Genesis 19:21 (KJV)

What does Genesis 19:21 mean?

Genesis 19:21 records an angel telling Lot that his request has been granted: the city he asked about will not be destroyed. The angel assures Lot that, because of his plea, this particular city will be spared from the coming judgment that will fall on the other cities.

In this scene, the angel is speaking directly to Lot, who had just pleaded for a small city (Zoar) to be spared so he and his family could escape there. The verse shows the angel’s willingness to listen to Lot’s concerns and grant his request, highlighting a moment of mercy in the midst of destruction.

The Hebrew behind Genesis 19:21

• The word "accepted" (נָשָׂא, nasa’) often means "to lift up" or "to bear," but here it carries the sense of "granting" or "showing favor." This emphasizes that Lot’s request was not just heard but favorably received.
• The word "overthrow" (הָפַךְ, hafakh) means "to turn" or "to overturn," and is often used for the destruction of cities. Its use here underlines the seriousness of what is being withheld from the city Lot mentioned.
• The word "spoken" (דָּבַר, davar) means "to speak" or "to declare," pointing to the importance of Lot’s words and request in shaping what happens next.

Why Genesis 19:21 matters

• This verse clarifies that God’s messengers can respond to human requests, showing a personal aspect to divine judgment and mercy.
• It highlights that Zoar’s survival is directly tied to Lot’s plea, not because of the city’s own merit, which connects to the broader theme of intercession in Genesis.
• The verse sets up the contrast between the fate of Zoar and the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, helping readers understand the unique circumstances of Lot’s escape.