Hebrew Text · Translation · Interlinear · Discourse Structure

The Book of Genesis, Chapter 19בראשית 19

Each verse opens with the running Hebrew, an English translation, and a discourse note (its connective, relation, and role in the argument). Below follows the word-by-word breakdown in six tiers: gloss, case/state or parsing, syntax, semantic force, and a lexical note.

Case Nominative Genitive Dative Accusative Vocative Verb (no case) Indeclinable

Discourse notes head each verse: relation · connective · clause-flow. Indentation marks prominence — flush-left = main line of argument; indented = supporting / subordinate material.

Theme

Judgment, rescue, hesitation, destruction, and compromised survival are bound together here in one of Genesis' starkest movements. The visitors who arrived at evening in Sodom as protected guests are immediately met by the city's violent corruption, and Lot's compromised attempt to defend them only intensifies the moral disarray. From there the narrative accelerates into angelic warning, reluctant flight, the overthrow of the cities of the plain, Lot's wife's backward glance, Abraham's distant witness to the smoke of judgment, and finally the grim cave episode from which Moab and Ammon emerge. The movement is therefore not a simple tale of punishment alone. Deliverance is real, but it comes through urgency, divine mercy, and human weakness rather than through clean heroism. Sodom's outcry from Genesis 18 is answered, yet the account also shows how judgment spills through family, memory, landscape, and future peoples. Forensic divine justice and tragic human disorder meet here: the Judge of all the earth acts decisively, but even those rescued from the city are not left looking morally unfractured.

Translation & textual notes

The Hebrew base text here follows the Masoretic Text in the Leningrad tradition as represented by the Westminster Leningrad Codex / MorphHB diplomatic stream imported from OSHB; distinctively copyrighted apparatus from BHS or BHQ is not reproduced. The Sodom episode now reaches narrated catastrophe, but it does so through a sequence of scenes whose interpretive difficulties remain substantial. Verse 1 identifies the visitors now explicitly as two angels, whereas the prior chapter had deliberately held together divine appearance and humanly perceived visitors; the narrative continuity should therefore be read with care rather than flattened into a simplistic register change. Lot's gate-sitting posture in verse 1 and his insistence on receiving the visitors under his roof align him outwardly with hospitality, yet the narrative immediately exposes the instability of his position within Sodom. Verse 5's demand 'that we may know them' has generated much evasive paraphrase in modern reception, but in context the threat is violent and sexual, and the narrative's horror depends on retaining that force. Lot's offer of his daughters in verse 8 is accordingly not to be softened; it reveals both the extremity of the moment and Lot's own compromised moral imagination. Verse 9's line 'this one came to sojourn, and he would judge, judge!' is rhetorically sharp, treating Lot's outsider status as grounds for rejecting his protest. Verse 11's סַנְוֵרִים is rare and denotes a disabling visual blinding or bewilderment, not mere dimness. The warning section in verses 12-22 is also significant for the way it combines divine urgency with human delay: Lot lingers, the angels seize him by the hand, and verse 16 explicitly attributes the rescue to YHWH's compassion. The command not to look back in verse 17 and the transformation of Lot's wife into a pillar of salt in verse 26 should be left in the narrative's stark literal form, even while later interpretation probes symbolism, disobedience, and attachment to the doomed city. Verse 24's 'YHWH rained upon Sodom and Gomorrah sulfur and fire from YHWH out of heaven' is a famous formulation in biblical theology and should not be unnecessarily paraphrased away. Abraham's sight of the smoke in verses 27-28 links the destruction back to the intercession of Genesis 18, while verse 29 explicitly grounds Lot's rescue in God's remembering Abraham. The closing cave scene in verses 30-38 is deliberately grim: the naming of Moab and Ben-ammi is etiological, but the story's force depends on the moral desolation and fear that frame the daughters' actions. Versification follows the MT.

1

וַ֠יָּבֹאוּ שְׁנֵ֨י הַמַּלְאָכִ֤ים סְדֹ֨מָה֙ בָּעֶ֔רֶב וְל֖וֹט יֹשֵׁ֣ב בְּשַֽׁעַר סְדֹ֑ם וַיַּרְא לוֹט֙ וַיָּ֣קָם לִקְרָאתָ֔ם וַיִּשְׁתַּ֥חוּ אַפַּ֖יִם אָֽרְצָה

And the two angels came to Sodom in the evening, and Lot was sitting in the gate of Sodom; and Lot saw and rose to meet them and bowed with his face to the ground.

New arrival scene: the visitors reach Sodom and are received by Lotוַיָּבֹאוּ
Word-by-word analysis· 16 words
וַ֠יָּבֹאוּand they cameQal wayyiqtol 3mp · בּוֹא (H935)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (main clause)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceבּוֹא (H935) 'to come, enter'; the wayyiqtol opens the scene, linking the angels' arrival directly to the hospitality of Gen 18.
שְׁנֵ֨יtwocardinal numeral m dual cstr · שְׁנַיִם (H8147)Numeral modifying subjectשְׁנַיִם (H8147) 'two'; in cstr with the following noun; narrows from the three visitors of Gen 18 to two angels.
הַמַּלְאָכִ֤יםthe angelsart + N m pl abs · מַלְאָךְ (H4397)Subject of וַיָּבֹאוּמַלְאָךְ (H4397) 'messenger, angel'; here explicitly identified as divine messengers, whereas Gen 18 used אֲנָשִׁים.
סְדֹ֨מָה֙to Sodomproper noun + directional ה · סְדֹם (H5467)Directional goal of movementסְדֹם (H5467) Sodom; directional suffix -āh marks motion toward, 'Sodomward'; city under divine indictment since Gen 13.
בָּעֶ֔רֶבin the eveningprep בְּ + art + N m sg abs · עֶרֶב (H6153)Temporal prepositional phraseעֶרֶב (H6153) 'evening, sunset'; sets the time of arrival, contrasting with the midday appearance in Gen 18:1.
וְל֖וֹטand Lotconj וְ + proper noun · לוֹט (H3876)Subject of circumstantial clauseלוֹט (H3876) Lot, Abraham's nephew; his gate-sitting posture is the posture of a community elder or watchman.
יֹשֵׁ֣בwas sittingQal ptc m sg abs · יָשַׁב (H3427)Predicate of nominal/circumstantial clause→ Participle: ongoing state — Lot was in the act of sittingיָשַׁב (H3427) 'to sit, dwell, remain'; ptc expresses continuous action; gate-sitting signals civic status.
בְּשַֽׁעַרin the gate ofprep בְּ + N m sg cstr · שַׁעַר (H8179)Locative prepositional phraseשַׁעַר (H8179) 'gate'; city gate was the seat of legal, commercial, and social life (cf. Ruth 4; Job 29:7).
סְדֹ֑םSodomproper noun · סְדֹם (H5467)Genitive (construct chain)סְדֹם (H5467) Sodom; genitive of שַׁעַר — the gate belonging to Sodom; Lot is positioned at the threshold of the corrupt city.
וַיַּרְאand he sawQal wayyiqtol 3ms · רָאָה (H7200)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceרָאָה (H7200) 'to see'; Lot's seeing triggers his response; the same verb drives hospitality in Gen 18:2.
לוֹט֙Lotproper noun · לוֹט (H3876)Subject of וַיַּרְאלוֹט (H3876) Lot; resumed subject after the circumstantial clause, re-foregrounding him as actor.
וַיָּ֣קָםand he roseQal wayyiqtol 3ms · קוּם (H6965)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceקוּם (H6965) 'to rise, stand up'; the rising marks a transition from rest to active hospitality, mirroring Abraham in Gen 18:2.
לִקְרָאתָ֔םto meet themprep לְ + Qal inf cstr + 3mp suffix · קָרָה (H7125)Purpose/directional prepositional phraseקָרָה (H7125) 'meeting'; idiomatic לִקְרַאת 'to meet (as a welcome)'; a purposeful going toward honored guests.
וַיִּשְׁתַּ֥חוּand he bowed downHishtaphel wayyiqtol 3ms · שָׁחָה (H7812)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceשָׁחָה (H7812) 'to bow down, prostrate oneself'; Hishtaphel is the standard conjugation; indicates reverential greeting as in Gen 18:2.
אַפַּ֖יִםface downN m du abs · אַף (H639)Adverbial accusative (manner)אַף (H639) 'nose, nostril, face'; dual אַפַּיִם with אַרְצָה = full prostration with face to the ground; idiomatic phrase for complete obeisance.
אָֽרְצָהto the groundN f sg abs + directional ה · אֶרֶץ (H776)Directional complement of the prostrationאֶרֶץ (H776) 'earth, ground'; directional suffix indicates motion toward; אַפַּיִם אַרְצָה is the full idiom for prostration.
2

וַיֹּ֜אמֶר הִנֶּ֣ה נָּא אֲדֹנַ֗י ס֣וּרוּ נָ֠א אֶל בֵּ֨ית עַבְדְּכֶ֤ם וְלִ֨ינוּ֙ וְרַחֲצ֣וּ רַגְלֵיכֶ֔ם וְהִשְׁכַּמְתֶּ֖ם וַהֲלַכְתֶּ֣ם לְדַרְכְּכֶ֑ם וַיֹּאמְר֣וּ לֹּ֔א כִּ֥י בָרְח֖וֹב נָלִֽין

And he said, 'Behold now, my lords, please turn aside to your servant's house and spend the night and wash your feet; then you may rise early and go on your way.' And they said, 'No, for we will spend the night in the square.'

Lot offers protective hospitality and the visitors initially refuseוַיֹּאמֶר
Word-by-word analysis· 20 words
וַיֹּ֜אמֶרand he saidQal wayyiqtol 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Wayyiqtol introducing direct speech→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceאָמַר (H559) 'to say'; standard speech-introduction verb; subject is Lot.
הִנֶּ֣הbeholddemonstrative particle · הִנֵּה (H2009)Presentative particle (attention-getting opener)הִנֵּה (H2009) 'behold, look'; draws listener's attention to what follows; marks the urgency of Lot's invitation.
נָּאpleaseentreaty particle · נָא (H4994)Politeness particle (attenuates request)נָא (H4994) 'please, I pray'; softens the imperative; marks deference in the host's invitation.
אֲדֹנַ֗יmy lordsN m pl cstr + 1cs suffix · אָדוֹן (H113)Vocative (addressee)אָדוֹן (H113) 'lord, master'; plural אֲדֹנַי with 1cs suffix = 'my lords'; respectful address to the superior visitors.
ס֣וּרוּturn asideQal impv 2mp · סוּר (H5493)Main imperative of the invitation→ Volitional: urgent requestסוּר (H5493) 'to turn aside, deviate'; here to turn off the road to someone's home; idiomatic for accepting hospitality.
נָ֠אpleaseentreaty particle · נָא (H4994)Politeness particle (reinforcing imperative)נָא (H4994) 'please'; second occurrence reinforces the urgency and courtesy of the invitation.
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Directional prepositionאֶל (H413) 'to, toward'; marks direction of the turning — toward the house.
בֵּ֨יתhouse ofN m sg cstr · בַּיִת (H1004)Object of preposition (construct chain)בַּיִת (H1004) 'house, household'; in cstr governing עַבְדְּכֶם; the house stands as the safe, protected space.
עַבְדְּכֶ֤םyour servantN m sg cstr + 2mp suffix · עֶבֶד (H5650)Genitive (construct chain — owner of house)עֶבֶד (H5650) 'servant, slave'; self-deprecating address; Lot refers to himself as servant to his guests — extreme hospitality rhetoric.
וְלִ֨ינוּ֙and spend the nightconj וְ + Qal impv 2mp · לוּן (H3885)Coordinated imperative (second element of invitation)→ Volitional: urgent requestלוּן (H3885) 'to spend the night, lodge'; the core of Lot's offer; he is keeping them off the dangerous street.
וְרַחֲצ֣וּand washconj וְ + Qal impv 2mp · רָחַץ (H7364)Coordinated imperative (third element of invitation)→ Volitional: urgent requestרָחַץ (H7364) 'to wash'; washing feet is the standard hospitality gesture for travelers (cf. Gen 18:4); care for the body of the guest.
רַגְלֵיכֶ֔םyour feetN f du cstr + 2mp suffix · רֶגֶל (H7272)Direct object of וְרַחֲצוּרֶגֶל (H7272) 'foot'; dual with 2mp suffix; feet-washing is the first act of hospitality for road-weary travelers.
וְהִשְׁכַּמְתֶּ֖םand you may rise earlyconj וְ + Hiphil weqatal 2mp · שָׁכַם (H7925)Weqatal (consecution — may then rise early)→ Weqatal: sequential result of lodgingשָׁכַם (H7925) 'to rise early'; Hiphil stem often means specifically to set out at dawn; Lot presents this as the natural resumption of travel.
וַהֲלַכְתֶּ֣םand you will goconj וְ + Qal weqatal 2mp · הָלַךְ (H1980)Weqatal (further sequence — then go on)→ Weqatal: sequential continuationהָלַךְ (H1980) 'to go, walk'; Lot frames the overnight stay as merely a pause in their journey, not a change of destination.
לְדַרְכְּכֶ֑םon your wayprep לְ + N m sg cstr + 2mp suffix · דֶּרֶךְ (H1870)Directional prepositional phraseדֶּרֶךְ (H1870) 'way, road, journey'; the guests' path; לְדַרְכְּכֶם = 'to your way' — resuming travel.
וַיֹּאמְר֣וּand they saidQal wayyiqtol 3mp · אָמַר (H559)Wayyiqtol introducing direct speech (the angels' reply)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceאָמַר (H559) 'to say'; subject switches to the angels; their refusal creates dramatic tension.
לֹּ֔אnonegative particle · לֹא (H3808)Negative particle (blunt refusal)לֹא (H3808) 'no, not'; stark one-word refusal before the counter-statement; the angels initially decline the indoor hospitality.
כִּ֥יforconjunction · כִּי (H3588)Causal conjunction (grounds the refusal)כִּי (H3588) 'for, because'; introduces the reason for the refusal — they intend to lodge in the square.
בָרְח֖וֹבin the squareprep בְּ + art + N f sg abs · רְחוֹב (H7339)Locative prepositional phrase (location of intended lodging)רְחוֹב (H7339) 'broad place, street, square'; the public open space inside the city gate; staying there would expose them to the men of Sodom.
נָלִֽיןwe will lodgeQal impf 1cp · לוּן (H3885)Predicate (statement of intent)→ Yiqtol: imperfective — planned or intended actionלוּן (H3885) 'to lodge, spend the night'; same root as Lot's invitation in v.9; their intention mirrors what Lot feared, and sets up the danger of v.4.
3

וַיִּפְצַר בָּ֣ם מְאֹ֔ד וַיָּסֻ֣רוּ אֵלָ֔יו וַיָּבֹ֖אוּ אֶל בֵּית֑וֹ וַיַּ֤עַשׂ לָהֶם֙ מִשְׁתֶּ֔ה וּמַצּ֥וֹת אָפָ֖ה וַיֹּאכֵֽלוּ

But he pressed them greatly, and they turned aside to him and came into his house; and he made them a feast and baked unleavened bread, and they ate.

