Genesis 19:4
Genesis 19:4 in Multiple Translations
Before they had gone to bed, all the men of the city of Sodom, both young and old, surrounded the house.
¶ 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:
But before they lay down, the men of the city, even the men of Sodom, compassed the house round, both young and old, all the people from every quarter;
But before they had gone to bed, the men of the town, all the men of Sodom, came round the house, young and old, from every part of the town;
But they hadn't even gone to bed before the men of Sodom, young and old, from every part of town, came and surrounded the house.
But before they went to bed, the men of the citie, euen the men of Sodom compassed the house rounde about from the yong euen to the olde, all the people from all quarters.
Before they lie down, the men of the city — men of Sodom — have come round about against the house, from young even unto aged, all the people from the extremity;
But before they lay down, the men of the city, the men of Sodom, surrounded the house, both young and old, all the people from every quarter.
But before they lay down, the men of the city, even the men of Sodom, surrounded the house, both old and young, all the people from every quarter:
But before they went to bed, the men of the city beset the house both young and old, all the people together.
After they finished eating, before they went to bed, the men of Sodom city, all of them, from the young ones to the old ones, surrounded the house.
Before they went to bed, all the men that lived in Sodom, both the young men and the old men, they came and stood around Lot’s house,
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 19:4
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 19:4 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
טֶרֶם֮
יִשְׁכָּבוּ֒
וְ/אַנְשֵׁ֨י
הָ/עִ֜יר
אַנְשֵׁ֤י
סְדֹם֙
נָסַ֣בּוּ
עַל
הַ/בַּ֔יִת
מִ/נַּ֖עַר
וְ/עַד
זָקֵ֑ן
כָּל
הָ/עָ֖ם
מִ/קָּצֶֽה
טֶרֶם֮
ṭerem
H2962
before
Adv
יִשְׁכָּבוּ֒
shâkab
H7901
to lie down
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
וְ/אַנְשֵׁ֨י
ʼîysh
H376
man
Conj | N-mp
הָ/עִ֜יר
ʻîyr
H5892
excitement
Art | N-fs
אַנְשֵׁ֤י
ʼîysh
H376
man
N-mp
סְדֹם֙
Çᵉdôm
H5467
Sodom
N-proper
נָסַ֣בּוּ
çâbab
H5437
to turn
V-Niphal-Perf-3cp
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
הַ/בַּ֔יִת
bayith
H1004
place
Art | N-ms
מִ/נַּ֖עַר
naʻar
H5288
youth
Prep | N-ms
וְ/עַד
ʻad
H5704
till
Conj | Prep
זָקֵ֑ן
zâqên
H2205
old
Adj
כָּל
kôl
H3605
all
N-ms
הָ/עָ֖ם
ʻam
H5971
Amaw
Art | N-ms
מִ/קָּצֶֽה
qâtseh
H7097
end
Prep | N-cs
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 19:4
טֶרֶם֮
ṭerem
H2962
"before"
Adv
This word indicates something has not happened yet, or it happened before something else. It is used to show timing or sequence of events, translated as before, ere, or not yet in the KJV.
Definition: before, not yet, before that
Usage: Occurs in 50 OT verses. KJV: before, ere, not yet. See also: Genesis 2:5; 2 Kings 6:32; Psalms 5:6.
יִשְׁכָּבוּ֒
shâkab
H7901
"to lie down"
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
To lie down can mean to rest, sleep, or have sexual relations, and is used in various contexts throughout the Bible. It can also mean to relax or be at rest.
Definition: : lay_down/lie_with 1) to lie down 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to lie, lie down, lie on 1a2) to lodge 1a3) to lie (of sexual relations) 1a4) to lie down (in death) 1a5) to rest, relax (fig) 1b) (Niphal) to be lain with (sexually) 1c) (Pual) to be lain with (sexually) 1d) (Hiphil) to make to lie down 1e) (Hophal) to be laid
Usage: Occurs in 194 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, cast down, (lover-)lay (self) (down), (make to) lie (down, down to sleep, still with), lodge, ravish, take rest, sleep, stay. See also: Genesis 19:4; 1 Kings 11:43; Psalms 3:6.
וְ/אַנְשֵׁ֨י
ʼîysh
H376
"man"
Conj | N-mp
The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.
Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)
Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.
הָ/עִ֜יר
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.
אַנְשֵׁ֤י
ʼîysh
H376
"man"
N-mp
The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.
Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)
Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.
סְדֹם֙
Çᵉdôm
H5467
"Sodom"
N-proper
Sodom was a city near the Dead Sea, known for its wickedness and corruption. According to the book of Genesis, God destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah as a judgment for their sins. The city has become a symbol of evil and immorality.
