Genesis 19:5 (KJV)

What does Genesis 19:5 mean?

Genesis 19:5 describes the men of Sodom surrounding Lot’s house and demanding that he bring out his guests so they can “know” them. In the language and context of the passage, this is a threatening demand that carries a hostile and harmful intent toward Lot’s visitors.

The scene takes place at night in the city of Sodom, where Lot has welcomed two strangers (who are actually angels) into his home for protection. The men of the city, both young and old, come together and call out to Lot, insisting that he hand over his guests. The phrase “that we may know them” in this setting is often understood as a demand for sexual violence, showing the extreme danger and moral corruption present in Sodom at this moment.

The Hebrew behind Genesis 19:5

• “know” (יָדַע, yādaʿ): While this Hebrew word can mean “to know” in a general sense, in Genesis 19:5 it is often understood as a euphemism for sexual relations, especially given the threatening context and Lot’s fearful response. This sharpens the sense of danger and the seriousness of the men’s demand.
• “called” (קָרָא, qārāʾ): This word means to call out or summon, showing the public and aggressive nature of the men’s approach to Lot’s house. It emphasizes that this was not a private request but a loud, collective demand.
• “men” (אֲנָשִׁים, ʾănāšîm): The word used here refers to adult males, and the passage stresses that the group included all the men of the city, both young and old, highlighting the widespread nature of the behavior in Sodom.

Why Genesis 19:5 matters

• Genesis 19:5 clarifies the level of threat faced by Lot’s guests and sets the stage for the judgment that follows in the story, helping readers understand why Sodom is described as a place of grave wickedness.
• The verse highlights the collective involvement of the city’s men, showing that the problem was not isolated to a few individuals but was a broader societal issue.
• Understanding the meaning of “know” (יָדַע, yādaʿ) in this context helps clear up confusion about the nature of the men’s demand and why Lot reacts so urgently to protect his guests.