Lot's insistence succeeds and the guests come under his roofוַיִּפְצַר
Word-by-word analysis· 14 words
וַיִּפְצַרand he pressedQal wayyiqtol 3ms · פָּצַר (H6484)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceפָּצַר (H6484) 'to press, urge strongly'; denotes insistent pressure beyond a polite request; Lot does not accept their refusal.
בָּ֣םupon themprep בְּ + 3mp suffix · בְּPrepositional complement of פָּצַרPrepositional pronoun בָּם; פָּצַר בְּ is the idiom 'to press upon someone' (also Gen 33:11); the preposition marks the target of urgent persuasion.
מְאֹ֔דgreatlyadverb · מְאֹד (H3966)Adverbial modifier (degree)מְאֹד (H3966) 'very, greatly, exceedingly'; intensifies פָּצַר; Lot's urging is extreme — he senses the danger of the streets.
וַיָּסֻ֣רוּand they turned asideQal wayyiqtol 3mp · סוּר (H5493)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceסוּר (H5493) 'to turn aside'; echoes Lot's imperative סוּרוּ from v.2; the angels comply, the invitation accepted after resistance.
אֵלָ֔יוto himprep אֶל + 3ms suffix · אֶל (H413)Directional prepositional phraseאֶל (H413) 'to, toward'; prep + 3ms suffix = 'to him'; indicates orientation of their movement — toward Lot.
וַיָּבֹ֖אוּand they cameQal wayyiqtol 3mp · בּוֹא (H935)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceבּוֹא (H935) 'to come, enter'; echoes v.1; the entrance into the house completes the hospitality sequence.
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Directional prepositionאֶל (H413) 'to, toward'; governing בֵּיתוֹ.
בֵּית֑וֹhis houseN m sg cstr + 3ms suffix · בַּיִת (H1004)Object of prepositionבַּיִת (H1004) 'house'; with 3ms suffix = 'his house'; once the guests are inside, Lot's household becomes the protected zone under threat.
וַיַּ֤עַשׂand he madeQal wayyiqtol 3ms · עָשָׂה (H6213)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceעָשָׂה (H6213) 'to do, make, prepare'; the same hospitality actions as Abraham in Gen 18:6–8; Lot replicates the patriarch's model.
לָהֶם֙for themprep לְ + 3mp suffix · לְDative / benefactive prepositional phrasePrep לְ with 3mp suffix; marks the beneficiaries of the hospitality — the angelic guests.
מִשְׁתֶּ֔הa feastN m sg abs · מִשְׁתֶּה (H4960)Direct object of וַיַּעַשׂמִשְׁתֶּה (H4960) 'feast, banquet, drinking'; from שָׁתָה 'to drink'; connotes a proper hospitality meal with drink, appropriate to honored guests.
וּמַצּ֥וֹתand unleavened breadconj וְ + N f pl abs · מַצָּה (H4682)Second object (additional item prepared)מַצָּה (H4682) 'unleavened bread, flatbread'; often associated with urgency or sacred purity (cf. Exod 12); Lot bakes quickly — the evening is late and danger looms.
אָפָ֖הhe bakedQal perf 3ms · אָפָה (H644)Predicate (parenthetical action — specifying how the matzot were prepared)→ Perfective: completed actionאָפָה (H644) 'to bake'; Qal perf marks this as a completed act; Lot personally bakes for his guests, showing generous care.
וַיֹּאכֵֽלוּand they ateQal wayyiqtol 3mp · אָכַל (H398)Wayyiqtol closing the hospitality scene→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceאָכַל (H398) 'to eat'; the shared meal completes the hospitality and establishes the guests under Lot's roof — making what follows an attack on guest-right.
4

טֶרֶם֮ יִשְׁכָּבוּ֒ וְאַנְשֵׁ֨י הָעִ֜יר אַנְשֵׁ֤י סְדֹם֙ נָסַ֣בּוּ עַל הַבַּ֔יִת מִנַּ֖עַר וְעַד זָקֵ֑ן כָּל הָעָ֖ם מִקָּצֶֽה

Before they lay down, the men of the city, the men of Sodom, surrounded the house, from young to old, all the people from every quarter.

Night crisis interrupts the hospitality scene before restטֶרֶם
Word-by-word analysis· 15 words
טֶרֶם֮beforeadverb · טֶרֶם (H2962)Temporal adverb introducing prior clauseטֶרֶם (H2962) 'before, not yet'; used to establish temporal priority — the crisis erupts before the guests have lain down; underscores immediacy of danger.
יִשְׁכָּבוּ֒they lay downQal impf 3mp · שָׁכַב (H7901)Predicate of temporal clause (action not yet completed)→ Yiqtol: imperfective — action in process or not yet reachedשָׁכַב (H7901) 'to lie down, sleep'; impf used after טֶרֶם to express an action not yet commenced; the attack comes before the guests rest.
וְאַנְשֵׁ֨יand the men ofconj וְ + N m pl cstr · אִישׁ (H376)Subject of נָסַבּוּ (main clause, resumptive)אִישׁ (H376) 'man'; pl אֲנָשִׁים; cstr governing הָעִיר then repeated with סְדֹם as appositional specification.
הָעִ֜ירthe cityart + N f sg abs · עִיר (H5892)Genitive (construct chain — men belonging to the city)עִיר (H5892) 'city'; the whole city is complicit; the narrative emphasizes totality: not a faction but the city's men.
אַנְשֵׁ֤יmen ofN m pl cstr · אִישׁ (H376)Appositive specification of the subjectאִישׁ (H376) 'man'; the apposition 'men of Sodom' names the city explicitly, making responsibility unmistakable.
סְדֹם֙Sodomproper noun · סְדֹם (H5467)Genitive of appositive construct chainסְדֹם (H5467) Sodom; the repetition of the city name reinforces the collective character of the attack — the whole city-community, not random individuals.
נָסַ֣בּוּsurroundedNiphal perf 3cp · סָבַב (H5437)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Perfective: a completed, encompassing actסָבַב (H5437) 'to surround, go around'; Niphal 'they surrounded themselves around'; the encirclement makes flight or resistance impossible.
עַלuponprep · עַל (H5921)Prepositional complement (target of encirclement)עַל (H5921) 'upon, against'; used with נָסַב to mean 'around/against'; marks the house as the object of siege.
הַבַּ֔יִתthe houseart + N m sg abs · בַּיִת (H1004)Object of prepositionבַּיִת (H1004) 'house'; the protected domestic space is now besieged; the inversion of hospitality space into a site of threat is central to the chapter's horror.
מִנַּ֖עַרfrom young manprep מִן + N m sg abs · נַעַר (H5288)Boundary term of a merism (from … to)נַעַר (H5288) 'young man, boy'; first pole of the merism מִנַּעַר וְעַד זָקֵן 'from young to old'; emphasizes universal participation.
וְעַדand toconj וְ + prep עַד · עַד (H5704)Conjunction + terminal preposition of merismעַד (H5704) 'until, to, as far as'; closing half of merism; together with מִן forms an idiomatic expression of totality.
זָקֵ֑ןold manadj m sg abs · זָקֵן (H2205)Terminal boundary of the merismזָקֵן (H2205) 'old, elder'; adj used nominally; the merism young-to-old = the entire male population; no exception, no innocent bystander.
כָּלallN m sg cstr · כֹּל (H3605)Quantifier modifying הָעָםכֹּל (H3605) 'all, every, the whole of'; absolutizes the already-total picture; 'all the people' after the merism is an emphatic summary.
הָעָ֖םthe peopleart + N m sg abs · עַם (H5971)Subject of implied verb (appositive summary)עַם (H5971) 'people, nation'; used here for the urban populace of Sodom; the collective noun confirms every resident is implicated.
מִקָּצֶֽהfrom every quarterprep מִן + N m sg abs · קָצֶה (H7097)Prepositional phrase (completeness of geographic coverage)קָצֶה (H7097) 'end, extremity, outskirts'; מִקָּצֶה = 'from every end/quarter'; the whole city perimeter is represented, echoing the totality of the merism.
5

וַיִּקְרְא֤וּ אֶל לוֹט֙ וַיֹּ֣אמְרוּ ל֔וֹ אַיֵּ֧ה הָאֲנָשִׁ֛ים אֲשֶׁר בָּ֥אוּ אֵלֶ֖יךָ הַלָּ֑יְלָה הוֹצִיאֵ֣ם אֵלֵ֔ינוּ וְנֵדְעָ֖ה אֹתָֽם

And they called to Lot and said to him, 'Where are the men who came to you tonight? Bring them out to us, that we may know them.'

The crowd voices its demand for the visitorsוַיִּקְרְא֤וּ
Word-by-word analysis· 15 words
וַיִּקְרְא֤וּand they calledQal wayyiqtol 3mp · קָרָא (H7121)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceקָרָא (H7121) 'to call, cry out'; the crowd addresses Lot specifically; the demand is direct and unmistakable.
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Directional preposition (target of the call)אֶל (H413) 'to'; marks who is being addressed — Lot, not the guests directly.
לוֹט֙Lotproper noun · לוֹט (H3876)Object of preposition (addressee)לוֹט (H3876) Lot; addressed as the responsible host; the crowd knows the guests are inside his house.
וַיֹּ֣אמְרוּand they saidQal wayyiqtol 3mp · אָמַר (H559)Wayyiqtol introducing direct speech→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceאָמַר (H559) 'to say'; the call followed immediately by speech; the two verbs together convey urgency.
ל֔וֹto himprep לְ + 3ms suffix · לְDative prepositional phrase (recipient of speech)Prep לְ with 3ms suffix = 'to him'; Lot is the interlocutor for the demand; the crowd speaks through the host.
אַיֵּ֧הwhereinterrogative · אַיֵּה (H346)Interrogative opening the demandאַיֵּה (H346) 'where?'; pointed rhetorical question; they know the men are in the house but demand their production.
הָאֲנָשִׁ֛יםthe menart + N m pl abs · אִישׁ (H376)Subject of the relative clause (those sought)אִישׁ (H376) 'man'; the article marks the two guests as specific, known individuals; the crowd tracks who entered.
אֲשֶׁרwhorelative pronoun · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative pronoun (introducing relative clause)אֲשֶׁר (H834) 'who, which, that'; links the question to the specific guests who arrived; identifies the objects of the demand.
בָּ֥אוּcameQal perf 3cp · בּוֹא (H935)Predicate of relative clause→ Perfective: a completed act of arrivalבּוֹא (H935) 'to come, enter'; perf marks the completed arrival; the crowd has observed the guests entering Lot's house.
אֵלֶ֖יךָto youprep אֶל + 2ms suffix · אֶל (H413)Directional complement of בָּאוּאֶל (H413) 'to'; with 2ms suffix = 'to you'; establishes Lot's direct responsibility for the guests — they came to him.
הַלָּ֑יְלָהtonightart + N m sg abs · לַיְלָה (H3915)Temporal adverbial (time of the arrival)לַיְלָה (H3915) 'night'; with article = 'tonight'; the article stresses this specific night, the same night as v.1; urgency of timing is felt.
הוֹצִיאֵ֣םbring them outHiphil impv 2ms + 3mp suffix · יָצָא (H3318)Main imperative of the demand→ Volitional: urgent, threatening demandיָצָא (H3318) 'to go out'; Hiphil = 'to bring out'; the demand is direct production of the guests for the mob's use.
אֵלֵ֔ינוּto usprep אֶל + 1cp suffix · אֶל (H413)Directional complement of הוֹצִיאֵםאֶל (H413) 'to'; with 1cp suffix = 'to us'; the crowd positions itself as the recipients — into their power.
וְנֵדְעָ֖הthat we may know themconj וְ + Qal cohort 1cp · יָדַע (H3045)Cohortative expressing purpose→ Cohortative: volitional purpose — intention to actיָדַע (H3045) 'to know'; here the sexual sense well attested in biblical Hebrew (Gen 4:1; Judg 19:22); the demand is for violent sexual access to the visitors.
אֹתָֽםthemobj marker + 3mp suffix · אֵת (H853)Direct object of וְנֵדְעָהאֵת (H853) nota accusativi + 3mp suffix; marks the guests as the specific definite objects of the intended act.
6

וַיֵּצֵ֧א אֲלֵהֶ֛ם ל֖וֹט הַפֶּ֑תְחָה וְהַדֶּ֖לֶת סָגַ֥ר אַחֲרָֽיו

And Lot went out to them at the doorway, and he shut the door behind him.

Lot places himself between the house and the mobוַיֵּצֵ֧א
Word-by-word analysis· 7 words
וַיֵּצֵ֧אand he went outQal wayyiqtol 3ms · יָצָא (H3318)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceיָצָא (H3318) 'to go out'; Lot steps outside, placing himself bodily between the mob and his guests; the same verb root the mob used (הוֹצִיאֵם).
אֲלֵהֶ֛םto themprep אֶל + 3mp suffix · אֶל (H413)Directional prepositional phraseאֶל (H413) 'to, toward'; Lot moves toward the mob; his positioning is protective of the guests behind him.
ל֖וֹטLotproper noun · לוֹט (H3876)Subject (post-verbal explicit subject)לוֹט (H3876) Lot; subject named explicitly for clarity; his individual action is foregrounded.
הַפֶּ֑תְחָהto the doorwayart + N m sg abs + directional ה · פֶּתַח (H6607)Directional complement (location of exit)פֶּתַח (H6607) 'opening, doorway, entrance'; directional suffix marks motion to the threshold; Lot stands at the liminal point between house (safety) and street (danger).
וְהַדֶּ֖לֶתand the doorconj וְ + art + N f sg abs · דֶּלֶת (H1817)Subject of סָגַר (circumstantial clause)דֶּלֶת (H1817) 'door, gate'; the physical door is the barrier between the guests and the mob; its shutting is a deliberate protective act.
סָגַ֥רhe shutQal perf 3ms · סָגַר (H5462)Predicate of circumstantial clause (action concurrent with going out)→ Perfective: completed, deliberate actסָגַר (H5462) 'to shut, close'; Lot shuts the door behind him; sealing the guests in safety while he stands exposed to the crowd.
אַחֲרָֽיוbehind himprep אַחַר + 3ms suffix · אַחַר (H310)Locative complement (direction of shut door)אַחַר (H310) 'behind, after'; with 3ms suffix = 'behind him'; Lot is on the outside; the door-shut is his last defensive act before facing the crowd.
7

וַיֹּאמַ֑ר אַל נָ֥א אַחַ֖י תָּרֵֽעוּ

And he said, 'Please, my brothers, do not act wickedly.'

Lot attempts a verbal appeal to restrain the crowdוַיֹּאמַ֑ר
Word-by-word analysis· 5 words
וַיֹּאמַ֑רand he saidQal wayyiqtol 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Wayyiqtol introducing direct speech→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceאָמַר (H559) 'to say'; Lot now speaks to the mob from outside the door.
אַלdo notnegative particle · אַל (H408)Volitional negative (with jussive/impf — strong prohibition)אַל (H408) 'do not'; used with imperfect for prohibitions, especially urgent ones; here a desperate plea.
נָ֥אpleaseentreaty particle · נָא (H4994)Politeness particle softening prohibitionנָא (H4994) 'please, I pray'; Lot is pleading, not commanding; the particle marks his powerlessness before the crowd.
אַחַ֖יmy brothersN m pl cstr + 1cs suffix · אָח (H251)Vocative (term of address to the crowd)אָח (H251) 'brother'; pl + 1cs suffix = 'my brothers'; Lot appeals to kinship sentiment to soften the crowd — a rhetorical strategy that immediately fails.
תָּרֵֽעוּact wickedlyHiphil impf 2mp · רָעַע (H7489)Predicate of prohibition (object of אַל)→ Yiqtol: imperfective — ongoing or intended wickedness being forbiddenרָעַע (H7489) 'to be evil, do evil'; Hiphil 'to do wickedly, harm'; Lot names their intention as evil (רָעָה); the root recurs as the noun in v.19.
8

הִנֵּה נָ֨א לִ֜י שְׁתֵּ֣י בָנ֗וֹת אֲשֶׁ֤ר לֹֽא יָדְעוּ֙ אִ֔ישׁ אוֹצִֽיאָה נָּ֤א אֶתְהֶן֙ אֲלֵיכֶ֔ם וַעֲשׂ֣וּ לָהֶ֔ן כַּטּ֖וֹב בְּעֵינֵיכֶ֑ם רַ֠ק לָֽאֲנָשִׁ֤ים הָאֵל֙ אַל תַּעֲשׂ֣וּ דָבָ֔ר כִּֽי עַל כֵּ֥ן בָּ֖אוּ בְּצֵ֥ל קֹרָתִֽי

Behold now, I have two daughters who have not known a man; please let me bring them out to you, and do to them as is good in your eyes. Only to these men do nothing, for it is for this reason that they have come under the shadow of my roof.

