Genesis 19:7 (KJV)

What does Genesis 19:7 mean?

Genesis 19:7 shows Lot pleading with the men of Sodom not to commit a wicked act against his guests. Lot addresses the crowd as "brethren" and urges them not to do something he considers deeply wrong.

In this scene, Lot has just stepped outside his house to confront a group of townsmen who have gathered with bad intentions toward his visitors, who are actually angels. By calling them "brethren," Lot tries to appeal to their sense of kinship or shared community, hoping to persuade them. His use of the word "wickedly" makes clear that he sees their intended actions as morally unacceptable.

The Hebrew behind Genesis 19:7

• "said" (אָמַר, amar): This is a common Hebrew verb for speaking, showing that Lot is directly addressing the crowd, not just thinking or muttering.
• "brethren" (אַחִים, 'achim): Lot uses a term that means "brothers" or "fellow countrymen," which suggests he is trying to reason with the men as equals or neighbors, not as outsiders.
• "wickedly" (רָעָה, ra‘a): This word often means to do evil or harm. Lot is not just saying the act is improper; he is labeling it as something deeply wrong or destructive.

Why Genesis 19:7 matters

• This verse highlights Lot’s attempt to prevent violence by appealing to shared values and relationships, showing his concern for both his guests and his community.
• The use of "brethren" reveals Lot’s strategy of persuasion, trying to connect with the crowd rather than confront them as enemies.
• The word "wickedly" emphasizes the seriousness of what the crowd intends, underlining the moral crisis at the heart of the story.