Definition: Sodom = "burning" a Canaanite city, usually paired with Gomorrah, located in the area of the Dead Sea and the Jordan river; both cities destroyed by God in judgment Also named: Sodoma (Σόδομα "Sodom" G4670)
Usage: Occurs in 38 OT verses. KJV: Sodom. See also: Genesis 10:19; Genesis 19:28; Isaiah 1:9.
נָסַ֣בּוּ
çâbab
H5437
"to turn"
V-Niphal-Perf-3cp
To turn or surround is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which can be used literally or figuratively. It appears in the Bible to describe changing direction or surrounding something.
Definition: : turn/bring_around 1) to turn, turn about or around or aside or back or towards, go about or around, surround, encircle, change direction 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to turn, turn about, be brought round, change 1a2) to march or walk around, go partly around, circle about, skirt, make a round, make a circuit, go about to, surround, encompass 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to turn oneself, close round, turn round 1b2) to be turned over to 1c) (Piel) to turn about, change, transform 1d) (Poel) 1d1) to encompass, surround 1d2) to come about, assemble round 1d3) to march, go about 1d4) to enclose, envelop 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to turn, cause to turn, turn back, reverse, bring over, turn into, bring round 1e2) to cause to go around, surround, encompass 1f) (Hophal) 1f1) to be turned 1f2) to be surrounded
Usage: Occurs in 148 OT verses. KJV: bring, cast, fetch, lead, make, walk, [idiom] whirl, [idiom] round about, be about on every side, apply, avoid, beset (about), besiege, bring again, carry (about), change, cause to come about, [idiom] circuit, (fetch a) compass (about, round), drive, environ, [idiom] on every side, beset (close, come, compass, go, stand) round about, inclose, remove, return, set, sit down, turn (self) (about, aside, away, back). See also: Genesis 2:11; 1 Chronicles 16:43; Psalms 7:8.
עַל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
הַ/בַּ֔יִת
bayith
H1004
"place"
Art | N-ms
The Hebrew word for house refers to a dwelling place, including a family home, temple, or even the human body. It appears in various contexts, such as the temple in Jerusalem or the household of a family. In the Bible, it is often used to describe a place of worship or a family's living space.
Definition: nm place, origin, between
Usage: Occurs in 1712 OT verses. KJV: court, daughter, door, [phrase] dungeon, family, [phrase] forth of, [idiom] great as would contain, hangings, home(born), (winter) house(-hold), inside(-ward), palace, place, [phrase] prison, [phrase] steward, [phrase] tablet, temple, web, [phrase] within(-out). See also: Genesis 6:14; Exodus 8:5; Numbers 1:45.
מִ/נַּ֖עַר
naʻar
H5288
"youth"
Prep | N-ms
In the original Hebrew, this word means a young person, either a boy or a girl, from infancy to adolescence. It is used to describe the servants and attendants who worked for kings and other important people in the Old Testament, like King David's servants.
Definition: 1) a boy, lad, servant, youth, retainer 1a) boy, lad, youth 1b) servant, retainer
Usage: Occurs in 221 OT verses. KJV: babe, boy, child, damsel (from the margin), lad, servant, young (man). See also: Genesis 14:24; 1 Samuel 25:5; Psalms 37:25.
וְ/עַד
ʻad
H5704
"till"
Conj | Prep
This Hebrew word means until or as far as, describing a point in time or space. It's used in the Bible to set boundaries or limits, like in Exodus when describing the Israelites' journey.
Definition: prep 1) as far as, even to, until, up to, while, as far as 1a) of space 1a1) as far as, up to, even to 1b) in combination 1b1) from...as far as, both...and (with 'min' -from) 1c) of time 1c1) even to, until, unto, till, during, end 1d) of degree 1d1) even to, to the degree of, even like conj 2) until, while, to the point that, so that even Aramaic equivalent: ad (עַד "till" H5705)
Usage: Occurs in 1128 OT verses. KJV: against, and, as, at, before, by (that), even (to), for(-asmuch as), (hither-) to, [phrase] how long, into, as long (much) as, (so) that, till, toward, until, when, while, ([phrase] as) yet. See also: Genesis 3:19; Exodus 32:20; Numbers 23:24.
זָקֵ֑ן
zâqên
H2205
"old"
Adj
This Hebrew word means old or elderly, as in the case of the elderly men who appeared to Abraham in Genesis 18:11. It can also refer to those in positions of authority, like the elders who helped Moses in Exodus 24:1. The term is used to describe respect and leadership.
Definition: : old 1) old 1a) old (of humans) 1b) elder (of those having authority) Also means: za.qen (זָקֵן ": elder" H2205)
Usage: Occurs in 171 OT verses. KJV: aged, ancient (man), elder(-est), old (man, men and...women), senator. See also: Genesis 18:11; 1 Samuel 28:14; Psalms 105:22.