Lot's desperate counterproposal exposes the moral collapse of the sceneהִנֵּה
Word-by-word analysis· 29 words
הִנֵּהbeholddemonstrative particle · הִנֵּה (H2009)Presentative particle opening desperate offerהִנֵּה (H2009) 'behold, look'; introduces Lot's shocking counterproposal; the particle draws attention to what he is about to say.
נָ֨אpleaseentreaty particle · נָא (H4994)Politeness particleנָא (H4994) 'please'; Lot again uses the entreaty particle, heightening the desperation.
לִ֜יto meprep לְ + 1cs suffix · לְPossessive prepositional phrase (existential — I have)Prep לְ + 1cs; Hebrew existential construction לִי יֵשׁ = 'I have'; here abbreviated — 'to me there are two daughters'.
שְׁתֵּ֣יtwocardinal numeral f dual cstr · שְׁנַיִם (H8147)Numeral modifying בָנוֹתשְׁנַיִם (H8147) 'two'; fem form שְׁתֵּי in cstr; Lot is offering his two daughters to the mob in place of the guests.
בָנ֗וֹתdaughtersN f pl abs · בַּת (H1323)Object of Lot's offer (subject of relative clause)בַּת (H1323) 'daughter'; pl בָּנוֹת; the narrative does not soften Lot's offer — his daughters are offered to the violent mob.
אֲשֶׁ֤רwhorelative pronoun · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative pronoun introducing qualificationאֲשֶׁר (H834) 'who, which'; introduces the clause specifying the daughters' virginal status.
לֹֽאnotnegative particle · לֹא (H3808)Negative particle (negating יָדְעוּ)לֹא (H3808) 'not'; strong negative; combined with יָדַע denotes complete virginity.
יָדְעוּ֙have knownQal perf 3cp · יָדַע (H3045)Predicate of relative clause (virginity affirmation)→ Perfective: state persisting — never yet acted uponיָדַע (H3045) 'to know'; the sexual sense (as in v.5); לֹא יָדְעוּ אִישׁ = 'have not known a man' = virgin; same idiom Judg 11:39.
אִ֔ישׁa manN m sg abs · אִישׁ (H376)Cognate object / complement of יָדְעוּאִישׁ (H376) 'man, husband'; in this idiom אִישׁ is the implicit sexual partner; the daughters have not known any man.
אוֹצִֽיאָהlet me bring outHiphil cohort 1cs · יָצָא (H3318)Main volitive verb of Lot's offer (cohortative)→ Cohortative: volitional resolve — Lot proposes his own actionיָצָא (H3318) 'to go out'; Hiphil 'to bring out'; the verb echoes the mob's demand הוֹצִיאֵם (v.5); Lot substitutes his daughters for the guests.
נָּ֤אpleaseentreaty particle · נָא (H4994)Politeness particle reinforcing cohortativeנָא (H4994) 'please'; third occurrence of the particle in this verse; Lot's desperation is almost feverish.
אֶתְהֶן֙themobj marker + 3fp suffix · אֵת (H853)Direct object of אוֹצִיאָהאֵת (H853) nota accusativi + 3fp suffix; marks the daughters as the definite object; Lot treats them as property to be delivered.
אֲלֵיכֶ֔םto youprep אֶל + 2mp suffix · אֶל (H413)Directional complement (into their power)אֶל (H413) 'to'; with 2mp suffix = 'to you'; the daughters are to be handed over to the mob.
וַעֲשׂ֣וּand doconj וְ + Qal impv 2mp · עָשָׂה (H6213)Coordinated imperative (permission given to the mob)→ Volitional: shocking permissive commandעָשָׂה (H6213) 'to do, act'; Lot grants the crowd latitude to do as they please with his daughters — a moral collapse.
לָהֶ֔ןto themprep לְ + 3fp suffix · לְDative / benefactive prepositional phrase (recipients of action)Prep לְ + 3fp suffix = 'to them (fem)'; the daughters are the objects of whatever the mob chooses to do.
כַּטּ֖וֹבas is goodprep כְּ + art + adj m sg abs · טוֹב (H2896)Comparative prepositional phrase (standard for their action)טוֹב (H2896) 'good, pleasing'; כַּטּוֹב = 'according to what is good'; the phrase abdication any moral restraint — Lot defers entirely to the mob's judgment.
בְּעֵינֵיכֶ֑םin your eyesprep בְּ + N m du cstr + 2mp suffix · עַיִן (H5869)Prepositional phrase (standard of judgment)עַיִן (H5869) 'eye'; בְּעֵינֵיכֶם = 'in your eyes' — a standard idiom for personal judgment (cf. Judg 17:6; 21:25).
רַ֠קonlyrestrictive adverb · רַק (H7535)Restrictive adverb (marking the one exception)רַק (H7535) 'only, but, however'; pivots to the one exception: the men must not be touched. Lot's hospitality logic values guest-right above his daughters.
לָֽאֲנָשִׁ֤יםto the menprep לְ + art + N m pl abs · אִישׁ (H376)Topicalized prepositional phrase (to these men — do nothing)אִישׁ (H376) 'man'; the men are the angelic guests; Lot's hospitality obligation is absolute in his moral calculus, even at the cost of his daughters.
הָאֵל֙theseart + demonstrative pronoun cp · אֵל (H411)Demonstrative adjective modifying לָאֲנָשִׁיםאֵל (H411) 'these' (archaic demonstrative); used here in the masculine plural; an older form of the demonstrative, rare in prose.
אַלdo notnegative particle · אַל (H408)Volitional negative (prohibition with jussive)אַל (H408) 'do not'; urgent prohibitive; Lot's one non-negotiable condition.
תַּעֲשׂ֣וּdoQal jussive 2mp · עָשָׂה (H6213)Predicate of jussive prohibition→ Jussive: volitional prohibitionעָשָׂה (H6213) 'to do'; jussive with אַל = strong prohibition; the exact negative of their demand.
דָבָ֔רanythingN m sg abs · דָּבָר (H1697)Direct object of תַּעֲשׂוּדָּבָר (H1697) 'word, thing, matter'; here = 'anything'; the prohibition is absolute: do nothing to these men.
כִּֽיforconjunction · כִּי (H3588)Causal conjunction (grounds the exception)כִּי (H3588) 'for, because'; introduces the reason for the men's inviolability — they came under Lot's roof.
עַלon account ofprep · עַל (H5921)Prepositional phrase (reason/cause)עַל (H5921) 'upon, concerning'; עַל כֵּן = 'therefore, on account of this'; Lot grounds the guests' protection in their guest-right.
כֵּ֥ןthisdemonstrative adverb · כֵּן (H3651)Referential particle (completing עַל כֵּן — for this reason)כֵּן (H3651) 'so, thus'; עַל כֵּן = 'therefore, for this reason'; the reason is that they came under his protection.
בָּ֖אוּthey cameQal perf 3cp · בּוֹא (H935)Predicate of causal clause (grounds the protection)→ Perfective: completed action — they have come and are now guestsבּוֹא (H935) 'to come, enter'; the entry into the house constitutes guest-right; the ancient duty of hospitality is absolute.
בְּצֵ֥לin the shadow ofprep בְּ + N m sg cstr · צֵל (H6738)Prepositional phrase (location — under my roof's protection)צֵל (H6738) 'shadow, shade, protection'; בְּצֵל קוֹרָתִי = 'under the shadow of my roof-beam'; a vivid image of the host's protective obligation.
קֹרָתִֽיmy roof-beamN f sg cstr + 1cs suffix · קוֹרָה (H6982)Genitive (construct chain — the beam of my house)קוֹרָה (H6982) 'beam, rafter'; + 1cs suffix = 'my beam/roof'; the roof-beam as metonym for the whole house and its protection; only here and Judg 16:27 in this sense.
9

וַיֹּאמְר֣וּ גֶּשׁ הָ֗לְאָה וַיֹּֽאמְרוּ֙ הָאֶחָ֤ד בָּֽא לָגוּר֙ וַיִּשְׁפֹּ֣ט שָׁפ֔וֹט עַתָּ֕ה נָרַ֥ע לְךָ֖ מֵהֶ֑ם וַיִּפְצְר֨וּ בָאִ֤ישׁ בְּלוֹט֙ מְאֹ֔ד וַֽיִּגְּשׁ֖וּ לִשְׁבֹּ֥ר הַדָּֽלֶת

And they said, 'Stand back!' And they said, 'This one came to sojourn, and he would judge, judge! Now we will do worse to you than to them.' And they pressed hard against the man, against Lot, greatly, and came near to break the door.

The crowd rejects Lot's rebuke and turns against himוַיֹּאמְר֣וּ
Word-by-word analysis· 20 words
וַיֹּאמְר֣וּand they saidQal wayyiqtol 3mp · אָמַר (H559)Wayyiqtol introducing direct speech (first utterance — dismissal)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceאָמַר (H559) 'to say'; the mob responds to Lot's plea; their first speech is a brusque dismissal.
גֶּשׁstand backQal impv 2ms · נָגַשׁ (H5066)Imperative (dismissal command to Lot)→ Volitional: command — get out of the wayנָגַשׁ (H5066) 'to draw near, approach'; imperative here idiomatically means 'step aside, move away'; an abrupt order to clear Lot out of their path.
הָ֗לְאָהfarther awayadverb · הָלְאָה (H1973)Adverbial complement of motion (to beyond/away)הָלְאָה (H1973) 'beyond, farther, away'; often directional 'further off'; together with גֶּשׁ = 'back away!' — get out of the way.
וַיֹּֽאמְרוּ֙and they saidQal wayyiqtol 3mp · אָמַר (H559)Wayyiqtol introducing second speech (taunt at Lot)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceאָמַר (H559) 'to say'; second speech immediately following, intensifying the confrontation.
הָאֶחָ֤דthis oneart + cardinal numeral m sg · אֶחָד (H259)Subject of בָּא (contemptuous reference to Lot)אֶחָד (H259) 'one'; with article = 'this one'; contemptuous singular reference to Lot — he is just one man, an outsider.
בָּֽאcameQal perf 3ms · בּוֹא (H935)Predicate (Lot's origin stated with contempt)→ Perfective: completed act of arrival (as sojourner)בּוֹא (H935) 'to come, enter'; Lot 'came' as a sojourner — an outsider without full city rights; the crowd uses his immigrant status against him.
לָגוּר֙to sojournprep לְ + Qal inf cstr · גּוּר (H1481)Purpose infinitive (expressing why Lot came)→ Infinitive: purpose — the reason for Lot's presenceגּוּר (H1481) 'to sojourn, reside as alien'; Lot has resident-alien status, not citizen rights; the crowd invokes this to deny his authority to rebuke them.
וַיִּשְׁפֹּ֣טand he would judgeQal wayyiqtol 3ms · שָׁפַט (H8199)Wayyiqtol expressing repeated behavior (habitual)→ Wayyiqtol used rhetorically — habitual irritating actionשָׁפַט (H8199) 'to judge, rule, decide'; the crowd accuses Lot of presuming to exercise judicial authority — a prerogative of citizens, not sojourners.
שָׁפ֔וֹטjudgeQal inf abs · שָׁפַט (H8199)Infinitive absolute (intensifying the finite verb)→ Infinitive absolute: emphasis — he keeps on judgingשָׁפַט (H8199) 'to judge'; inf abs paired with finite verb for emphasis: 'he judges, judges!' or 'he is always judging'; a sharp taunt about Lot's pretensions.
עַתָּ֕הnowadverb · עַתָּה (H6258)Temporal adverb (shifting to the threat)עַתָּה (H6258) 'now'; temporal pivot from accusation to threat; 'now, therefore' — the consequence of Lot's presumption.
נָרַ֥עwe will do worseHiphil impf 1cp · רָעַע (H7489)Predicate of threat (main clause)→ Yiqtol: imperfective — intended violent actionרָעַע (H7489) 'to be evil, do evil'; Hiphil 'to treat badly, harm'; the same root Lot used in his plea (v.7 תָּרֵעוּ); the crowd turns his vocabulary back at him.
לְךָ֖to youprep לְ + 2ms suffix · לְDative (recipient of threatened harm)Prep לְ + 2ms suffix = 'to you'; the mob now threatens Lot personally — worse than what they planned for the guests.
מֵהֶ֑םthan to themprep מִן + 3mp suffix · מִןComparative prepositional phraseמִן (H4480) 'from'; comparative מִן = 'more than them'; the threat escalates: Lot will suffer even more than the guests.
וַיִּפְצְר֨וּand they pressed hardQal wayyiqtol 3mp · פָּצַר (H6484)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (action against Lot)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceפָּצַר (H6484) 'to press, urge'; same word as v.3 where Lot pressed the angels; now the mob presses against Lot — ironic reversal.
בָאִ֤ישׁagainst the manprep בְּ + art + N m sg abs · אִישׁ (H376)Prepositional complement of פָּצַר (target of pressure)אִישׁ (H376) 'man'; with prep בְּ = פָּצַר בְּ 'to press against'; Lot is now הָאִישׁ — marked but unnamed as the individual under mob assault.
בְּלוֹט֙against Lotprep בְּ + proper noun · לוֹט (H3876)Appositional identification of הָאִישׁלוֹט (H3876) Lot; the prep בְּ repeats to identify the man by name; double expression adds rhetorical weight.
מְאֹ֔דgreatlyadverb · מְאֹד (H3966)Adverbial intensifierמְאֹד (H3966) 'greatly, exceedingly'; the assault is extreme; same adverb as v.3 (Lot pressed greatly) — the parallelism is now a bitter inversion.
וַֽיִּגְּשׁ֖וּand they drew nearQal wayyiqtol 3mp · נָגַשׁ (H5066)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (approach to break door)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceנָגַשׁ (H5066) 'to draw near, approach'; same root as גֶּשׁ (v.9i1) — the crowd presses Lot and advances on the door; the action is now near the breaking point.
לִשְׁבֹּ֥רto breakprep לְ + Qal inf cstr · שָׁבַר (H7665)Purpose infinitive (goal of approaching)→ Infinitive: purpose — intent to break downשָׁבַר (H7665) 'to break, shatter'; the violence escalates to breaking the door; the protected space is about to be violated physically.
הַדָּֽלֶתthe doorart + N f sg abs · דֶּלֶת (H1817)Direct object of לִשְׁבֹּרדֶּלֶת (H1817) 'door'; the same door Lot shut in v.6 to protect the guests; now the mob moves to shatter it — the scene reaches its crisis point.
10

וַיִּשְׁלְח֤וּ הָֽאֲנָשִׁים֙ אֶת יָדָ֔ם וַיָּבִ֧יאוּ אֶת ל֛וֹט אֲלֵיהֶ֖ם הַבָּ֑יְתָה וְאֶת הַדֶּ֖לֶת סָגָֽרוּ

But the men stretched out their hand and brought Lot into the house to them, and they shut the door.

The visitors intervene directly and rescue Lotוַיִּשְׁלְח֤וּ
Word-by-word analysis· 12 words
וַיִּשְׁלְח֤וּand they stretched outQal wayyiqtol 3mp · שָׁלַח (H7971)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (angels intervene)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceשָׁלַח (H7971) 'to stretch out, send'; here used of reaching out a hand; the angels take physical action at the moment of crisis.
הָֽאֲנָשִׁים֙the menart + N m pl abs · אִישׁ (H376)Subject of וַיִּשְׁלְחוּאִישׁ (H376) 'man'; the angels are called הָאֲנָשִׁים throughout the narrative; their divine identity is implied but the narrative maintains the human form.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853) nota accusativi marking יָדָם as the definite direct object.
יָדָ֔םtheir handN m sg cstr + 3mp suffix · יָד (H3027)Direct object of וַיִּשְׁלְחוּיָד (H3027) 'hand'; + 3mp suffix = 'their hand'; שָׁלַח יָד = 'to stretch out the hand' — an act of reaching, here pulling Lot inside.
וַיָּבִ֧יאוּand they broughtHiphil wayyiqtol 3mp · בּוֹא (H935)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceבּוֹא (H935) 'to come'; Hiphil 'to bring, cause to come in'; the angels physically rescue Lot from the crowd outside.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853) nota accusativi marking Lot as the definite direct object.
ל֛וֹטLotproper noun · לוֹט (H3876)Direct object of וַיָּבִיאוּלוֹט (H3876) Lot; passive recipient of the angels' rescuing action; he is pulled in by them.
אֲלֵיהֶ֖םto themprep אֶל + 3mp suffix · אֶל (H413)Directional complement (into the house with them)אֶל (H413) 'to'; with 3mp suffix = 'to them' — to where the angels are, i.e., inside the house.
הַבָּ֑יְתָהinto the houseart + N m sg abs + directional ה · בַּיִת (H1004)Directional complement (destination of pulling)בַּיִת (H1004) 'house'; directional suffix marks motion into; the house-space is restored as the place of safety.
וְאֶתand [obj]conj וְ + obj marker · אֵת (H853)Conjunction + direct-object marker (second object)וְ joins the second direct object of סָגָרוּ; אֵת marks הַדֶּלֶת as definite.
הַדֶּ֖לֶתthe doorart + N f sg abs · דֶּלֶת (H1817)Direct object of סָגָרוּדֶּלֶת (H1817) 'door'; the door is shut again — the second shutting (cf. v.6); now by the angels. The door as boundary between safety and chaos recurs.
סָגָֽרוּthey shutQal perf 3cp · סָגַר (H5462)Predicate (second main action of the rescue)→ Perfective: completed, decisive actסָגַר (H5462) 'to shut, close'; the angels shut the door; the protective space is secured.
11

וְֽאֶת הָאֲנָשִׁ֞ים אֲשֶׁר פֶּ֣תַח הַבַּ֗יִת הִכּוּ֙ בַּסַּנְוֵרִ֔ים מִקָּטֹ֖ן וְעַד גָּד֑וֹל וַיִּלְא֖וּ לִמְצֹ֥א הַפָּֽתַח

And the men who were at the entrance of the house they struck with blindness, from small to great, so that they wearied themselves trying to find the doorway.

