Genesis 19:31 (KJV)

What does Genesis 19:31 mean?

Genesis 19:31 records the firstborn daughter of Lot speaking to her younger sister, pointing out that their father is old and that there are no men left in the area to marry them or continue their family line in the usual way. The verse sets up their reasoning for the actions they are about to take.

The speaker is Lot’s eldest daughter, addressing her younger sister after the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. They are isolated in a cave with their father, believing that no other men are available to them. The verse reveals their sense of desperation and the cultural importance they place on family continuation, which shapes their controversial decision in the following verses.

The Hebrew behind Genesis 19:31

• "firstborn" (בְּכִירָה, bəkhirah): This word means the eldest daughter, highlighting her role as the leader in the conversation and decision-making.
• "old" (זָקֵן, zaqen): The term for "old" emphasizes Lot’s advanced age, suggesting urgency in their concern for family continuation.
• "man" (אִישׁ, ish): This word means a male or husband, underlining the daughters' belief that there are no potential husbands left for them.
• "manner" (דֶּרֶךְ, derekh): This word often means "way" or "custom," so "after the manner of all the earth" refers to the usual way families are continued—through marriage and children.

Why Genesis 19:31 matters

• Genesis 19:31 clarifies the daughters’ motivation, showing they acted out of fear and a sense of isolation, not mere impulsiveness.
• The verse highlights the cultural weight placed on preserving family lines in the ancient world, which helps explain the daughters’ drastic reasoning.
• Understanding this verse provides context for the controversial events that follow, showing the daughters’ actions as a response to their perceived lack of options after the destruction of their city.