Genesis 19:20
Genesis 19:20 in Multiple Translations
Look, there is a town nearby where I can flee, and it is a small place. Please let me flee there—is it not a small place? Then my life will be saved.”
Behold now, this city is near to flee unto, and it is a little one: Oh, let me escape thither, (is it not a little one?) and my soul shall live.
behold now, this city is near to flee unto, and it is a little one. Oh let me escape thither (is it not a little one?), and my soul shall live.
This town, now, is near, and it is a little one: O, let me go there (is it not a little one?) so that my life may be safe.
Look, there's a town nearby that's close enough to run to, and it's so small. Please let me run there—it's really very small. It would save my life.”
See nowe this citie hereby to flee vnto, which is a litle one: Oh let me escape thither: is it not a litle one, and my soule shall liue?
lo, I pray thee, this city [is] near to flee thither, and it [is] little; let me escape, I pray thee, thither, (is it not little?) and my soul doth live.'
See now, this city is near to flee to, and it is a little one. Oh let me escape there (isn’t it a little one?), and my soul will live.”
Behold now, this city is near to flee to, and it is a small one: Oh, let me escape thither! (Is it not a small one?) and my soul shall live.
There is this city here at hand, to which I may flee, it is a little one, and I shall be saved in it: is it not a little one, and my soul shall live?
But listen to me. There is a town nearby. Let me run to that small town. Let me go there now. It is a small town, but our lives will be saved if we go there.”
Look, there is a town over there. It’s not too far for me. And it is only a little town, with only a few people. Let us go there, and then don’t finish up that little town. Then we will be safe.”
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 19:20
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Genesis 19:20 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
הִנֵּה
נָ֠א
הָ/עִ֨יר
הַ/זֹּ֧את
קְרֹבָ֛ה
לָ/נ֥וּס
שָׁ֖מָּ/ה
וְ/הִ֣יא
מִצְעָ֑ר
אִמָּלְטָ֨ה
נָּ֜א
שָׁ֗מָּ/ה
הֲ/לֹ֥א
מִצְעָ֛ר
הִ֖וא
וּ/תְחִ֥י
נַפְשִֽׁ/י
הִנֵּה
hinnêh
H2009
behold
Part
נָ֠א
nâʼ
H4994
please
Part
הָ/עִ֨יר
ʻîyr
H5892
excitement
Art | N-fs
הַ/זֹּ֧את
zôʼth
H2063
this
Art | Pron
קְרֹבָ֛ה
qârôwb
H7138
near
Adj
לָ/נ֥וּס
nûwç
H5127
to flee
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
שָׁ֖מָּ/ה
shâm
H8033
there
Adv | Suff
וְ/הִ֣יא
hûwʼ
H1931
he/she/it
Conj | Pron
מִצְעָ֑ר
mitsʻâr
H4705
little
N-ms
אִמָּלְטָ֨ה
mâlaṭ
H4422
to escape
V-Niphal-1cs
נָּ֜א
nâʼ
H4994
please
Part
שָׁ֗מָּ/ה
shâm
H8033
there
Adv | Suff
הֲ/לֹ֥א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part | Part
מִצְעָ֛ר
mitsʻâr
H4705
little
N-ms
הִ֖וא
hûwʼ
H1931
he/she/it
Pron
וּ/תְחִ֥י
châyâh
H2421
to live
Conj | V-Qal-Imperf-3fs
נַפְשִֽׁ/י
nephesh
H5315
soul
N-cs | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 19:20
הִנֵּה
hinnêh
H2009
"behold"
Part
This Hebrew word is an expression that means 'behold' or 'look', often used to draw attention to something. It appears in Genesis and Isaiah, and is translated as 'behold' or 'lo' in the KJV.
Definition: behold, lo, see, if
Usage: Occurs in 799 OT verses. KJV: behold, lo, see. See also: Genesis 1:29; Genesis 42:35; Deuteronomy 19:18.
נָ֠א
nâʼ
H4994
"please"
Part
The Hebrew word 'nâ'' is used to express a polite request, like 'please' or 'I pray', and is often added to verbs to make them more polite. In the Bible, it appears in passages like Ezra's reading of the law to the people.
Definition: 1) I (we) pray, now, please 1a) used in entreaty or exhortation
Usage: Occurs in 374 OT verses. KJV: I beseech (pray) thee (you), go to, now, oh. See also: Genesis 12:11; Judges 4:19; 1 Kings 13:6.