The attackers are divinely disabled and frustratedוְֽאֶת
Word-by-word analysis· 13 words
וְֽאֶתand [obj]conj וְ + obj marker · אֵת (H853)Fronted object marker (topic-fronting for emphasis)אֵת (H853) nota accusativi; the fronting of the object הָאֲנָשִׁים emphasizes the attackers as the ones receiving the disabling blow.
הָאֲנָשִׁ֞יםthe menart + N m pl abs · אִישׁ (H376)Fronted direct object (topic — those struck)אִישׁ (H376) 'man'; the men outside — the mob; now they become the object of the angels' action.
אֲשֶׁרwhorelative pronoun · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative pronoun introducing locating clauseאֲשֶׁר (H834) 'who, which'; introduces relative clause locating the men at the entrance.
פֶּ֣תַחat the entrance ofN m sg cstr · פֶּתַח (H6607)Locative (construct chain — at the entrance)פֶּתַח (H6607) 'opening, entrance'; cstr governing הַבַּיִת; the men are directly at the door, about to break through.
הַבַּ֗יִתthe houseart + N m sg abs · בַּיִת (H1004)Genitive (construct chain)בַּיִת (H1004) 'house'; the same house repeatedly marked in the narrative; the threshold is the locus of conflict.
הִכּוּ֙they struckHiphil perf 3cp · נָכָה (H5221)Predicate verb (main clause — divine disabling act)→ Perfective: completed, decisive divine actionנָכָה (H5221) 'to strike, smite'; Hiphil 'to cause to be struck'; the angels strike the assailants; the verb is used of divine judgment across the OT.
בַּסַּנְוֵרִ֔יםwith blindnessprep בְּ + art + N m pl abs · סַנְוֵרִים (H5575)Instrumental prepositional phraseסַנְוֵרִים (H5575) 'blindness, dazzling confusion'; a rare word (also 2 Kgs 6:18); more than merely dim sight — a disabling bewilderment of the visual faculty; not natural blindness but a sudden divine affliction.
מִקָּטֹ֖ןfrom smallprep מִן + adj m sg abs · קָטָן (H6996)First term of merism (from small to great)קָטָן (H6996) 'small, young, insignificant'; first pole of the merism echoing v.4; the blinding is as comprehensive as the crowd was.
וְעַדtoconj וְ + prep עַד · עַד (H5704)Conjunction + terminal preposition of merismעַד (H5704) 'until, to'; closing pole of merism; see v.4.
גָּד֑וֹלgreatadj m sg abs · גָּדוֹל (H1419)Terminal boundary of merismגָּדוֹל (H1419) 'great, large, old'; from small to great = everyone, without exception; the judgment is universal within the mob.
וַיִּלְא֖וּand they wearied themselvesQal wayyiqtol 3mp · לָאָה (H3811)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (result of blindness)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceלָאָה (H3811) 'to be weary, exhausted'; they tire themselves out in futile searching — the blindness renders their violence impotent.
לִמְצֹ֥אto findprep לְ + Qal inf cstr · מָצָא (H4672)Purpose infinitive (goal of their fruitless effort)→ Infinitive: purpose — what they tried and failed to accomplishמָצָא (H4672) 'to find, encounter'; they cannot even locate the entrance — the blinding is total disorientation.
הַפָּֽתַחthe doorwayart + N m sg abs · פֶּתַח (H6607)Direct object of לִמְצֹאפֶּתַח (H6607) 'entrance, opening'; the very doorway they were about to break through is now unfindable; the irony is sharp — their goal is within reach but invisible to them.
12

וַיֹּאמְר֨וּ הָאֲנָשִׁ֜ים אֶל ל֗וֹט עֹ֚ד מִֽי לְךָ֣ פֹ֔ה חָתָן֙ וּבָנֶ֣יךָ וּבְנֹתֶ֔יךָ וְכֹ֥ל אֲשֶׁר לְךָ֖ בָּעִ֑יר הוֹצֵ֖א מִן הַמָּקֽוֹם

And the men said to Lot, 'Whom else do you have here? Son-in-law, and your sons, and your daughters, and everyone who belongs to you in the city—bring them out of the place.'

The visitors disclose the need for immediate evacuationוַיֹּאמְר֨וּ
Word-by-word analysis· 18 words
וַיֹּאמְר֨וּand they saidQal wayyiqtol 3mp · אָמַר (H559)Wayyiqtol introducing direct speech (angels to Lot)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceאָמַר (H559) 'to say'; subject switches back to the angels; their communication with Lot now shifts to escape instructions.
הָאֲנָשִׁ֜יםthe menart + N m pl abs · אִישׁ (H376)Subject of וַיֹּאמְרוּאִישׁ (H376) 'man'; the angels still referred to as 'the men' — their human guise maintained throughout.
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Directional preposition (addressee of speech)אֶל (H413) 'to'; marks Lot as the recipient of the angels' instruction.
ל֗וֹטLotproper noun · לוֹט (H3876)Object of preposition (addressee)לוֹט (H3876) Lot; the one addressed with the evacuation order.
עֹ֚דstill, elseadverb · עוֹד (H5750)Adverb of continuation/additionעוֹד (H5750) 'yet, still, besides'; here = 'who else?'; introduces the census of those who belong to Lot who must be evacuated.
מִֽיwhointerrogative · מִי (H4310)Interrogative subject of the questionמִי (H4310) 'who?'; opens the evacuation inventory — who belongs to you here?
לְךָ֣to youprep לְ + 2ms suffix · לְPossessive prepositional phrase (existential — do you have)Prep לְ + 2ms suffix = 'to you'; existential construction 'who do you have here?'.
פֹ֔הhereadverb · פֹּה (H6311)Locative adverb (scope of the question)פֹּה (H6311) 'here'; restricts the question to those currently in Sodom; all family members in the city must be brought out.
חָתָן֙son-in-lawN m sg abs · חָתָן (H2860)Subject of inventory (first person to evacuate)חָתָן (H2860) 'son-in-law, bridegroom'; Lot's sons-in-law are the first named; they will refuse to leave (v.14).
וּבָנֶ֣יךָand your sonsconj וְ + N m pl cstr + 2ms suffix · בֵּן (H1121)Coordinated item in evacuation listבֵּן (H1121) 'son'; + 2ms suffix = 'your sons'; they appear to have none who survive to the narrative — only daughters are evacuated.
וּבְנֹתֶ֔יךָand your daughtersconj וְ + N f pl cstr + 2ms suffix · בַּת (H1323)Coordinated item in evacuation listבַּת (H1323) 'daughter'; Lot's daughters are the ones who will actually flee; the two unmarried daughters of vv.8,15 and 30ff.
וְכֹ֥לand allconj וְ + N m sg cstr · כֹּל (H3605)Comprehensive summary termכֹּל (H3605) 'all, every'; sweeps up everyone: no one belonging to Lot should remain.
אֲשֶׁרwhorelative pronoun · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative pronoun (introducing the scope of כֹּל)אֲשֶׁר (H834) 'who, which'; whoever belongs to Lot in the city — no exceptions.
לְךָ֖to youprep לְ + 2ms suffix · לְPossessive prepositional phrase (who belongs to you)Prep לְ + 2ms suffix = 'belongs to you'; everyone in Lot's household or social sphere.
בָּעִ֑ירin the cityprep בְּ + art + N f sg abs · עִיר (H5892)Locative prepositional phrase (scope — within the city)עִיר (H5892) 'city'; the city is the zone of destruction; everyone inside it who belongs to Lot must be removed.
הוֹצֵ֖אbring outHiphil impv 2ms · יָצָא (H3318)Main imperative of the evacuation command→ Volitional: urgent command to evacuateיָצָא (H3318) 'to go out'; Hiphil impv = 'cause them to go out, bring them out'; the same root that the mob demanded (v.5) but now for rescue.
מִןfromprep · מִן (H4480)Directional preposition (source of departure)מִן (H4480) 'from'; marks the place of departure — the place (הַמָּקוֹם) is the doomed city.
הַמָּקֽוֹםthe placeart + N m sg abs · מָקוֹם (H4725)Object of preposition (the place from which to flee)מָקוֹם (H4725) 'place'; the term used instead of repeating 'city'; in Genesis מָקוֹם often marks a theologically significant location (cf. Gen 22:3).
13

כִּֽי מַשְׁחִתִ֣ים אֲנַ֔חְנוּ אֶת הַמָּק֖וֹם הַזֶּ֑ה כִּֽי גָֽדְלָ֤ה צַעֲקָתָם֙ אֶת פְּנֵ֣י יְהוָ֔ה וַיְשַׁלְּחֵ֥נוּ יְהוָ֖ה לְשַׁחֲתָֽהּ

For we are about to destroy this place, because their outcry has grown great before Yahweh, and Yahweh has sent us to destroy it.

Ground of judgment: the angels disclose their mission and the cause of the citys endכִּֽי
Word-by-word analysis· 15 words
כִּֽיforconjunction · כִּי (H3588)Causal conjunction (grounding the evacuation command)כִּי (H3588) 'for, because'; introduces the ground of the urgent command: the destruction is coming.
מַשְׁחִתִ֣יםabout to destroyHiphil ptc m pl abs · שָׁחַת (H7843)Predicate of nominal clause (we are destroyers)→ Participle: imminent action — we are in the act of destroyingשָׁחַת (H7843) 'to destroy, corrupt'; Hiphil ptc with subject pronoun = 'we are destroying'; participial predication expresses imminence; the same root as לְשַׁחֲתָהּ below.
אֲנַ֔חְנוּwepronoun 1cp · אֲנַחְנוּ (H587)Subject of the participial predicate clauseאֲנַחְנוּ (H587) 'we'; independent pronoun for emphasis; the angels identify themselves explicitly as the agents of destruction — divine messengers of judgment.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853) nota accusativi marking הַמָּקוֹם as definite direct object.
הַמָּק֖וֹםthis placeart + N m sg abs · מָקוֹם (H4725)Direct object of מַשְׁחִתִיםמָקוֹם (H4725) 'place'; the whole locale is doomed; הַמָּקוֹם הַזֶּה = the city/region of Sodom.
הַזֶּ֑הthe thisart + demonstrative pronoun ms · זֶה (H2088)Demonstrative adjective modifying הַמָּקוֹםזֶה (H2088) 'this'; with article = הַזֶּה 'this'; makes the place concrete and specific — this place before us.
כִּֽיforconjunction · כִּי (H3588)Causal conjunction (specifying the reason for judgment)כִּי (H3588) 'for'; second כִּי narrows to the specific grounds of judgment: the outcry has reached God.
גָֽדְלָ֤הhas grown greatQal perf 3fs · גָּדַל (H1431)Predicate verb (subject: their outcry)→ Perfective: completed, now-standing stateגָּדַל (H1431) 'to be great, grow'; fem agrees with צַעֲקָה; the outcry has reached its full magnitude before God; this verbal root echoes the language of Gen 18:20.
צַעֲקָתָם֙their outcryN f sg cstr + 3mp suffix · צַעֲקָה (H6818)Subject of גָּדְלָהצַעֲקָה (H6818) 'outcry, cry for help'; the cry of the oppressed reaching God (cf. Gen 18:20-21; Exod 2:23); the victims' cry is what brought the judgment.
אֶתbeforeprep · אֵת (H854)Prepositional phrase (in the presence of YHWH)אֵת (H854) 'with, before, in the presence of'; here the preposition meaning 'before, in front of' rather than the accusative marker; the outcry came before YHWH's face.
פְּנֵ֣יthe face ofN m pl cstr · פָּנִים (H6440)Construct chain (before the face of YHWH)פָּנִים (H6440) 'face, presence'; אֶת פְּנֵי יְהוָה = 'before the face of YHWH'; the cry has reached the divine presence directly.
יְהוָ֔הYahwehproper noun · יְהוָה (H3068)Genitive (construct chain — whose face)יְהוָה (H3068) the covenant name of God; the judgment is explicitly YHWH's; the Tetragrammaton is used, not Elohim, connecting this to the covenant relationship.
וַיְשַׁלְּחֵ֥נוּand he sent usPiel wayyiqtol 3ms + 1cp suffix · שָׁלַח (H7971)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (divine commission)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceשָׁלַח (H7971) 'to send'; Piel 'to send with purpose'; YHWH as sender, angels as sent; their destructive mission is divine, not autonomous.
יְהוָ֖הYahwehproper noun · יְהוָה (H3068)Subject of וַיְשַׁלְּחֵנוּיְהוָה (H3068) Yahweh; named as the sender; the repetition of YHWH in v.24 (where both 'YHWH rained… from YHWH') reflects the same double reference that is theologically notable.
לְשַׁחֲתָֽהּto destroy itprep לְ + Piel inf cstr + 3fs suffix · שָׁחַת (H7843)Purpose infinitive (the mission of the angels)→ Infinitive: purpose — the goal of divine commissionשָׁחַת (H7843) 'to destroy'; Piel inf with 3fs suffix referring to הָעִיר (understood); the mission is total destruction. Same root as מַשְׁחִתִים above — inclusio framing the verse.
14

וַיֵּצֵ֨א ל֜וֹט וַיְדַבֵּ֣ר אֶל חֲתָנָ֣יו לֹקְחֵ֣י בְנֹתָ֗יו וַיֹּ֨אמֶר֙ ק֤וּמוּ צְּאוּ֙ מִן הַמָּק֣וֹם הַזֶּ֔ה כִּֽי מַשְׁחִ֥ית יְהוָ֖ה אֶת הָעִ֑יר וַיְהִ֥י כִמְצַחֵ֖ק בְּעֵינֵ֥י חֲתָנָֽיו

And Lot went out and spoke to his sons-in-law, those taking his daughters, and said, "Rise, go out from this place, because Yahweh is about to destroy the city." But he seemed like one jesting in the eyes of his sons-in-law.