כָּל
kôl
H3605
"all"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
הָ/עָ֖ם
ʻam
H5971
"Amaw"
Art | N-ms
A people or nation is what this Hebrew word represents, like the nation of Israel in Exodus 33:13. It can also mean a tribe, troops, or attendants, and is used to describe a group of people gathered together. The word is often used to refer to the people of God.
Definition: This name means nation, people
Usage: Occurs in 1655 OT verses. KJV: folk, men, nation, people. See also: Genesis 11:6; Exodus 16:4; Leviticus 17:9.
מִ/קָּצֶֽה
qâtseh
H7097
"end"
Prep | N-cs
In the book of Joshua, this word refers to an end or border of a territory. It can also mean the edge or brink of something. This concept is used to describe the boundaries of the Promised Land.
Definition: 1) end, extremity 1a) end, mouth, extremity 1b) border, outskirts 1c) the whole (condensed term for what is included within extremities) 1d) at the end of (a certain time) Also means: qe.tseh (קֵ֫צֶה "end" H7097B)
Usage: Occurs in 87 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, border, brim, brink, edge, end, (in-) finite, frontier, outmost coast, quarter, shore, (out-) side, [idiom] some, ut(-ter-) most (part). See also: Genesis 8:3; Judges 7:19; Psalms 19:5.
Study Notes — Genesis 19:4
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Genesis 19:4 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Genesis 19:4
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 19:4
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 19:4
- Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 19:4
- Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 19:4
- Cambridge Bible on Genesis 19:4
- Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 19:4
- Sermons on Genesis 19:4
Context — Lot Welcomes the Angels
2and said, “My lords, please turn aside into the house of your servant; wash your feet and spend the night. Then you can rise early and go on your way.” “No,” they answered, “we will spend the night in the square.”
3But Lot insisted so strongly that they followed him into his house. He prepared a feast for them and baked unleavened bread, and they ate.
4Before they had gone to bed, all the men of the city of Sodom, both young and old, surrounded the house.
5They called out to Lot, saying, “Where are the men who came to you tonight? Send them out to us so we can have relations with them!” 6Lot went outside to meet them, shutting the door behind him.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Genesis 13:13 | But the men of Sodom were wicked, sinning greatly against the LORD. |
| 2 | Proverbs 4:16 | For they cannot sleep unless they do evil; they are deprived of slumber until they make someone fall. |
| 3 | Exodus 23:2 | You shall not follow the crowd in wrongdoing. When you testify in a lawsuit, do not pervert justice by siding with the crowd. |
| 4 | Genesis 18:20 | Then the LORD said, “The outcry against Sodom and Gomorrah is great. Because their sin is so grievous, |
| 5 | Proverbs 6:18 | a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that run swiftly to evil, |
| 6 | Exodus 16:2 | And there in the desert they all grumbled against Moses and Aaron. |
| 7 | Micah 7:3 | Both hands are skilled at evil; the prince and the judge demand a bribe. When the powerful utters his evil desire, they all conspire together. |
| 8 | Matthew 27:20–25 | But the chief priests and elders persuaded the crowds to ask for Barabbas and to have Jesus put to death. “Which of the two do you want me to release to you?” asked the governor. “Barabbas,” they replied. “What then should I do with Jesus who is called Christ?” Pilate asked. They all answered, “Crucify Him!” “Why?” asked Pilate. “What evil has He done?” But they shouted all the louder, “Crucify Him!” When Pilate saw that he was accomplishing nothing, but that instead a riot was breaking out, he took water and washed his hands before the crowd. “I am innocent of this man’s blood, ” he said. “You bear the responsibility.” All the people answered, “His blood be on us and on our children!” |
| 9 | Romans 3:15 | “Their feet are swift to shed blood; |
| 10 | Jeremiah 5:31 | The prophets prophesy falsely, and the priests rule by their own authority. My people love it so, but what will you do in the end? |
Genesis 19:4 Summary
[This verse, Genesis 19:4, shows how the men of Sodom were so consumed by sin that they surrounded Lot's house, trying to get to the angels who were visiting him. This event is a pivotal moment in the story of Sodom and Gomorrah, highlighting the city's rebellion against God, as seen in Genesis 18:20. The fact that 'all the men of the city' were involved shows how deeply rooted sin can be in a community, and how important it is for us to repent and turn to God, as encouraged in 2 Chronicles 7:14. By looking at this verse in the context of the whole Bible, we can see that God is a holy and just God, who hates sin, but loves and desires to redeem people, as seen in John 3:16.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the men of Sodom surrounding Lot's house in Genesis 19:4?