הָ/עִ֨יר
ʻîyr
H5892
"excitement"
Art | N-fs
In the Bible, this word refers to a city or town, often a place with a wall or a watchman. It is used to describe a settlement or encampment, like the city of Ai, which is mentioned in the book of Joshua. The word is used to identify specific locations in the Bible.
Definition: 1) excitement, anguish 1a) of terror
Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: Ai (from margin), city, court (from margin), town. See also: Genesis 4:17; Deuteronomy 3:6; Joshua 14:12.
הַ/זֹּ֧את
zôʼth
H2063
"this"
Art | Pron
This Hebrew word means this or that, often used to point out something specific. It appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: 1) this, this one, here, which, this...that, the one...the other, such 1a) (alone) 1a1) this one 1a2) this...that, the one...the other, another 1b) (appos to subst) 1b1) this 1c) (as predicate) 1c1) this, such 1d) (enclitically) 1d1) then 1d2) who, whom 1d3) how now, what now 1d4) what now 1d5) wherefore now 1d6) behold here 1d7) just now 1d8) now, now already 1e) (poetry) 1e1) wherein, which, those who 1f) (with prefixes) 1f1) in this (place) here, then 1f2) on these conditions, herewith, thus provided, by, through this, for this cause, in this matter 1f3) thus and thus 1f4) as follows, things such as these, accordingly, to that effect, in like manner, thus and thus 1f5) from here, hence, on one side...on the other side 1f6) on this account 1f7) in spite of this, which, whence, how
Usage: Occurs in 570 OT verses. KJV: hereby (-in, -with), it, likewise, the one (other, same), she, so (much), such (deed), that, therefore, these, this (thing), thus. See also: Genesis 2:23; Numbers 7:88; Judges 1:27.
קְרֹבָ֛ה
qârôwb
H7138
"near"
Adj
This Hebrew word means near, describing something close in place, time, or relationship. It is used in the book of Genesis to describe family relationships. The word is used to describe a close connection.
Definition: 1) near 1a) of place 1b) of time 1c) of personal relationship 1c1) kinship
Usage: Occurs in 76 OT verses. KJV: allied, approach, at hand, [phrase] any of kin, kinsfold(-sman), (that is) near (of kin), neighbour, (that is) next, (them that come) nigh (at hand), more ready, short(-ly). See also: Genesis 19:20; Psalms 75:2; Psalms 15:3.
לָ/נ֥וּס
nûwç
H5127
"to flee"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
To flee means to quickly leave a place, like escaping from danger, as seen in the Bible when David fled from King Saul. It can also mean to disappear or vanish. In the book of Psalms, it describes God delivering his people from harm.
Definition: 1) to flee, escape 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to flee 1a2) to escape 1a3) to take flight, m depart, disappear 1a4) to fly (to the attack) on horseback 1b) (Polel) to drive at 1c) (Hithpolel) to take flight 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to put to flight 1d2) to drive hastily 1d3) to cause to disappear, hide Aramaic equivalent: nud (נוּד "to flee" H5111)
Usage: Occurs in 143 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] abate, away, be displayed, (make to) flee (away, -ing), put to flight, [idiom] hide, lift up a standard. See also: Genesis 14:10; 2 Samuel 17:2; Psalms 60:6.
שָׁ֖מָּ/ה
shâm
H8033
"there"
Adv | Suff
The Hebrew word sham means there or then, often used to describe a location or point in time. It can also mean thither or thence, indicating movement or direction. This word is used frequently in the Bible to provide context and clarify the setting of a story.
Definition: 1) there, thither 1a) there 1b) thither (after verbs of motion) 1c) from there, thence 1d) then (as an adverb of time) Aramaic equivalent: tam.mah (תַּמָּה "there" H8536)
Usage: Occurs in 732 OT verses. KJV: in it, [phrase] thence, there (-in, [phrase] of, [phrase] out), [phrase] thither, [phrase] whither. See also: Genesis 2:8; Exodus 21:33; Deuteronomy 19:4.
וְ/הִ֣יא
hûwʼ
H1931
"he/she/it"
Conj | Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning 'he', 'she', or 'it', used to refer to a person or thing. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a subject or make it clear who is being talked about.
Definition: pron 3p s 1) he, she, it 1a) himself (with emphasis) 1b) resuming subj with emphasis 1c) (with minimum emphasis following predicate) 1d) (anticipating subj) 1e) (emphasising predicate) 1f) that, it (neuter) demons pron 2) that (with article)
Usage: Occurs in 1693 OT verses. KJV: he, as for her, him(-self), it, the same, she (herself), such, that (...it), these, they, this, those, which (is), who. See also: Genesis 2:11; Genesis 32:19; Exodus 21:3.