Rejected warning: Lot relays the message, but his hearers dismiss itוַיֵּצֵ֨א
Word-by-word analysis· 22 words
וַיֵּצֵ֨אand he went outQal wayyiqtol 3ms · יָצָא (H3318)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceיָצָא (H3318) 'to go out'; Lot goes out to warn his sons-in-law; the action mirrors his exit in v.6 but for a different purpose.
ל֜וֹטLotproper noun · לוֹט (H3876)Subject (post-verbal explicit subject)לוֹט (H3876) Lot; the explicit subject stresses his agency in warning — yet his warning is treated as a joke.
וַיְדַבֵּ֣רand he spokePiel wayyiqtol 3ms · דָּבַר (H1696)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceדָּבַר (H1696) 'to speak'; Piel = formal speaking or extended discourse; Lot delivers the warning as a direct message.
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Directional preposition (recipient of speech)אֶל (H413) 'to, toward'; marks the sons-in-law as the addressees.
חֲתָנָ֣יוhis sons-in-lawN m pl cstr + 3ms suffix · חָתָן (H2860)Object of preposition (addressed persons)חָתָן (H2860) 'son-in-law, bridegroom'; + 3ms suffix = 'his sons-in-law'; they are betrothed or married to his daughters but outside the house during the crisis.
לֹקְחֵ֣יthose takingQal ptc m pl cstr · לָקַח (H3947)Participial appositive (defining the sons-in-law)→ Participle: ongoing relational statusלָקַח (H3947) 'to take'; in marriage context = 'to take (a wife)'; ptc = 'those who have taken / are taking'; describes their marriage relationship to Lot's daughters.
בְנֹתָ֗יוhis daughtersN f pl cstr + 3ms suffix · בַּת (H1323)Direct object of לֹקְחֵי (participial construct)בַּת (H1323) 'daughter'; + 3ms suffix = 'his daughters'; the sons-in-law are the husbands or betrothed of Lot's daughters.
וַיֹּ֨אמֶר֙and he saidQal wayyiqtol 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Wayyiqtol introducing direct speech (the warning itself)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceאָמַר (H559) 'to say'; introduces the urgent warning that is to be tragically dismissed.
ק֤וּמוּrise upQal impv 2mp · קוּם (H6965)First imperative of the urgent command→ Volitional: urgent commandקוּם (H6965) 'to rise, stand up'; the same verb used of Lot rising to meet the angels (v.1); imperative = immediate action required.
צְּאוּ֙go outQal impv 2mp · יָצָא (H3318)Second imperative (parallel to קוּמוּ)→ Volitional: urgent commandיָצָא (H3318) 'to go out'; the repeated imperative intensifies the urgency of departure from the city.
מִןfromprep · מִן (H4480)Directional preposition (source of departure)מִן (H4480) 'from'; marks the place to depart from.
הַמָּק֣וֹםthe placeart + N m sg abs · מָקוֹם (H4725)Object of prepositionמָקוֹם (H4725) 'place'; same term as v.12 and v.13; הַמָּקוֹם הַזֶּה = the doomed locale.
הַזֶּ֔הthisart + demonstrative ms · זֶה (H2088)Demonstrative adjective modifying הַמָּקוֹםזֶה (H2088) 'this'; with article = הַזֶּה; specifies the particular doomed place.
כִּֽיforconjunction · כִּי (H3588)Causal conjunction (grounds the command)כִּי (H3588) 'for, because'; Lot gives the reason: YHWH is about to destroy.
מַשְׁחִ֥יתdestroyingHiphil ptc m sg abs · שָׁחַת (H7843)Predicate of participial clause (YHWH is about to destroy)→ Participle: imminent action — destruction underwayשָׁחַת (H7843) 'to destroy'; Hiphil ptc sg = 'is destroying'; same predicate form as v.13; the imminence is the message.
יְהוָ֖הYahwehproper noun · יְהוָה (H3068)Subject of participial clauseיְהוָה (H3068) Yahweh; named as the destroyer; the sons-in-law hear the divine name attached to the announcement.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853) nota accusativi marking the city as definite direct object.
הָעִ֑ירthe cityart + N f sg abs · עִיר (H5892)Direct object of מַשְׁחִיתעִיר (H5892) 'city'; the city itself is the object of YHWH's destruction; the most concrete, direct statement of what is coming.
וַיְהִ֥יand he wasQal wayyiqtol 3ms · הָיָה (H1961)Wayyiqtol introducing evaluative summary→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceהָיָה (H1961) 'to be'; וַיְהִי כְּ = 'he was like / he seemed like'; introduces the tragic reception of the warning.
כִמְצַחֵ֖קlike one jestingprep כְּ + Piel ptc m sg abs · צָחַק (H6711)Predicate complement (what Lot seemed like)→ Participle: active ongoing state — jestingצָחַק (H6711) 'to laugh, jest, sport'; Piel intensive; the root is cognate with Isaac's name; Lot's warning is received as mockery or storytelling, not sober truth.
בְּעֵינֵ֥יin the eyes ofprep בְּ + N m du cstr · עַיִן (H5869)Prepositional phrase (perspective — from whose point of view)עַיִן (H5869) 'eye'; בְּעֵינֵי + genitive = 'in the eyes of'; marks whose perception is at issue.
חֲתָנָֽיוhis sons-in-lawN m pl cstr + 3ms suffix · חָתָן (H2860)Genitive (whose eyes perceive the joking)חָתָן (H2860) 'son-in-law'; + 3ms suffix; the very men whose lives depend on heeding the warning are the ones who dismiss it; their failure to escape is sealed here.
15

וּכְמוֹ֙ הַשַּׁ֣חַר עָלָ֔ה וַיָּאִ֥יצוּ הַמַּלְאָכִ֖ים בְּל֣וֹט לֵאמֹ֑ר קוּם֩ קַ֨ח אֶֽת אִשְׁתְּךָ֜ וְאֶת שְׁתֵּ֤י בְנֹתֶ֨יךָ֙ הַנִּמְצָאֹ֔ת פֶּן תִּסָּפֶ֖ה בַּעֲוֺ֥ן הָעִֽיר

And as the dawn came up, the angels urged Lot, saying, "Rise, take your wife and your two daughters who are here, lest you be swept away in the punishment of the city."

Morning urgency: dawn removes any remaining delayוּכְמוֹ֙
Word-by-word analysis· 19 words
וּכְמוֹ֙and asconj וְ + prep כְּמוֹ · כְּמוֹ (H3644)Temporal conjunction (as dawn rose)כְּמוֹ (H3644) 'like, as, when'; variant of כְּ used before comparative; temporal: 'as soon as the dawn rose'.
הַשַּׁ֣חַרthe dawnart + N m sg abs · שַׁחַר (H7837)Subject of עָלָהשַׁחַר (H7837) 'dawn, daybreak'; the dawn marks the transition to the final moment — destruction falls at first light, and the delay until dawn has already been too long.
עָלָ֔הcame upQal perf 3ms · עָלָה (H5927)Predicate of temporal clause→ Perfective: completed event — dawn has risenעָלָה (H5927) 'to go up, rise'; of the dawn = 'to come up over the horizon'; the time of rescue has arrived and is almost past.
וַיָּאִ֥יצוּand they urgedHiphil wayyiqtol 3mp · אוּץ (H213)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (angels pressing Lot)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceאוּץ (H213) 'to urge, press, hasten'; Hiphil = to urge someone else to haste; the angels' urgency intensifies now that dawn has broken.
הַמַּלְאָכִ֖יםthe angelsart + N m pl abs · מַלְאָךְ (H4397)Subject of וַיָּאִיצוּמַלְאָךְ (H4397) 'messenger, angel'; explicitly called angels for the second time (cf. v.1); their divine identity is confirmed in their authoritative action.
בְּל֣וֹטupon Lotprep בְּ + proper noun · לוֹט (H3876)Prepositional complement (target of the urging)לוֹט (H3876) Lot; prep בְּ with אוּץ = 'to urge upon'; Lot is the one who needs prompting; he is not moving.
לֵאמֹ֑רsayingprep לְ + Qal inf cstr · אָמַר (H559)Complementary infinitive (introducing their speech)→ Infinitive: complementary — the mode of urgingאָמַר (H559) 'to say'; לֵאמֹר standard formula introducing direct speech; the urging is verbal.
קוּם֩riseQal impv 2ms · קוּם (H6965)First imperative of the urgent departure command→ Volitional: urgent commandקוּם (H6965) 'to rise, stand up'; same impv as in v.14 (to the sons-in-law); now the command goes to Lot himself.
קַ֨חtakeQal impv 2ms · לָקַח (H3947)Second imperative (action after rising)→ Volitional: urgent commandלָקַח (H3947) 'to take, seize'; Lot must take his family and go; the imperative sequence qum-qach mirrors military/emergency departure formulas.
אֶֽת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853) nota accusativi marking אִשְׁתְּךָ as definite.
אִשְׁתְּךָ֜your wifeN f sg cstr + 2ms suffix · אִשָּׁה (H802)Direct object of קַח (first person to take)אִשָּׁה (H802) 'woman, wife'; + 2ms suffix = 'your wife'; first of those Lot must take; she will later become a pillar of salt.
וְאֶתand [obj]conj וְ + obj marker · אֵת (H853)Conjunction + direct-object marker (second object)וְ joins the second object; אֵת marks the daughters as definite.
שְׁתֵּ֤יtwocardinal numeral f dual cstr · שְׁנַיִם (H8147)Numeral modifying בְנֹתֶיךָשְׁנַיִם (H8147) 'two'; the two daughters who will flee with him; the same two offered in v.8.
בְנֹתֶ֨יךָ֙your daughtersN f pl cstr + 2ms suffix · בַּת (H1323)Direct object (second persons to take)בַּת (H1323) 'daughter'; + 2ms suffix = 'your daughters'; the only surviving family members who will be rescued.
הַנִּמְצָאֹ֔תwho are found hereart + Niphal ptc f pl abs · מָצָא (H4672)Participial relative clause modifying the daughters→ Participle: ongoing locational state — those presentמָצָא (H4672) 'to find'; Niphal ptc = 'those being found, those present'; distinguishes these two from the betrothed daughters who did not come.
פֶּןlestconjunction · פֶּן (H6435)Negative purpose conjunction (warning of consequence)פֶּן (H6435) 'lest, in case'; introduces the negative purpose — the negative outcome if they do not flee.
תִּסָּפֶ֖הyou be swept awayNiphal impf 2ms · סָפָה (H5595)Predicate of negative purpose clause→ Yiqtol: imperfective modal — potential outcome to be avoidedסָפָה (H5595) 'to sweep away, destroy'; Niphal 'to be swept away'; the same verb as in Gen 18:23-24 (Abraham's intercession); the punishment of the city threatens to take Lot with it.
בַּעֲוֺ֥ןin the punishment ofprep בְּ + art + N m sg cstr · עָוֺן (H5771)Prepositional phrase (instrumental — means/context of destruction)עָוֺן (H5771) 'iniquity, guilt, punishment'; here the consequential punishment of the city's sin; Lot is warned not to be caught in the city's punitive doom.
הָעִֽירthe cityart + N f sg abs · עִיר (H5892)Genitive (construct chain — punishment belonging to the city)עִיר (H5892) 'city'; the city's guilt/punishment; the city is the locus of both the crime and the consequence.
16

וַֽיִּתְמַהְמָ֓הּ וַיַּחֲזִ֨קוּ הָאֲנָשִׁ֜ים בְּיָד֣וֹ וּבְיַד אִשְׁתּ֗וֹ וּבְיַד֙ שְׁתֵּ֣י בְנֹתָ֔יו בְּחֶמְלַ֥ת יְהוָ֖ה עָלָ֑יו וַיֹּצִאֻ֥הוּ וַיַּנִּחֻ֖הוּ מִח֥וּץ לָעִֽיר

But he lingered, and the men seized his hand and the hand of his wife and the hand of his two daughters, because Yahweh had compassion on him; and they brought him out and set him outside the city.

Merciful intervention: Lot delays and must be physically rescuedוַֽיִּתְמַהְמָ֓הּ
Word-by-word analysis· 16 words
וַֽיִּתְמַהְמָ֓הּbut he lingeredHitpolel wayyiqtol 3ms · מָהַהּ (H4102)Wayyiqtol (adversative — but he hesitated)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative with adversative force — delay against urgencyמָהַהּ (H4102) 'to linger, delay, hesitate'; Hitpolel (intensive-reflexive) = to keep delaying oneself; only here and Exod 12:39 in this form; Lot's hesitation despite the angels' urgency is morally and dramatically significant.
וַיַּחֲזִ֨קוּand they seizedHiphil wayyiqtol 3mp · חָזַק (H2388)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (direct physical intervention)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceחָזַק (H2388) 'to be strong, seize'; Hiphil 'to grasp, take hold of'; the angels physically take charge because Lot will not move.
הָאֲנָשִׁ֜יםthe menart + N m pl abs · אִישׁ (H376)Subject of וַיַּחֲזִקוּאִישׁ (H376) 'man'; the angels in human form; their physical seizure of Lot and his family is an act of mercy, not coercion.
בְּיָד֣וֹby his handprep בְּ + N m sg cstr + 3ms suffix · יָד (H3027)Prepositional phrase (part seized — his hand)יָד (H3027) 'hand'; the hand is the most natural place to grasp someone to pull them; the physical detail grounds the narrative.
וּבְיַדand by the hand ofconj וְ + prep בְּ + N m sg cstr · יָד (H3027)Coordinated prepositional phrase (additional person seized)יָד (H3027) 'hand'; repeated with each person grasped; the angels take each family member individually by the hand.
אִשְׁתּ֗וֹhis wifeN f sg cstr + 3ms suffix · אִשָּׁה (H802)Genitive (whose hand — his wife's)אִשָּׁה (H802) 'woman, wife'; + 3ms suffix = 'his wife'; she will look back and become a pillar of salt (v.26); her hand is seized but her obedience is not complete.
וּבְיַד֙and by the hand ofconj וְ + prep בְּ + N m sg cstr · יָד (H3027)Coordinated prepositional phrase (third person seized)יָד (H3027) 'hand'; third repetition; the tripling underscores that each person was individually rescued.
שְׁתֵּ֣יtwocardinal numeral f dual cstr · שְׁנַיִם (H8147)Numeral modifying בְנֹתָיושְׁנַיִם (H8147) 'two'; dual fem cstr; specifying the two daughters.
בְנֹתָ֔יוhis daughtersN f pl cstr + 3ms suffix · בַּת (H1323)Genitive (whose hands — his daughters')בַּת (H1323) 'daughter'; + 3ms suffix = 'his daughters'; the two daughters who will survive and later be the subjects of vv.30-38.
בְּחֶמְלַ֥תby the compassion ofprep בְּ + N f sg cstr · חֶמְלָה (H2551)Instrumental/causal prepositional phrase (the grounds of rescue)חֶמְלָה (H2551) 'compassion, pity, tender feeling'; only here and in later poetry; the narrator explicitly interprets the rescue as rooted in divine mercy, not in Lot's merit.
יְהוָ֖הYahwehproper noun · יְהוָה (H3068)Genitive (whose compassion)יְהוָה (H3068) Yahweh; the narrator names YHWH as the source of the compassion; the physical action of the angels is theologically attributed to YHWH.
עָלָ֑יוupon himprep עַל + 3ms suffix · עַל (H5921)Prepositional phrase (object of compassion)עַל (H5921) 'upon, toward'; with 3ms suffix = 'upon him'; חֶמְלָה + עַל = compassion directed at Lot.
וַיֹּצִאֻ֥הוּand they brought him outHiphil wayyiqtol 3mp + 3ms suffix · יָצָא (H3318)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (completed rescue)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceיָצָא (H3318) 'to go out'; Hiphil 'to bring out'; the angelic extraction of Lot from the city; the verb echoes the mob's demand הוֹצִיאֵם (v.5) — but now it is rescue, not violation.
וַיַּנִּחֻ֖הוּand they set him downHiphil wayyiqtol 3mp + 3ms suffix · נוּחַ (H3240)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (placing him outside)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceנוּחַ / יָנַח (H3240) 'to rest, place, set down'; Hiphil 'to cause to rest, deposit'; the angels set Lot down outside the city — completing the rescue.
מִח֥וּץoutsideprep מִן + N m sg abs · חוּץ (H2351)Locative prepositional phrase (where they placed him)חוּץ (H2351) 'outside, exterior'; מִחוּץ לְ = 'outside of'; Lot is placed outside the city limits — beyond the zone of destruction.
לָעִֽירthe cityprep לְ + art + N f sg abs · עִיר (H5892)Genitive complement of מִחוּץעִיר (H5892) 'city'; completing the phrase 'outside the city'; Lot is safely extracted from Sodom's perimeter.
17

וַיְהִי֩ כְהוֹצִיאָ֨ם אֹתָ֜ם הַח֗וּצָה וַיֹּ֨אמֶר֙ הִמָּלֵ֣ט עַל נַפְשֶׁ֔ךָ אַל תַּבִּ֣יט אַחֲרֶ֔יךָ וְאַֽל תַּעֲמֹ֖ד בְּכָל הַכִּכָּ֑ר הָהָ֥רָה הִמָּלֵ֖ט פֶּן תִּסָּפֶֽה

And it came to pass, when they had brought them outside, that he said, "Escape for your life. Do not look behind you, and do not stop anywhere in the plain. Escape to the hill country, lest you be swept away."

