Genesis 19:33 (KJV)

What does Genesis 19:33 mean?

Genesis 19:33 describes how Lot’s daughters gave their father wine to drink that night, and the older daughter went in and slept with him while he was unaware of what happened. The verse emphasizes that Lot did not realize when she lay down with him or when she got up.

This event takes place after Lot and his daughters escape the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. The daughters, believing they are isolated and that their family line must be preserved, take matters into their own hands. The verse highlights both the deliberate actions of the daughters and Lot’s lack of awareness due to intoxication.

The Hebrew behind Genesis 19:33

• "made" (שָׁקָה, shaqah): This word means to cause someone to drink. The daughters are not just offering wine; they are intentionally making sure Lot becomes drunk.
• "wine" (יַיִן, yayin): The use of wine here is important, as it is the means by which Lot’s awareness is removed, setting up the events that follow.
• "perceived" (יָדַע, yada‘): This word means to know or be aware. The verse stresses that Lot had no knowledge of what happened, underlining his lack of consent or awareness.

Why Genesis 19:33 matters

• The verse clarifies that Lot was completely unaware of his daughter’s actions, which is important for understanding the nature of what happened and Lot’s lack of intent.
• This detail sets up the following verses, where the younger daughter repeats the act, leading to the birth of two groups, the Moabites and Ammonites, who become significant in later biblical history.
• The verse also shows the lengths to which Lot’s daughters went, using both planning and manipulation, which speaks to their desperation and the unusual circumstances following the destruction of their home.