מִצְעָ֑ר
mitsʻâr
H4705
"little"
N-ms
This word means something that is small in size or amount, or a short period of time. It can also refer to a small thing or a little while. In the Bible, it is used to describe something that is not large or significant.
Definition: 1) a small thing 1a) small thing 1b) little while (of time)
Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: little one (while), small. See also: Genesis 19:20; Job 8:7; Isaiah 63:18.
אִמָּלְטָ֨ה
mâlaṭ
H4422
"to escape"
V-Niphal-1cs
This verb means to escape or be delivered, like slipping away to safety. It is used in the Bible to describe people being saved from danger, like in the book of Psalms. The KJV translates it as deliver or escape.
Definition: 1) to slip away, escape, deliver, save, be delivered 1a)(Niphal) 1a1) to slip away 1a2) to escape 1a3) to be delivered 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to lay, let slip out (of eggs) 1b2) to let escape 1b3) to deliver, save (life) 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to give birth to 1c2) to deliver 1d) (Hithpael) 1d1) to slip forth, slip out, escape 1d2) to escape
Usage: Occurs in 85 OT verses. KJV: deliver (self), escape, lay, leap out, let alone, let go, preserve, save, [idiom] speedily, [idiom] surely. See also: Genesis 19:17; Psalms 41:2; Psalms 22:6.
נָּ֜א
nâʼ
H4994
"please"
Part
The Hebrew word 'nâ'' is used to express a polite request, like 'please' or 'I pray', and is often added to verbs to make them more polite. In the Bible, it appears in passages like Ezra's reading of the law to the people.
Definition: 1) I (we) pray, now, please 1a) used in entreaty or exhortation
Usage: Occurs in 374 OT verses. KJV: I beseech (pray) thee (you), go to, now, oh. See also: Genesis 12:11; Judges 4:19; 1 Kings 13:6.
שָׁ֗מָּ/ה
shâm
H8033
"there"
Adv | Suff
The Hebrew word sham means there or then, often used to describe a location or point in time. It can also mean thither or thence, indicating movement or direction. This word is used frequently in the Bible to provide context and clarify the setting of a story.
Definition: 1) there, thither 1a) there 1b) thither (after verbs of motion) 1c) from there, thence 1d) then (as an adverb of time) Aramaic equivalent: tam.mah (תַּמָּה "there" H8536)
Usage: Occurs in 732 OT verses. KJV: in it, [phrase] thence, there (-in, [phrase] of, [phrase] out), [phrase] thither, [phrase] whither. See also: Genesis 2:8; Exodus 21:33; Deuteronomy 19:4.
הֲ/לֹ֥א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part | Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
מִצְעָ֛ר
mitsʻâr
H4705
"little"
N-ms
This word means something that is small in size or amount, or a short period of time. It can also refer to a small thing or a little while. In the Bible, it is used to describe something that is not large or significant.
Definition: 1) a small thing 1a) small thing 1b) little while (of time)
Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: little one (while), small. See also: Genesis 19:20; Job 8:7; Isaiah 63:18.
הִ֖וא
hûwʼ
H1931
"he/she/it"
Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning 'he', 'she', or 'it', used to refer to a person or thing. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a subject or make it clear who is being talked about.
Definition: pron 3p s 1) he, she, it 1a) himself (with emphasis) 1b) resuming subj with emphasis 1c) (with minimum emphasis following predicate) 1d) (anticipating subj) 1e) (emphasising predicate) 1f) that, it (neuter) demons pron 2) that (with article)
Usage: Occurs in 1693 OT verses. KJV: he, as for her, him(-self), it, the same, she (herself), such, that (...it), these, they, this, those, which (is), who. See also: Genesis 2:11; Genesis 32:19; Exodus 21:3.
וּ/תְחִ֥י
châyâh
H2421
"to live"
Conj | V-Qal-Imperf-3fs
To live or have life is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which can also mean to revive or be quickened. It is used in the Bible to describe God's power to sustain life and restore people to health, as seen in the stories of the prophets and Jesus' miracles.