Escape command: the terms of survival are stated with stark clarityוַיְהִי֩
Word-by-word analysis· 19 words
וַיְהִי֩and it came to passQal wayyiqtol 3ms · הָיָה (H1961)Wayyiqtol introducing temporal circumstance→ Wayyiqtol: narrative frame-setterהָיָה (H1961) 'to be, happen'; וַיְהִי כְּ = 'and it came about when'; a transitional narrative formula.
כְהוֹצִיאָ֨םwhen they brought them outprep כְּ + Hiphil inf cstr + 3mp suffix · יָצָא (H3318)Temporal prepositional phrase (when the bringing-out occurred)יָצָא (H3318) 'to go out'; Hiphil inf + prep כְּ = 'when they brought out'; temporal reference fixing the moment of speech.
אֹתָ֜םthemobj marker + 3mp suffix · אֵת (H853)Direct object of inf cstr (those brought out)אֵת (H853) + 3mp suffix = 'them'; Lot and his family are the objects of the extraction.
הַח֗וּצָהto the outsideart + N m sg abs + directional ה · חוּץ (H2351)Directional complement of inf cstrחוּץ (H2351) 'outside'; directional suffix marks motion outward; when they had brought them out to the outside.
וַיֹּ֨אמֶר֙and he saidQal wayyiqtol 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Wayyiqtol introducing direct speech (the escape instructions)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceאָמַר (H559) 'to say'; one of the angels delivers the escape command; the subject is singular (one angel speaks).
הִמָּלֵ֣טescapeNiphal impv 2ms · מָלַט (H4422)First imperative of the escape command→ Volitional: urgent command for self-preservationמָלַט (H4422) 'to escape, slip away'; Niphal impv = 'escape yourself!'; intensive form implying personal urgency; the verb recurs through vv.17-22.
עַלforprep · עַל (H5921)Prepositional phrase (sake/life at stake)עַל (H5921) 'upon, for'; עַל נַפְשְׁךָ = 'for your life' — an idiomatic phrase of extreme urgency; your very life is what is at stake.
נַפְשֶׁ֔ךָyour lifeN f sg cstr + 2ms suffix · נֶפֶשׁ (H5315)Object of preposition (what is at stake)נֶפֶשׁ (H5315) 'life, soul, being'; + 2ms suffix = 'your life'; the whole living person is at stake; the escape is for survival.
אַלdo notnegative particle · אַל (H408)Volitional negative (prohibition)אַל (H408) 'do not'; used with imperfect in prohibitions; the first of two prohibitions: do not look back.
תַּבִּ֣יטlook backHiphil jussive 2ms · נָבַט (H5027)Predicate of prohibition (forbidden action)→ Jussive: volitional prohibitionנָבַט (H5027) 'to look, gaze, behold'; Hiphil 'to look intently'; the prohibition against backward looking is absolute; Lot's wife violates it (v.26).
אַחֲרֶ֔יךָbehind youprep אַחַר + 2ms suffix · אַחַר (H310)Directional complement of תַּבִּיטאַחַר (H310) 'behind, after'; + 2ms suffix = 'behind you'; the direction of the forbidden gaze — back toward Sodom.
וְאַֽלand do notconj וְ + negative · אַל (H408)Conjunction + volitional negative (second prohibition)אַל (H408) 'do not'; second prohibition: do not stop in the plain.
תַּעֲמֹ֖דstopQal jussive 2ms · עָמַד (H5975)Predicate of second prohibition (forbidden action)→ Jussive: volitional prohibitionעָמַד (H5975) 'to stand, stop, halt'; stopping anywhere in the plain is forbidden — keep moving.
בְּכָלin all ofprep בְּ + N m sg cstr · כֹּל (H3605)Locative prepositional phrase (the zone to clear)כֹּל (H3605) 'all'; בְּכָל הַכִּכָּר = 'in all the plain'; the entire plain is the danger zone.
הַכִּכָּ֑רthe plainart + N m/f sg abs · כִּכָּר (H3603)Genitive (construct chain)כִּכָּר (H3603) 'circle, round loaf, talent; the plain/valley'; here the Jordan valley plain around Sodom and Gomorrah; a circular, low-lying area.
הָהָ֥רָהto the mountainsart + N m sg abs + directional ה · הַר (H2022)Directional complement (where to flee)הַר (H2022) 'mountain, hill country'; directional suffix = 'to the mountains'; the highlands as opposed to the condemned plain.
הִמָּלֵ֖טescapeNiphal impv 2ms · מָלַט (H4422)Repeated imperative (urgent repetition for emphasis)→ Volitional: urgent repeated commandמָלַט (H4422) 'to escape'; the same impv repeated; the doubling creates a rhetorical urgency — escape! escape!
פֶּןlestconjunction · פֶּן (H6435)Negative purpose conjunctionפֶּן (H6435) 'lest'; introduces the feared consequence — being swept away — echoing v.15.
תִּסָּפֶֽהyou be swept awayNiphal impf 2ms · סָפָה (H5595)Predicate of negative purpose clause→ Yiqtol: imperfective modal — outcome to be avoidedסָפָה (H5595) 'to sweep away'; Niphal impf = you might be swept away; the same verb as Gen 18:23-24 from Abraham's intercession.
18

וַיֹּ֥אמֶר ל֖וֹט אֲלֵהֶ֑ם אַל נָ֖א אֲדֹנָֽי

And Lot said to them, "No, please, my lord."

Objection: Lot resists the commanded destinationוַיֹּ֥אמֶר
Word-by-word analysis· 6 words
וַיֹּ֥אמֶרand he saidQal wayyiqtol 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Wayyiqtol introducing direct speech (Lot's objection)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceאָמַר (H559) 'to say'; Lot responds to the command with an objection; even now he delays.
ל֖וֹטLotproper noun · לוֹט (H3876)Subject (post-verbal explicit subject)לוֹט (H3876) Lot; named as the speaker; his reluctance to flee to the mountains is about to be argued.
אֲלֵהֶ֑םto themprep אֶל + 3mp suffix · אֶל (H413)Directional prepositional phrase (addressees)אֶל (H413) 'to'; with 3mp suffix = 'to them' — addressing the angels.
אַלnonegative particle · אַל (H408)Negative particle (objection/refusal)אַל (H408) 'do not, no'; Lot uses the volitional negative to refuse the specific destination; he is objecting to the mountains, not to escaping.
נָ֖אpleaseentreaty particle · נָא (H4994)Politeness particle (softening the refusal)נָא (H4994) 'please'; Lot politely but firmly objects; the entreaty particle shows deference even as he pushes back.
אֲדֹנָֽיmy LordN m pl cstr + 1cs suffix · אֲדֹנָי (H136)Vocative (address to the angels/God)אֲדֹנָי (H136) 'my Lord'; the form with the special Qere pointing used for the divine name; Lot may be addressing the angel as representing God directly; the highest form of address.
19

הִנֵּה נָ֠א מָצָ֨א עַבְדְּךָ֣ חֵן֮ בְּעֵינֶיךָ֒ וַתַּגְדֵּ֣ל חַסְדְּךָ֗ אֲשֶׁ֤ר עָשִׂ֨יתָ֙ עִמָּדִ֔י לְהַחֲי֖וֹת אֶת נַפְשִׁ֑י וְאָנֹכִ֗י לֹ֤א אוּכַל֙ לְהִמָּלֵ֣ט הָהָ֔רָה פֶּן תִּדְבָּקַ֥נִי הָרָעָ֖ה וָמַֽתִּי

Behold now, your servant has found favor in your eyes, and you have magnified your steadfast love which you have shown with me by preserving my life; but I am not able to escape to the hill country, lest the disaster overtake me and I die.

Plea for accommodation: Lot appeals to received mercy and confessed weaknessהִנֵּה
Word-by-word analysis· 23 words
הִנֵּהbeholddemonstrative particle · הִנֵּה (H2009)Presentative particle (drawing attention to what follows)הִנֵּה (H2009) 'behold, look'; Lot opens his argument with attention-getting particle; the speech is a plea for mercy within mercy.
נָ֠אpleaseentreaty particle · נָא (H4994)Politeness particleנָא (H4994) 'please'; Lot continues his deferential appeal.
מָצָ֨אhas foundQal perf 3ms · מָצָא (H4672)Predicate verb (main clause — grace obtained)→ Perfective: completed, established stateמָצָא (H4672) 'to find'; the idiom מָצָא חֵן בְּעֵינֵי = 'to find favor in the eyes of'; Lot appeals to the grace already shown to him.
עַבְדְּךָ֣your servantN m sg cstr + 2ms suffix · עֶבֶד (H5650)Subject of מָצָא (referring to Lot himself)עֶבֶד (H5650) 'servant'; + 2ms suffix = 'your servant'; self-deprecatory third-person reference; Lot appeals from a position of complete dependence.
חֵן֮favorN m sg abs · חֵן (H2580)Direct object of מָצָא (what was found)חֵן (H2580) 'grace, favor, charm'; from the root חָנַן 'to be gracious'; the unmerited favor Lot claims has already been shown — his rescue is proof.
בְּעֵינֶיךָ֒in your eyesprep בְּ + N m du cstr + 2ms suffix · עַיִן (H5869)Prepositional phrase (standard of favor — in whose sight)עַיִן (H5869) 'eye'; בְּעֵינֶיךָ = 'in your eyes'; the fixed idiom for finding grace before a superior.
וַתַּגְדֵּ֣לand you have magnifiedHiphil wayyiqtol 2ms · גָּדַל (H1431)Wayyiqtol expressing prior completed action→ Wayyiqtol: perfective in narrative past — what has been doneגָּדַל (H1431) 'to be great'; Hiphil 'to make great, magnify'; Lot acknowledges the abundance of the mercy shown; the angel / God has made the חֶסֶד great.
חַסְדְּךָ֗your steadfast loveN m sg cstr + 2ms suffix · חֶסֶד (H2617)Direct object of וַתַּגְדֵּלחֶסֶד (H2617) 'steadfast love, loyalty, lovingkindness'; + 2ms suffix = 'your hesed'; the covenant term for loyal, committed love; its use here elevates the rescue to a covenantal act.
אֲשֶׁ֤רwhichrelative pronoun · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative pronoun (introducing specification of the חֶסֶד)אֲשֶׁר (H834) 'which, that'; the חֶסֶד is further defined by what follows — the specific act done with Lot.
עָשִׂ֨יתָ֙you have doneQal perf 2ms · עָשָׂה (H6213)Predicate of relative clause→ Perfective: completed act of loyal loveעָשָׂה (H6213) 'to do, make'; עָשָׂה חֶסֶד = 'to show steadfast love'; the act of rescue is the content of the חֶסֶד.
עִמָּדִ֔יwith meprep + 1cs suffix · עִמָּד (H5978)Prepositional phrase (with whom the חֶסֶד was enacted)עִמָּד (H5978) 'with'; variant form of עִם + 1cs suffix = 'with me'; the חֶסֶד is directed toward Lot specifically.
לְהַחֲי֖וֹתto keep aliveprep לְ + Hiphil inf cstr · חָיָה (H2421)Purpose infinitive (the purpose of the חֶסֶד)→ Infinitive: purpose — preserving lifeחָיָה (H2421) 'to live'; Hiphil 'to cause to live, keep alive'; the ultimate purpose of the rescue is Lot's life; the same verb root used for the narrative's concern with survival.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853) nota accusativi marking נַפְשִׁי as definite.
נַפְשִׁ֑יmy lifeN f sg cstr + 1cs suffix · נֶפֶשׁ (H5315)Direct object of לְהַחֲיוֹתנֶפֶשׁ (H5315) 'life, soul, being'; + 1cs suffix = 'my life'; the goal of the rescue is to keep Lot alive.
וְאָנֹכִ֗יbut Iconj וְ + pronoun 1cs · אָנֹכִי (H595)Adversative subject clause (contrastive — but I cannot)אָנֹכִי (H595) 'I'; emphatic first-person pronoun; the conjunction + pronoun creates an adversative turn: 'but I am not able'.
לֹ֤אnotnegative particle · לֹא (H3808)Negative particle (negating אוּכַל)לֹא (H3808) 'not'; strong negative; Lot confesses inability, not unwillingness.
אוּכַל֙I am ableQal impf 1cs · יָכֹל (H3201)Main predicate of ability claim→ Yiqtol: imperfective — ongoing inabilityיָכֹל (H3201) 'to be able, can'; Lot admits he cannot make it to the mountains.
לְהִמָּלֵ֣טto escapeprep לְ + Niphal inf cstr · מָלַט (H4422)Complementary infinitive (what Lot cannot do)→ Infinitive: complementary — action of escapingמָלַט (H4422) 'to escape'; Niphal inf = 'to escape'; the same verb the angel commanded (v.17); Lot turns the command into an impossible demand.
הָהָ֔רָהto the mountainart + N m sg abs + directional ה · הַר (H2022)Directional complement (the commanded destination Lot rejects)הַר (H2022) 'mountain, hill country'; directional suffix; the highlands the angel commanded; Lot pleads he cannot reach them in time.
פֶּןlestconjunction · פֶּן (H6435)Negative purpose conjunctionפֶּן (H6435) 'lest'; introduces the feared outcome — the disaster catching him before he reaches safety.
תִּדְבָּקַ֥נִיovertake meQal impf 3fs + 1cs suffix · דָּבַק (H1692)Predicate of negative purpose clause→ Yiqtol: imperfective modal — feared pursuitדָּבַק (H1692) 'to cling, pursue closely, overtake'; usually positive ('to cleave to'), here the disaster pursues and catches; a striking use of the verb.
הָרָעָ֖הthe disasterart + N f sg abs · רָעָה (H7451)Subject of תִּדְבָּקַנִירָעָה (H7451) 'evil, disaster, harm'; with article = the disaster (of the destruction); the same root as the crowd's רָעַע in vv.7,9; now the evil is the falling judgment.
וָמַֽתִּיand I dieconj וְ + Qal perf 1cs · מוּת (H4191)Weqatal (consequence of being overtaken)→ Weqatal: sequential result — and then I would dieמוּת (H4191) 'to die'; Lot fears death on the way; the weqatal after the pên clause expresses the ultimate feared outcome.
20

הִנֵּה נָ֠א הָעִ֨יר הַזֹּ֧את קְרֹבָ֛ה לָנ֥וּס שָׁ֖מָּה וְהִ֣יא מִצְעָ֑ר אִמָּלְטָ֨ה נָּ֜א שָׁ֗מָּה הֲלֹ֥א מִצְעָ֛ר הִ֖וא וּתְחִ֥י נַפְשִֽׁי

Behold now, this city is near enough to flee there, and it is small. Please let me escape there, is it not small, and my life shall live.

