And Lot lifted up his eyes, and beheld all the plain of Jordan, that it was well watered every where, before the LORD destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah, even as the garden of the LORD, like the land of Egypt, as thou comest unto Zoar.
GENESIS 13:10KJVWhat does Genesis 13:10 mean?
Genesis 13:10 describes how Lot looked out and saw that the whole plain of the Jordan was lush and well-watered, comparing it to the garden of the LORD and the land of Egypt, before Sodom and Gomorrah were destroyed. The verse highlights the attractiveness of the land Lot chose, setting the stage for later events.
In this scene, Abram and Lot are deciding how to separate their flocks and families because the land cannot support both of them together. Lot surveys the land ("lifted up his eyes") and notices that the area near the Jordan River is especially fertile and appealing, much like the famous garden of the LORD (often understood as Eden) and the rich land of Egypt near Zoar. The verse also foreshadows the coming destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, hinting that the beauty of the land hides future trouble.
The Hebrew behind Genesis 13:10
- "Plain" (כִּכָּר, kikkar): This word refers to a broad, circular area, often used for the fertile valley or plain. Here, it emphasizes the richness and openness of the Jordan valley.
- "Well watered" (מַשְׁקֶה, mashqeh): This word means abundantly supplied with water, suggesting the land was ideal for grazing and crops, making Lot’s choice practical and appealing.
- "Garden of the LORD" (גַּן־יְהוָה, gan-YHWH): This phrase points back to the garden of Eden, evoking an image of paradise and abundance, which helps the reader understand just how desirable the land appeared.
- "Destroyed" (שָׁחַת, shachath): This verb means to ruin or lay waste. The verse notes that this beauty existed before the LORD destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah, signaling a dramatic change to come.
Why Genesis 13:10 matters
- Genesis 13:10 helps explain why Lot chose the land near Sodom, showing that his decision was based on what looked most prosperous and appealing at the time.
- The verse connects the story to earlier biblical themes by comparing the land to Eden, highlighting how outward beauty can mask deeper dangers.
- By mentioning the future destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, the verse sets up a contrast between present appearance and future reality, preparing the reader for the unfolding story.