The men of Sodom surrounding Lot's house in Genesis 19:4 signifies the city's deep-seated sin and rebellion against God, as seen in their desire to engage in immoral acts with the angels, which is a fulfillment of the wickedness God saw in the city, as mentioned in Genesis 18:20.
How does this event relate to the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah?
The event in Genesis 19:4 is a pivotal moment leading to the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, as it showcases the city's refusal to repent and turn away from sin, ultimately sealing their fate, as seen in Genesis 19:12-25.
What can we learn about the nature of sin from this verse?
This verse teaches us that sin can be all-consuming and pervasive, affecting entire communities, as seen in the participation of 'all the men of the city' in the sinful act, highlighting the importance of personal and collective repentance, as encouraged in 2 Chronicles 7:14.
How does Lot's actions in this scenario reflect his character?
Lot's insistence on protecting the angels, as seen in the preceding verses, shows his desire to do what is right, but his lack of spiritual depth and influence over the city is evident in the men's boldness to surround his house, as mentioned in Genesis 19:4, highlighting the challenges of being a righteous person in a wicked environment, similar to what is described in Psalm 1:1.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that our communities or social circles may be reflecting the sinful nature of Sodom, and how can we, as individuals, be a positive influence?
- How can we balance the desire to be hospitable and welcoming, like Lot, with the need to protect ourselves and others from harm or sinful influences?
- In what ways can we, like the angels, be a source of blessing and redemption to those around us, even in the midst of a corrupt and sinful world?
- What are some personal sins or weaknesses that we may be harboring, and how can we, like Lot, take steps to protect ourselves and others from their influence?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 19:4
But before they lay down,.... Upon their beds to sleep; it was between supper time and bedtime that the following affair happened, while the angels were talking to Lot about the men of Sodom, and
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 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: The house.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 19:4
Before they lay down to sleep, of which this word is used, 26:6. All the people from every quarter; some to exercise villany, and some to please themselves with the contemplation of it, and some out of curiosity, &c. This is added to show how universally corrupt they were, and that there were not ten righteous men there.
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 19:4
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:Ver. 4. Both old and young.] Nulla aetas erat culpae immunis, ideo nec exitii . - Ambrose. Sin spreads as leaven, and is as catching as the plague; like the Jerusalem artichoke, plant it where you will, it overruns the ground, and chokes the heart.
Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 19:4
(4) From every quarter.—Heb., from the end. This may mean, either, “to the last man.” or “from the very end of the town.” In either case it shows that there were not in Sodom the ten righteous men who would have availed to save it (Genesis 18:32).
Cambridge Bible on Genesis 19:4
4. the men of the city] The repulsive incident recorded in this passage (Genesis 19:4-11) contrasts the hospitable conduct of Lot with the gross behaviour of the people of Sodom towards strangers, and has for all time associated the name of the city with shameless vice (cf. Isaiah 3:9). from every quarter] Lit. “from the end.” As in 1 Kings 12:31, the phrase means “from all classes of the people.” The writer insists upon the fact that “all” of every age and class were involved in the same guilt. Compare the scene in Judges 19:23.
Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 19:4
4. All the people from every quarter — Hebrews, from the extremity, that is, of the city. Here we have a picture of the vilest kind of a rabble, debased to the most shameless licentiousness.
Sermons on Genesis 19:4
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Belshazzar's Feast and the Fall of Babylon by Arno Clemens Gaebelein | Arno Clemens Gaebelein delves into the historical account of Belshazzar's feast and the divine judgment that followed, showcasing the defiance and blasphemy against God that led to |
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The Life of Abraham - Part 2 by W.F. Anderson | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the story of Abraham in the Book of Genesis. He emphasizes the theme of restoration and how God can bring us out of the mess we create for o |
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Genesis 13:1-20 by John Calvin | John Calvin preaches about Abram's journey out of Egypt, highlighting God's protection and the wealth he acquired, showing how riches did not hinder him from seeking the land of Ca |
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Widespread Corruption by Steve Gallagher | Steve Gallagher preaches about the corruption and spiritual pollution that will prevail in the Last Days, likening it to the wickedness of Noah's time and Sodom and Gomorrah. He em |
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Who Not to Follow by E.A. Adeboye | E.A. Adeboye emphasizes the importance of carefully choosing our associations to enter the promised rest of God, warning against following the counsel of the ungodly and sinful way |
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Bible Survey - Daniel by Peter Hammond | Peter Hammond preaches on the life of Daniel, a wise and righteous prophet who remained faithful to God despite being exiled to Babylon. Daniel's integrity and courage in the face |
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Homily 37 on the Acts of the Apostles by St. John Chrysostom | John Chrysostom preaches on the journey of Paul and his companions through various cities, emphasizing Paul's dedication to sharing the Gospel with both Jews and Gentiles. Despite |