Definition: 1) to live, have life, remain alive, sustain life, live prosperously, live for ever, be quickened, be alive, be restored to life or health 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to live 1a1a) to have life 1a1b) to continue in life, remain alive 1a1c) to sustain life, to live on or upon 1a1d) to live (prosperously) 1a2) to revive, be quickened 1a2a) from sickness 1a2b) from discouragement 1a2c) from faintness 1a2d) from death 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to preserve alive, let live 1b2) to give life 1b3) to quicken, revive, refresh 1b3a) to restore to life 1b3b) to cause to grow 1b3c) to restore 1b3d) to revive 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to preserve alive, let live 1c2) to quicken, revive 1c2a) to restore (to health) 1c2b) to revive 1c2c) to restore to life
Usage: Occurs in 239 OT verses. KJV: keep (leave, make) alive, [idiom] certainly, give (promise) life, (let, suffer to) live, nourish up, preserve (alive), quicken, recover, repair, restore (to life), revive, ([idiom] God) save (alive, life, lives), [idiom] surely, be whole. See also: Genesis 5:3; 2 Samuel 16:16; Psalms 22:27.
נַפְשִֽׁ/י
nephesh
H5315
"soul"
N-cs | Suff
The Hebrew word for soul or living being, used in the Bible to describe the essence of a person or animal. It encompasses the ideas of life, breath, and vitality, and is translated as 'soul' or 'creature' in the KJV. This word is central to biblical concepts of humanity and existence.
Definition: 1) soul, self, life, creature, person, appetite, mind, living being, desire, emotion, passion 1a) that which breathes, the breathing substance or being, soul, the inner being of man 1b) living being 1c) living being (with life in the blood) 1d) the man himself, self, person or individual 1e) seat of the appetites 1f) seat of emotions and passions 1g) activity of mind 1g1) uncertain 1h) activity of the will 1h1) uncertain 1i) activity of the character 1i1) uncertain
Usage: Occurs in 683 OT verses. KJV: any, appetite, beast, body, breath, creature, [idiom] dead(-ly), desire, [idiom] (dis-) contented, [idiom] fish, ghost, [phrase] greedy, he, heart(-y), (hath, [idiom] jeopardy of) life ([idiom] in jeopardy), lust, man, me, mind, mortally, one, own, person, pleasure, (her-, him-, my-, thy-) self, them (your) -selves, [phrase] slay, soul, [phrase] tablet, they, thing, ([idiom] she) will, [idiom] would have it. See also: Genesis 1:20; Leviticus 26:43; Judges 18:25.
Study Notes — Genesis 19:20
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Genesis 19:20 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Genesis 19:20
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 19:20
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 19:20
- Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 19:20
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 19:20
- Cambridge Bible on Genesis 19:20
- Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 19:20
- Sermons on Genesis 19:20
Context — Lot Flees to Zoar
18But Lot replied, “No, my lords, please!
19Your servant has indeed found favor in your sight, and you have shown me great kindness by sparing my life. But I cannot run to the mountains; the disaster will overtake me, and I will die.
20Look, there is a town nearby where I can flee, and it is a small place. Please let me flee there—is it not a small place? Then my life will be saved.”
21“Very well,” he answered, “I will grant this request as well, and will not demolish the town you indicate. 22Hurry! Run there quickly, for I cannot do anything until you reach it.” That is why the town was called Zoar.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 119:175 | Let me live to praise You; may Your judgments sustain me. |
| 2 | Proverbs 3:5–7 | Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight. Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and turn away from evil. |
| 3 | Genesis 19:30 | Lot and his two daughters left Zoar and settled in the mountains—for he was afraid to stay in Zoar—where they lived in a cave. |
| 4 | Genesis 12:13 | Please say you are my sister, so that I will be treated well for your sake, and on account of you my life will be spared.” |
| 5 | Isaiah 55:3 | Incline your ear and come to Me; listen, so that your soul may live. I will make with you an everlasting covenant— My loving devotion promised to David. |
| 6 | Amos 3:6 | If a ram’s horn sounds in a city, do the people not tremble? If calamity comes to a city, has not the LORD caused it? |
Genesis 19:20 Summary
In Genesis 19:20, Lot asks the angels if he can flee to a nearby town to escape the coming disaster. He is looking for a safe place to go, and the town seems like a good option to him. This verse reminds us that God is our refuge and safety, as seen in Psalm 46:1, and we can trust in Him to take care of us, even in difficult situations. Just like Lot, we can cry out to God for help and trust that He will provide for us, as seen in Romans 8:28.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Lot ask to flee to a nearby town instead of the mountains?
Lot asked to flee to a nearby town because he was concerned that the disaster would overtake him in the mountains, as mentioned in Genesis 19:19, and he believed the town was a safer option.
What was the name of the town that Lot fled to?