Alternative request: Lot proposes a nearer refugeהִנֵּה
Word-by-word analysis· 17 words
הִנֵּהbeholddemonstrative particle · הִנֵּה (H2009)Presentative particle (introducing the counterproposal)הִנֵּה (H2009) 'behold'; Lot draws attention to his alternative — the small city nearby.
נָ֠אpleaseentreaty particle · נָא (H4994)Politeness particleנָא (H4994) 'please'; continued deference even while proposing an alternative.
הָעִ֨ירthe cityart + N f sg abs · עִיר (H5892)Subject of the nominal sentenceעִיר (H5892) 'city'; the small nearby city = Zoar; Lot proposes it as an alternative refuge.
הַזֹּ֧אתthisart + demonstrative pronoun fs · זֹאת (H2063)Demonstrative adjective modifying הָעִירזֹאת (H2063) 'this (fem)'; with article = הַזֹּאת; pointing to the specific nearby city visible from where they stand.
קְרֹבָ֛הnearadj f sg abs · קָרוֹב (H7138)Predicate adjective (the city is near)קָרוֹב (H7138) 'near, close'; fem to agree with עִיר; the nearness is Lot's main argument — he can make it there.
לָנ֥וּסto flee toprep לְ + Qal inf cstr · נוּס (H5127)Purpose infinitive (what the nearness enables)→ Infinitive: purpose — fleeing thereנוּס (H5127) 'to flee, escape'; לָנוּס שָׁמָּה = 'to flee thither'; the city's proximity makes flight possible.
שָׁ֖מָּהthereadverb + directional ה · שָׁם (H8033)Directional adverb (destination of flight)שָׁם (H8033) 'there'; with directional suffix = 'thither'; specifying where to flee.
וְהִ֣יאand itconj וְ + pronoun 3fs · הִיא (H1931)Subject of second nominal clauseהִיא (H1931) 'she/it'; pronoun referring to the city (fem); introduces a second reason to allow Zoar — its smallness.
מִצְעָ֑רsmallN m sg abs · מִצְעָר (H4705)Predicate nominative (the city is small)מִצְעָר (H4705) 'smallness, trifle'; the word becomes the city's name Zoar (צֹעַר); Lot appeals to its insignificance — it is too small to matter to the judgment.
אִמָּלְטָ֨הlet me escapeNiphal cohort 1cs · מָלַט (H4422)Main cohortative verb of request→ Cohortative: volitional self-direction — Lot petitions to flee thereמָלַט (H4422) 'to escape'; Niphal cohort = 'let me escape'; Lot uses the same verb the angel commanded; he is not refusing to flee, just negotiating the destination.
נָּ֜אpleaseentreaty particle · נָא (H4994)Politeness particle reinforcing cohortativeנָא (H4994) 'please'; strengthens the request; Lot is petitioning urgently.
שָׁ֗מָּהthereadverb + directional ה · שָׁם (H8033)Directional adverb (the destination requested)שָׁם (H8033) 'there'; repeated — flee there, to that small city; the repetition of שָׁמָּה (vv.20,22) marks the focus of negotiation.
הֲלֹ֥אis it notinterrogative הֲ + negative לֹא · לֹא (H3808)Rhetorical question (expecting affirmative answer)לֹא (H3808) 'not'; הֲלֹא = 'is it not?'; a rhetorical appeal expecting 'yes it is small'; Lot invites agreement with his assessment.
מִצְעָ֛רsmallN m sg abs · מִצְעָר (H4705)Predicate of rhetorical questionמִצְעָר (H4705) 'small'; repeated a second time for emphasis; Lot stresses the city's insignificance as grounds for sparing it.
הִ֖ואit ispronoun 3fs · הִוא (H1931)Subject of predicate (is it not small, it is small)הִוא (H1931) 'she/it'; variant spelling of הִיא; the city is the referent; confirming the smallness.
וּתְחִ֥יthat my life may liveconj וְ + Qal impf 3fs · חָיָה (H2421)Weqatal / jussive expressing purpose/result→ Yiqtol: jussive — purpose (let my life live)חָיָה (H2421) 'to live'; 3fs to agree with נַפְשִׁי (implied subject); Lot's final aim: survival.
נַפְשִֽׁיmy lifeN f sg cstr + 1cs suffix · נֶפֶשׁ (H5315)Subject of וּתְחִינֶפֶשׁ (H5315) 'life, soul'; + 1cs suffix = 'my life'; the whole petition comes down to this: that Lot's life might live.
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וַיֹּ֣אמֶר אֵלָ֔יו הִנֵּה֙ נָשָׂ֣אתִי פָנֶ֔יךָ גַּ֖ם לַדָּבָ֣ר הַזֶּ֑ה לְבִלְתִּ֛י הָפְכִּ֥י אֶת הָעִ֖יר אֲשֶׁ֥ר דִּבַּֽרְתָּ

And he said to him, "Behold, I have shown favor to you also concerning this matter, so as not to overthrow the city of which you have spoken."

Merciful concession: the request concerning Zoar is grantedוַיֹּ֣אמֶר
Word-by-word analysis· 14 words
וַיֹּ֣אמֶרand he saidQal wayyiqtol 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Wayyiqtol introducing direct speech (the angel's concession)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceאָמַר (H559) 'to say'; the angel responds to Lot's request; the response is grace.
אֵלָ֔יוto himprep אֶל + 3ms suffix · אֶל (H413)Directional prepositional phrase (addressee)אֶל (H413) 'to'; with 3ms suffix = 'to him' — to Lot.
הִנֵּה֙beholddemonstrative particle · הִנֵּה (H2009)Presentative particle (opening the grant of favor)הִנֵּה (H2009) 'behold'; the angel uses the same particle Lot used; signals the beginning of the favorable response.
נָשָׂ֣אתִיI have grantedQal perf 1cs · נָשָׂא (H5375)Predicate verb (the face-lifting idiom — concession)→ Perfective: completed act of graceנָשָׂא (H5375) 'to lift, bear, carry'; נָשָׂא פָנִים = 'to lift the face' = to show favor, grant a request; an idiom for gracious concession.
פָנֶ֔יךָyour faceN m pl cstr + 2ms suffix · פָּנִים (H6440)Direct object of נָשָׂאתִי (idiom component)פָּנִים (H6440) 'face'; + 2ms suffix = 'your face'; the idiom 'lift your face' = grant your petition; an act of gracious acceptance.
גַּ֖םalsoadditive adverb · גַּם (H1571)Additive adverb (in addition, even for this)גַּם (H1571) 'also, even'; extends the grace already shown; the angel is granting this additional request on top of the rescue already given.
לַדָּבָ֣רconcerning the matterprep לְ + art + N m sg abs · דָּבָר (H1697)Prepositional phrase (the specific matter granted)דָּבָר (H1697) 'word, thing, matter'; לַדָּבָר הַזֶּה = 'concerning this matter'; the specific request about Zoar.
הַזֶּ֑הthisart + demonstrative ms · זֶה (H2088)Demonstrative adjective modifying הַדָּבָרזֶה (H2088) 'this'; with article = הַזֶּה; the specific thing Lot just requested.
לְבִלְתִּ֛יso as not toprep לְ + conjunction · בִּלְתִּי (H1115)Negative purpose prepositional phraseבִּלְתִּי (H1115) 'not, without'; לְבִלְתִּי = 'so as not to, in order not to'; introduces what the angel will refrain from.
הָפְכִּ֥יmy overthrowingQal inf cstr + 1cs suffix · הָפַךְ (H2015)Infinitive functioning as noun (the withheld act)הָפַךְ (H2015) 'to overturn, overthrow'; inf cstr + 1cs suffix = 'my overturning'; the characteristic verb for Sodom's destruction (also vv.25,29); the angel grants Zoar exemption from הָפַךְ.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853) nota accusativi marking הָעִיר as definite.
הָעִ֖ירthe cityart + N f sg abs · עִיר (H5892)Direct object of הָפְכִּיעִיר (H5892) 'city'; Zoar will not be overturned; the angel grants the exemption of the small city from destruction.
אֲשֶׁ֥רwhichrelative pronoun · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative pronoun (identifying the specific city)אֲשֶׁר (H834) 'which, that'; introducing the relative clause specifying which city.
דִּבַּֽרְתָּyou have spoken ofPiel perf 2ms · דָּבַר (H1696)Predicate of relative clause→ Perfective: completed speech actדָּבַר (H1696) 'to speak'; Piel 'to speak about, mention'; the city Lot spoke about = Zoar; his request has been heard and granted.
22

מַהֵר֙ הִמָּלֵ֣ט שָׁ֔מָּה כִּ֣י לֹ֤א אוּכַל֙ לַעֲשׂ֣וֹת דָּבָ֔ר עַד בֹּאֲךָ֖ שָׁ֑מָּה עַל כֵּ֛ן קָרָ֥א שֵׁם הָעִ֖יר צֽוֹעַר

Hurry, escape there, for I am not able to do anything until you arrive there. Therefore the name of the city was called Zoar.

Final urgency and naming note: Lot must reach safety before judgment fallsמַהֵר֙
Word-by-word analysis· 17 words
מַהֵר֙hurryPiel inf abs · מָהַר (H4116)Adverbial infinitive absolute (urgency adverb modifying next impv)→ Infinitive: adverbial — manner of urgencyמָהַר (H4116) 'to hasten'; inf abs used adverbially = quickly, with haste; the same angel that spoke in v.17 now adds maximum urgency.
הִמָּלֵ֣טescapeNiphal impv 2ms · מָלַט (H4422)Main imperative of the escape command→ Volitional: urgent commandמָלַט (H4422) 'to escape'; Niphal impv = 'escape!'; the same verb used three times now (vv.17,20,22); the urgency is absolute.
שָׁ֔מָּהthereadverb + directional ה · שָׁם (H8033)Directional adverb (the destination — Zoar)שָׁם (H8033) 'there'; directional suffix; Lot is told to go to Zoar, the concession he had requested.
כִּ֣יforconjunction · כִּי (H3588)Causal conjunction (grounds the urgency)כִּי (H3588) 'for'; the angel gives the reason for ultimate urgency: divine inaction until Lot arrives.
לֹ֤אnotnegative particle · לֹא (H3808)Negative particleלֹא (H3808) 'not'; negating the ability clause.
אוּכַל֙I am ableQal impf 1cs · יָכֹל (H3201)Main predicate verb (divine self-restraint)→ Yiqtol: imperfective — ongoing inability/restraintיָכֹל (H3201) 'to be able'; remarkably the angel says 'I cannot'; divine restraint or limitation until Lot is safe; echoes Abraham's intercession logic.
לַעֲשׂ֣וֹתto doprep לְ + Qal inf cstr · עָשָׂה (H6213)Complementary infinitive (what cannot be done)→ Infinitive: complementary — the restrained actionעָשָׂה (H6213) 'to do, make'; לַעֲשׂוֹת דָּבָר = 'to do a thing'; the idiom for divine inaction pending Lot's safety.
דָּבָ֔רa thingN m sg abs · דָּבָר (H1697)Direct object of לַעֲשׂוֹתדָּבָר (H1697) 'word, thing, matter'; 'cannot do a thing' = total divine inaction; the destruction of Sodom is held back until Lot is safe.
עַדuntilprep · עַד (H5704)Temporal preposition (the limit of restraint)עַד (H5704) 'until, as far as'; marks the boundary: destruction waits until Lot arrives.
בֹּאֲךָ֖your arrivingQal inf cstr + 2ms suffix · בּוֹא (H935)Infinitive in temporal phrase (when you arrive)→ Infinitive: temporal — the moment of arrivalבּוֹא (H935) 'to come, enter, arrive'; + 2ms suffix = 'your arriving'; the moment Lot enters Zoar, judgment falls.
שָׁ֑מָּהthereadverb + directional ה · שָׁם (H8033)Directional complement of בֹּאֲךָשָׁם (H8033) 'there'; to Zoar; the tripling of שָׁמָּה in vv.20-22 traces the focus of negotiation.
עַלthereforeprep · עַל (H5921)Causal prepositional phrase (the reason for the naming)עַל (H5921) 'upon, over'; עַל כֵּן = 'therefore, for this reason'; a standard narrative transition formula.
כֵּ֛ןsoadverb · כֵּן (H3651)Adverb forming idiom עַל כֵּןכֵּן (H3651) 'so, thus'; the compound עַל כֵּן = 'therefore'; the naming note follows.
קָרָ֥אhe calledQal perf 3ms · קָרָא (H7121)Predicate verb (etiological naming act)→ Perfective: completed act — naming the cityקָרָא (H7121) 'to call, name'; the etiological formula: 'therefore one called the name of the city'; explaining the city's name.
שֵׁםthe name ofN m sg cstr · שֵׁם (H8034)Direct object of קָרָא (construct chain)שֵׁם (H8034) 'name'; שֵׁם הָעִיר = 'the name of the city'; a construct chain.
הָעִ֖ירthe cityart + N f sg abs · עִיר (H5892)Genitive (construct chain)עִיר (H5892) 'city'; the city being named = Zoar; the small city becomes a place of memory.
צֽוֹעַרZoarproper noun · צֹעַר (H6820)Predicate nominative (the name given)צֹעַר (H6820) 'Zoar' — from the root צָעַר 'to be small', playing on מִצְעָר (H4705) in Lot's request (v.20); the city's name preserves the memory of Lot's petition.
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הַשֶּׁ֖מֶשׁ יָצָ֣א עַל הָאָ֑רֶץ וְל֖וֹט בָּ֥א צֹֽעֲרָה

The sun had come out upon the earth, and Lot had entered Zoar.

Arrival at safety: daylight and refuge coincideהַשֶּׁ֖מֶשׁ
Word-by-word analysis· 7 words
הַשֶּׁ֖מֶשׁthe sunart + N m sg abs · שֶׁמֶשׁ (H8121)Subject of יָצָא (inverted nominal clause for backgrounding)שֶׁמֶשׁ (H8121) 'sun'; the rising of the sun marks the moment of both Lot's arrival and Sodom's destruction; daylight begins both salvation and judgment.
יָצָ֣אhad gone outQal perf 3ms · יָצָא (H3318)Predicate verb (background circumstance — sun risen)→ Perfective: completed state — the sun has risenיָצָא (H3318) 'to go out, rise'; of the sun = 'to come out, rise'; ironic echo of Lot's exit (יָצָא) from the city.
עַלoverprep · עַל (H5921)Prepositional phrase (where the sun shines)עַל (H5921) 'upon, over'; the sun shining over the land.
הָאָ֑רֶץthe earthart + N f sg abs · אֶרֶץ (H776)Object of prepositionאֶרֶץ (H776) 'land, earth'; the sun is over the whole land as judgment falls; the landscape is explicitly lit as the fire comes.
וְל֖וֹטand Lotconj וְ + proper noun · לוֹט (H3876)Subject of בָּא (coordinate clause)לוֹט (H3876) Lot; conjoined subject of the second clause; the two facts are simultaneous: sun risen, Lot arrived.
בָּ֥אhad enteredQal perf 3ms · בּוֹא (H935)Predicate verb (background clause — Lot arrived)→ Perfective: completed state — Lot has enteredבּוֹא (H935) 'to come, enter'; Lot has reached Zoar; the two perfects (יָצָא and בָּא) frame the moment: sun up, Lot in — then judgment can fall.
צֹֽעֲרָהinto Zoarproper noun + directional ה · צֹעַר (H6820)Directional complement (destination of Lot's flight)צֹעַר (H6820) Zoar; directional suffix = 'into Zoar'; the safe haven promised by the angel; Lot is now in.
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וַֽיהוָ֗ה הִמְטִ֧יר עַל סְדֹ֛ם וְעַל עֲמֹרָ֖ה גָּפְרִ֣ית וָאֵ֑שׁ מֵאֵ֥ת יְהוָ֖ה מִן הַשָּׁמָֽיִם

And Yahweh rained upon Sodom and upon Gomorrah sulfur and fire from Yahweh out of heaven.

