteous Lot" in the New Testament, highlighting God's discerning grace and the internal struggle against sin. His story serves as both a powerful testament to God's justice against wickedness and a poignant warning against the perils of compromising with the world and the importance of complete obedience to divine commands.
TRV