The town that Lot fled to was called Zoar, as mentioned in Genesis 19:22, which was named as a result of Lot's request to flee there.
Why did the angels agree to spare the town of Zoar?
The angels agreed to spare the town of Zoar because of Lot's request, as seen in Genesis 19:20-21, demonstrating God's mercy and kindness towards those who are faithful to Him, as also seen in Psalm 103:8.
What can we learn from Lot's request to flee to Zoar?
We can learn from Lot's request that God is a God of mercy and kindness, and He desires to save those who are faithful to Him, as seen in Genesis 19:20 and 2 Peter 2:7-8.
Reflection Questions
- What are some times in my life when I have felt like I needed to flee from a difficult situation, and how did God provide for me?
- How can I apply the principle of seeking safety and refuge in God, as seen in Genesis 19:20, to my own life and circumstances?
- What are some ways that I can demonstrate faith and trust in God, even in the midst of challenging situations, like Lot did in Genesis 19:20?
- How can I balance my desire for self-preservation with my need to trust and obey God, as seen in Genesis 19:20 and Proverbs 3:5-6?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 19:20
Behold now, this city [is] near to flee unto,.... Pointing to Bela, afterwards called Zoar, from what follows: it is said to be two miles distant from Sodom (z).
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 19:20
And when the morning arose, then the angels hastened Lot, saying, Arise, take thy wife, and thy two daughters, which are here; lest thou be consumed in the iniquity of the city.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 19:20
And it is a little one; therefore as its inhabitants, so its sins are fewer, and it will not be an eminent example of thy vengeance, as the other places will be.
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 19:20
Genesis 19:20 Behold now, this city [is] near to flee unto, and it [is] a little one: Oh, let me escape thither, ([is] it not a little one?) and my soul shall live.Ver. 20. Is it not a little one?] Let no man use this plea for his sin. Even the philosopher tells us, that the smallest errors prove many times most dangerous. It is as much treason to coin pence, as bigger pieces. Aδικηματαελαχισταπολλακιςμεγιστα - Arist. Rhet., lib. i.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 19:20
Verse 20. It is a little one] Probably Lot wished to have it for an inheritance, and therefore pleaded its being a little one, that his request might be the more readily granted. Or he might suppose, that being a little city, it was less depraved than Sodom and Gomorrah, and therefore not so ripe for punishment; which was probably the case.
Cambridge Bible on Genesis 19:20
20. is it not a little one] i.e. “is it not a trifle (miz‘ar)?” It is a “small” concession to grant; or a “small” distance to go. Evidently a play on the pronunciation of the word Zoar. Lot’s entreaty that he may take refuge in Zoar causes the exemption of that city from the catastrophe. For Bela, as an old name of Zoar, see Genesis 14:2. and my soul shall live] = “that my soul (= I) may live.” For “my soul” as a vivid way of expressing the personal pronoun, see Genesis 12:13.
Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 19:20
20. This city — It appears that this city was near to Sodom, and a small town, and for this reason called Zoar, (Genesis 19:22,) which means small. Its previous name was Bela. Genesis 14:2.
Sermons on Genesis 19:20
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Little Sins by C.H. Spurgeon | C.H. Spurgeon, in his sermon 'Little Sins', emphasizes the deceptive nature of seemingly minor sins, arguing that they can lead to greater transgressions and ultimately spiritual r |
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More Ugly and Horrid Than the Devil Himself! by Thomas Brooks | Thomas Brooks emphasizes the grave danger of bosom sins, which are cherished sins that individuals hold onto despite their destructive nature. He contrasts the attitudes of unsound |
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Jehovah Rohi - the Lord Is My Shepherd by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal experience of walking on a beach at night during a financial crisis. He expresses his need for God's presence, love, and assurance. As |
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**Long Interview of Leonard Ravenhill by David Mainse by Leonard Ravenhill | The video is the first of three phone messages by Revival God's Way, Revival Crane. Revival Crane is known for his powerful preaching and singing. In this message, he discusses the |
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God Uses Foolish Things by Jackie Pullinger | In this video, the speaker discusses the importance of scoring a three, two, and four in a specific process. They mention the idea of a snow-covered holiday and walking on snow. Th |
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God Directs Our Lives by Kathryn Kuhlman | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding that God is a person. They share personal anecdotes about their relationship with their earthly father, highl |
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A Time to Do Nothng but Trust by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the story of Jonathan and the Israelites facing a massive army of Philistines. The Israelites were greatly outnumbered and lacked weapons, lea |