For we will destroy this place, because the cry of them is waxen great before the face of the LORD; and the LORD hath sent us to destroy it.

GENESIS 19:13KJV
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Genesis 19:13 (KJV)

What does Genesis 19:13 mean?

Genesis 19:13 records the angels telling Lot that they are about to destroy the city of Sodom because the outcry against its people has become so great before God that He has sent them to carry out judgment. The verse explains that the destruction is a direct response to the seriousness of the city’s wrongdoing, which has come to God’s attention.

In this scene, two angels are speaking to Lot inside his house in Sodom. They explain the reason for their mission: the city’s evil has reached a level that demands God’s intervention. The angels make it clear that they are acting on God’s orders, not their own, and that the destruction is both certain and imminent because of the people’s actions.

The Hebrew behind Genesis 19:13

  • The word "destroy" (שָׁחַת, shachat) is used twice in this verse, emphasizing the total and deliberate nature of what is about to happen. This word often means to ruin or lay waste, highlighting the seriousness of the judgment.
  • The word "cry" (צַעֲקָה, tza'aqah) refers to a loud outcry or plea for help, often used in the Hebrew Bible when injustice or suffering demands God’s attention. This suggests that the evil in Sodom has caused real harm, prompting a response from God.
  • The phrase "before the face of the LORD" (לִפְנֵי יְהוָה, lifnei YHWH) means that the wrongdoing is not hidden but is openly seen by God. This underscores the idea that nothing escapes God's notice and that His judgment is based on full awareness of the situation.

Why Genesis 19:13 matters

  • This verse clarifies that the coming destruction of Sodom is not arbitrary but is a response to persistent wrongdoing that has reached a critical point.
  • The explanation from the angels shows that God’s actions are deliberate and just, based on what has been brought before Him, rather than impulsive or unexplained.
  • Genesis 19:13 connects to the larger story by showing the seriousness of Sodom’s condition and why Lot and his family need to leave immediately, setting up the urgency of the following events.

Where else these words appear

“we” Hebrew H587 · used in 6 verses

  • Numbers 32:17 But we ourselves will go ready armed before the children of Israel, until we have brought them unto their place: and our little ones shall dwell in the fenced cities because of the inhabitants of the land.
  • Deuteronomy 5:3 The LORD made not this covenant with our fathers, but with us, even us, who are all of us here alive this day.
  • Nehemiah 4:23 So neither I, nor my brethren, nor my servants, nor the men of the guard which followed me, none of us put off our clothes, saving that every one put them off for washing.

“destroy” Hebrew H853 · used in 18 verses

  • Genesis 1:1 In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.
  • Genesis 37:23 And it came to pass, when Joseph was come unto his brethren, that they stript Joseph out of his coat, his coat of many colours that was on him;
  • Judges 11:27 Wherefore I have not sinned against thee, but thou doest me wrong to war against me: the LORD the Judge be judge this day between the children of Israel and the children of Ammon.

“them” Hebrew H6818 · used in 20 verses

  • Genesis 18:21 I will go down now, and see whether they have done altogether according to the cry of it, which is come unto me; and if not, I will know.
  • Exodus 22:23 If thou afflict them in any wise, and they cry at all unto me, I will surely hear their cry;
  • Psalms 9:12 When he maketh inquisition for blood, he remembereth them: he forgetteth not the cry of the humble.

“before” Hebrew H854 · used in 24 verses

  • Genesis 4:1 And Adam knew Eve his wife; and she conceived, and bare Cain, and said, I have gotten a man from the LORD.
  • Genesis 26:24 And the LORD appeared unto him the same night, and said, I am the God of Abraham thy father: fear not, for I am with thee, and will bless thee, and multiply thy seed for my servant Abraham's sake.
  • Leviticus 5:7 And if he be not able to bring a lamb, then he shall bring for his trespass, which he hath committed, two turtledoves, or two young pigeons, unto the LORD; one for a sin offering, and the other for a burnt offering.