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 13:10KJV
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Genesis 13:10 (KJV)

What 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.

Where else these words appear

“watered” Hebrew H4945 · used in 7 verses

  • Genesis 40:21 And he restored the chief butler unto his butlership again; and he gave the cup into Pharaoh's hand:
  • 1 Kings 10:21 And all king Solomon's drinking vessels were of gold, and all the vessels of the house of the forest of Lebanon were of pure gold; none were of silver: it was nothing accounted of in the days of Solomon.
  • Isaiah 32:6 For the vile person will speak villany, and his heart will work iniquity, to practise hypocrisy, and to utter error against the LORD, to make empty the soul of the hungry, and he will cause the drink of the thirsty to fail.

“Zoar” Hebrew H6820 · used in 9 verses

  • Genesis 14:2 That these made war with Bera king of Sodom, and with Birsha king of Gomorrah, Shinab king of Admah, and Shemeber king of Zeboiim, and the king of Bela, which is Zoar.
  • Genesis 19:22 Haste thee, escape thither; for I cannot do any thing till thou be come thither. Therefore the name of the city was called Zoar.
  • Deuteronomy 34:3 And the south, and the plain of the valley of Jericho, the city of palm trees, unto Zoar.

“Gomorrah” Hebrew H6017 · used in 19 verses

  • Genesis 10:19 And the border of the Canaanites was from Sidon, as thou comest to Gerar, unto Gaza; as thou goest, unto Sodom, and Gomorrah, and Admah, and Zeboim, even unto Lasha.
  • Genesis 19:24 Then the LORD rained upon Sodom and upon Gomorrah brimstone and fire from the LORD out of heaven;
  • Isaiah 13:19 And Babylon, the glory of kingdoms, the beauty of the Chaldees' excellency, shall be as when God overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah.

“Lot” Hebrew H3876 · used in 30 verses

  • Genesis 11:27 Now these are the generations of Terah: Terah begat Abram, Nahor, and Haran; and Haran begat Lot.
  • Genesis 13:12 Abram dwelled in the land of Canaan, and Lot dwelled in the cities of the plain, and pitched his tent toward Sodom.
  • Genesis 19:14 And Lot went out, and spake unto his sons in law, which married his daughters, and said, Up, get you out of this place; for the LORD will destroy this city. But he seemed as one that mocked unto his sons in law.