Lot
Abraham's NephewAbraham's nephew who chose Sodom's prosperity but was saved from its destruction through Abraham's intercession
Lot traveled with Abraham from Ur to Canaan but chose the well-watered plain near Sodom when they parted. Despite Sodom's wickedness, Lot 'sat in the gate,' suggesting civic involvement. Abraham interceded for Sodom, and angels rescued Lot before its destruction. His wife looked back and became a pillar of salt - a warning Jesus referenced. His daughters' incestuous scheme produced Moab and Ammon, nations that troubled Israel. Yet Peter calls Lot 'righteous,' tormented by Sodom's wickedness. Lot represents the danger of worldly compromise, the power of intercessory prayer, and God's mercy in rescuing the righteous from judgment. His story warns against valuing prosperity over purity.
Original Name
לוֹט (Lot)
Meaning
Covering, Veil
Etymology
Lot's name may come from a root meaning 'to cover' or 'to wrap.' Some see it as connected to 'myrrh' (lot) - an aromatic resin. His name may ironically point to his desire to 'cover' or associate with Sodom's prosperity.
Linguistic Insights
Lot's name meaning 'covering' or 'veil' may symbolize his compromised vision - he saw Sodom's prosperity but veiled his eyes to its wickedness. The phrase 'sat in the gate' (yoshev besha'ar) indicates civic authority and involvement. When the angels urged him to flee, he 'lingered' (mitmamehe'ah) - delayed, hesitated - showing his attachment to Sodom. His wife 'looked back' (tabbet) may imply longing, not just glancing. Jesus' warning 'Remember Lot's wife' uses her as an example of looking back to the world. Peter's description of Lot as 'righteous' (dikaion) while 'tormented' (basanizomenon) by Sodom's sin shows the cost of compromise - vexed daily yet unwilling to leave until forced.
Translation Notes
- •Lot = 'covering' or 'veil'
- •'Sat in the gate' = civic leader position
- •'Lingered' = hesitated, delayed leaving
- •Peter calls him 'righteous Lot' (2 Peter 2:7)
Related Terms
Left Ur with Abraham and Terah
Genesis 11:31Journeyed with Abraham to Canaan
Genesis 12:4-5Separated from Abraham; chose Sodom
Genesis 13:5-13Captured in war; rescued by Abraham
Genesis 14:1-16Hosted angels in Sodom
Genesis 19:1-3Protected angels from mob
Genesis 19:4-11Warned of Sodom's destruction
Genesis 19:12-14Escaped to Zoar; wife became salt pillar
Genesis 19:15-26Daughters' incest produced Moab and Ammon
Genesis 19:30-38Genesis 13:12
"Abram lived in the land of Canaan, while Lot lived among the cities of the plain and pitched his tents near Sodom."
Genesis 19:16
"When he hesitated, the men grasped his hand and the hands of his wife and of his two daughters and led them safely out of the city, for the LORD was merciful to them."
Luke 17:32
"Remember Lot's wife!"
2 Peter 2:7
"And if he rescued Lot, a righteous man, who was distressed by the depraved conduct of the lawless."