Judgment falls: the overthrow is narrated in direct theological termsוַֽיהוָ֗ה
Word-by-word analysis· 12 words
וַֽיהוָ֗הand Yahwehconj וְ + proper noun · יְהוָה (H3068)Subject (fronted subject for emphasis — YHWH is the actor)יְהוָה (H3068) Yahweh; the subject fronted before the verb to emphasize that this is YHWH's direct act; the double YHWH in vv.24-25 is theologically noteworthy.
הִמְטִ֧ירrained downHiphil perf 3ms · מָטַר (H4305)Main predicate verb (the act of judgment)→ Perfective: completed divine judgment actמָטַר (H4305) 'to rain'; Hiphil 'to cause to rain, rain down'; God makes it rain — but what rains is brimstone and fire; creation's life-giving water is inverted.
עַלuponprep · עַל (H5921)Directional preposition (target of the rain)עַל (H5921) 'upon, over'; marking the cities as the target.
סְדֹ֛םSodomproper noun · סְדֹם (H5467)Object of preposition (first city struck)סְדֹם (H5467) Sodom; the primary target of judgment; the city whose outcry had reached YHWH.
וְעַלand uponconj וְ + prep · עַל (H5921)Coordinated prepositional phrase (second city)עַל (H5921) 'upon'; conjunction expands the target to Gomorrah.
עֲמֹרָ֖הGomorrahproper noun · עֲמֹרָה (H6017)Object of preposition (second city struck)עֲמֹרָה (H6017) Gomorrah; paired with Sodom as the twin objects of judgment (cf. Gen 10:19; 13:10).
גָּפְרִ֣יתsulfurN f sg abs · גָּפְרִית (H1614)Direct object of הִמְטִיר (what was rained)גָּפְרִית (H1614) 'brimstone, sulfur'; a naturally occurring substance but here deployed as divine judgment; its use with fire creates total destruction; the combination recurs in Deut 29:23; Ps 11:6; Isa 30:33.
וָאֵ֑שׁand fireconj וְ + N f sg abs · אֵשׁ (H784)Coordinated direct object (the second element rained)אֵשׁ (H784) 'fire'; גָּפְרִית וָאֵשׁ = 'brimstone and fire'; the combination is the classic description of Sodom's destruction throughout the OT.
מֵאֵ֥תfrom besideprep מִן + prep אֵת · אֵת (H854)Source prepositional phrase (the origin of the rain)אֵת (H854) 'with, beside'; מֵאֵת = 'from beside, from with'; the rain comes from YHWH; the double prep מִן+אֵת marks a personal source.
יְהוָ֖הYahwehproper noun · יְהוָה (H3068)Genitive (from Yahweh — the divine source)יְהוָה (H3068) Yahweh; the second mention of YHWH in this verse; 'YHWH rained from YHWH' — possibly distinguishing the YHWH who was with Abraham/Lot from the YHWH in heaven who sends the fire; a deep theological crux.
מִןfromprep · מִן (H4480)Source prepositional phrase (location of origin)מִן (H4480) 'from'; the fire comes from the heavens.
הַשָּׁמָֽיִםthe heavensart + N m pl abs · שָׁמַיִם (H8064)Genitive/object of מִן (source)שָׁמַיִם (H8064) 'heavens, sky'; the heavens are both the physical origin of the fire and the throne of the God who sends it; judgment is from on high.
25

וַֽיַּהֲפֹךְ֙ אֶת הֶעָרִ֣ים הָאֵ֔ל וְאֵ֖ת כָּל הַכִּכָּ֑ר וְאֵת֙ כָּל יֹשְׁבֵ֣י הֶעָרִ֔ים וְצֶ֖מַח הָאֲדָמָֽה

And he overthrew those cities, and all the plain, and all the inhabitants of the cities, and the vegetation of the ground.

Total overthrow: cities, population, and fertile growth are all swept awayוַֽיַּהֲפֹךְ֙
Word-by-word analysis· 13 words
וַֽיַּהֲפֹךְ֙and he overturnedQal wayyiqtol 3ms · הָפַךְ (H2015)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (the act of overthrow)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceהָפַךְ (H2015) 'to overturn, overthrow, turn upside down'; the characteristic verb for Sodom's destruction; occurs again in vv.29 and the cognate noun הַהֲפֵכָה (v.29); becomes the standard biblical term for this event.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853) nota accusativi marking the cities as definite direct object.
הֶעָרִ֣יםthe citiesart + N f pl abs · עִיר (H5892)Direct object (the cities overthrown)עִיר (H5892) 'city'; the plural — the five cities of the plain; Sodom and Gomorrah plus Admah, Zeboiim, and Bela (Zoar is spared).
הָאֵ֔לthoseart + demonstrative cp · אֵל (H411)Demonstrative adjective modifying הֶעָרִיםאֵל (H411) 'these, those' (archaic demonstrative); with article = הָאֵל; pointing to those specific cities just named.
וְאֵ֖תand [obj]conj וְ + obj marker · אֵת (H853)Coordinated direct-object marker (second object)וְ + אֵת; another direct object follows — the plain itself is overthrown along with the cities.
כָּלall ofN m sg cstr · כֹּל (H3605)Universal quantifier (the whole plain)כֹּל (H3605) 'all'; the destruction is total — not just the cities but the entire plain.
הַכִּכָּ֑רthe plainart + N m/f sg abs · כִּכָּר (H3603)Genitive (what kind of total extent — the plain)כִּכָּר (H3603) 'plain, disk, round area'; the Jordan valley floor that was once like the garden of YHWH (Gen 13:10); now it is overthrown.
וְאֵת֙and [obj]conj וְ + obj marker · אֵת (H853)Coordinated direct-object marker (third object)וְ + אֵת; a third direct object continues the list of what was overthrown.
כָּלall ofN m sg cstr · כֹּל (H3605)Universal quantifierכֹּל (H3605) 'all'; the totality of the population.
יֹשְׁבֵ֣יinhabitants ofQal ptc m pl cstr · יָשַׁב (H3427)Participial construct (those dwelling in the cities)→ Participle: ongoing status — inhabitantsיָשַׁב (H3427) 'to sit, dwell'; Qal ptc m pl cstr = 'those dwelling in, the inhabitants of'; the entire population of the doomed cities.
הֶעָרִ֔יםthe citiesart + N f pl abs · עִיר (H5892)Genitive (construct chain — whose inhabitants)עִיר (H5892) 'city'; the same cities named in the earlier part of the verse.
וְצֶ֖מַחand the growth ofconj וְ + N m sg cstr · צֶמַח (H6780)Coordinated direct object (fourth object — vegetation)צֶמַח (H6780) 'sprout, growth, vegetation'; even plant life is destroyed; the total ecological devastation undoes the fertile garden of YHWH that Genesis 13:10 described.
הָאֲדָמָֽהthe groundart + N f sg abs · אֲדָמָה (H127)Genitive (construct chain — growth of the soil)אֲדָמָה (H127) 'ground, soil, earth'; the same term as in the curse of Gen 3; even the soil itself and its productivity is undone.
26

וַתַּבֵּ֥ט אִשְׁתּ֖וֹ מֵאַחֲרָ֑יו וַתְּהִ֖י נְצִ֥יב מֶֽלַח

And his wife looked back from behind him, and she became a pillar of salt.

Fatal backward glance: disobedience interrupts the escapeוַתַּבֵּ֥ט
Word-by-word analysis· 6 words
וַתַּבֵּ֥טbut she looked backHiphil wayyiqtol 3fs · נָבַט (H5027)Wayyiqtol (adversative — despite the command not to look)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative; adversative force against the commandנָבַט (H5027) 'to look, gaze'; Hiphil 'to look intently toward'; the verb the angel had explicitly forbidden (v.17); the fatal backward gaze.
אִשְׁתּ֖וֹhis wifeN f sg cstr + 3ms suffix · אִשָּׁה (H802)Subject of וַתַּבֵּטאִשָּׁה (H802) 'woman, wife'; + 3ms suffix = 'his wife'; unnamed throughout the narrative; her identity is entirely relational — Lot's wife.
מֵאַחֲרָ֑יוfrom behind himprep מִן + prep אַחַר + 3ms suffix · אַחַר (H310)Directional prepositional phrase (direction of the backward look)אַחַר (H310) 'behind, after'; מֵאַחֲרָיו = 'from behind him'; she was following Lot (he was ahead); she turned to look back toward Sodom.
וַתְּהִ֖יand she becameQal wayyiqtol 3fs · הָיָה (H1961)Wayyiqtol of narrative consequence (transformation)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative — instant consequenceהָיָה (H1961) 'to be, become'; she became — the transformation is instantaneous; the same verb used of her husband's hesitation being transformed to rescue (v.16).
נְצִ֥יבa pillar ofN m sg cstr · נְצִיב (H5333)Predicate nominative (what she became)נְצִיב (H5333) 'pillar, monument, post'; in construct = 'a pillar of'; she is petrified into a standing column; the text offers no explanation or moral commentary — just the stark fact.
מֶֽלַחsaltN m sg abs · מֶלַח (H4417)Genitive (construct chain — pillar of what substance)מֶלַח (H4417) 'salt'; the Dead Sea region is rich in salt formations; her disobedience is preserved as a warning monument. Jesus references her in Luke 17:32.
27

וַיַּשְׁכֵּ֥ם אַבְרָהָ֖ם בַּבֹּ֑קֶר אֶל הַ֨מָּק֔וֹם אֲשֶׁר עָ֥מַד שָׁ֖ם אֶת פְּנֵ֥י יְהוָֽה

And Abraham rose early in the morning to the place where he had stood there before Yahweh.

Return to witness: Abraham goes back to the place of intercessionוַיַּשְׁכֵּ֥ם
Word-by-word analysis· 11 words
וַיַּשְׁכֵּ֥םand he rose earlyHiphil wayyiqtol 3ms · שָׁכַם (H7925)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (Abraham's return action)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceשָׁכַם (H7925) 'to rise early'; Hiphil denominative from שְׁכֶם 'shoulder/back' → to load the back, to rise early; urgent early rising; Abraham rises at dawn to look.
אַבְרָהָ֖םAbrahamproper noun · אַבְרָהָם (H85)Subject (post-verbal explicit subject)אַבְרָהָם (H85) Abraham; the chapter returns to Abraham, who stood interceding in Gen 18; he now comes to witness the outcome of his intercession.
בַּבֹּ֑קֶרin the morningprep בְּ + art + N m sg abs · בֹּקֶר (H1242)Temporal prepositional phrase (time of rising)בֹּקֶר (H1242) 'morning'; the same morning the sun came up (v.23) and the destruction fell; Abraham rises the very morning after.
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Directional preposition (destination)אֶל (H413) 'to, toward'; Abraham returns to the very place where he interceded.
הַ֨מָּק֔וֹםthe placeart + N m sg abs · מָקוֹם (H4725)Object of preposition (the intercession site)מָקוֹם (H4725) 'place'; הַמָּקוֹם is the site of Abraham's standing before YHWH in ch.18; the same term used for doomed Sodom (v.13-14) — here it is the place of intercession.
אֲשֶׁרwhererelative pronoun · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative pronoun (introducing relative clause)אֲשֶׁר (H834) 'which, where'; introducing the location clause.
עָ֥מַדhe had stoodQal perf 3ms · עָמַד (H5975)Predicate of relative clause (past standing in intercession)→ Perfective: prior completed positionעָמַד (H5975) 'to stand'; Abraham's intercession (Gen 18:22) used the same verb — he stood before YHWH; he returns to where he had stood.
שָׁ֖םthereadverb · שָׁם (H8033)Locative adverb (reinforcing the location)שָׁם (H8033) 'there'; locative adverb; redundant with the relative clause but adds emphasis.
אֶתbeforeprep · אֵת (H854)Prepositional phrase (in the presence of YHWH)אֵת (H854) 'with, before'; here meaning 'before, in the face of' (as in v.13); the standing was before YHWH's face.
פְּנֵ֥יthe face ofN m pl cstr · פָּנִים (H6440)Construct chain (before the face of YHWH)פָּנִים (H6440) 'face, presence'; + אֵת = 'before the face of'; Abraham's intercession was before YHWH's face; now he returns to look out from there.
יְהוָֽהYahwehproper noun · יְהוָה (H3068)Genitive (construct chain — whose face)יְהוָה (H3068) Yahweh; the intercession and the witness are both before YHWH; Abraham's return to this spot closes the loop on the intercession of ch.18.
28

וַיַּשְׁקֵ֗ף עַל פְּנֵ֤י סְדֹם֙ וַעֲמֹרָ֔ה וְעַֽל כָּל פְּנֵ֖י אֶ֣רֶץ הַכִּכָּ֑ר וַיַּ֗רְא וְהִנֵּ֤ה עָלָה֙ קִיטֹ֣ר הָאָ֔רֶץ כְּקִיטֹ֖ר הַכִּבְשָֽׁן

And he looked down toward the face of Sodom and Gomorrah and toward all the face of the land of the plain, and he saw, and behold, the smoke of the land was going up like the smoke of a furnace.

Visible aftermath: Abraham sees the plain under judgmentוַיַּשְׁקֵ֗ף
Word-by-word analysis· 17 words
וַיַּשְׁקֵ֗ףand he looked outHiphil wayyiqtol 3ms · שָׁקַף (H8259)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (Abraham's act of looking)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceשָׁקַף (H8259) 'to look out, look down'; Hiphil 'to gaze out from above'; suggests looking from a height — Abraham on the high ground near Hebron looking down onto the plain.
עַלtowardprep · עַל (H5921)Directional preposition (object of the gaze)עַל (H5921) 'upon, over, toward'; used with שָׁקַף to indicate the direction of the downward gaze.
פְּנֵ֤יthe face ofN m pl cstr · פָּנִים (H6440)Construct chain (the surface/face of Sodom)פָּנִים (H6440) 'face, surface'; פְּנֵי סְדֹם = 'the face/surface of Sodom'; Abraham looks over the whole area.
סְדֹם֙Sodomproper noun · סְדֹם (H5467)Genitive (construct — the face of which city)סְדֹם (H5467) Sodom; the city whose smoke Abraham now sees.
וַעֲמֹרָ֔הand Gomorrahconj וְ + proper noun · עֲמֹרָה (H6017)Coordinated genitive (second city viewed)עֲמֹרָה (H6017) Gomorrah; paired with Sodom as always; Abraham sees both.
וְעַֽלand towardconj וְ + prep · עַל (H5921)Coordinated prepositional phrase (expanding what is seen)עַל (H5921) 'upon, toward'; extending the gaze to the whole plain beyond the cities.
כָּלall ofN m sg cstr · כֹּל (H3605)Universal quantifier (totality of the plain surface)כֹּל (H3605) 'all'; the entire visible expanse.
פְּנֵ֖יthe face ofN m pl cstr · פָּנִים (H6440)Construct chain (the surface)פָּנִים (H6440) 'face, surface'; used a second time; the two uses of פְּנֵי frame the extent of the view.
אֶ֣רֶץthe land ofN f sg cstr · אֶרֶץ (H776)Construct chain (whose land)אֶרֶץ (H776) 'land'; in construct with הַכִּכָּר = 'the land of the plain'.
הַכִּכָּ֑רthe plainart + N m/f sg abs · כִּכָּר (H3603)Genitive (construct chain — the plain)כִּכָּר (H3603) 'plain, round area'; the Jordan Valley plain; the once-fruitful garden region that appealed to Lot in Gen 13:10 — now smoke.
וַיַּ֗רְאand he sawQal wayyiqtol 3ms · רָאָה (H7200)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (what Abraham sees)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceרָאָה (H7200) 'to see'; what he sees is the horrifying aftermath; the seeing verb introduces the הִנֵּה of what he beholds.
וְהִנֵּ֤הand beholdconj וְ + demonstrative · הִנֵּה (H2009)Presentative particle (introducing what is seen — vivid eyewitness)הִנֵּה (H2009) 'behold'; וַיַּרְא וְהִנֵּה = 'he saw, and behold'; the standard formula for introducing something startling or dramatic in the narrative field of vision.
עָלָה֙was going upQal perf 3ms · עָלָה (H5927)Predicate verb (background scene — smoke rising)→ Perfective: completed ongoing state — the smoke has risen and continuesעָלָה (H5927) 'to go up, rise'; the smoke of the land is going up; the same verb used of the dawn (v.15) and the sun (v.23) — but now fire rises instead of light.
קִיטֹ֣רthe smoke ofN m sg cstr · קִיטוֹר (H7008)Subject of עָלָה (construct chain)קִיטוֹר (H7008) 'smoke, vapor'; a word for thick smoke; occurs only here and Gen 19:28; Ps 148:8; the word choice emphasizes the density and darkness of the rising smoke.
הָאָ֔רֶץthe landart + N f sg abs · אֶרֶץ (H776)Genitive (construct chain — smoke of the land)אֶרֶץ (H776) 'land, earth'; the smoke is the land's smoke — it is the land itself that seems to be on fire.
כְּקִיטֹ֖רlike the smoke ofprep כְּ + N m sg cstr · קִיטוֹר (H7008)Comparative prepositional phrase (simile)קִיטוֹר (H7008) 'smoke'; repeated in the comparison; the simile is: the land's smoke is like the smoke of the following thing.
הַכִּבְשָֽׁןa furnaceart + N m sg abs · כִּבְשָׁן (H3536)Genitive (construct chain — the type of furnace)כִּבְשָׁן (H3536) 'kiln, furnace, smelting furnace'; the kiln simile captures both the density of the smoke and the intensity of the heat; the same simile is used in Exod 19:18 of Sinai.
29

וַיְהִ֗י בְּשַׁחֵ֤ת אֱלֹהִים֙ אֶת עָרֵ֣י הַכִּכָּ֔ר וַיִּזְכֹּ֥ר אֱלֹהִ֖ים אֶת אַבְרָהָ֑ם וַיְשַׁלַּ֤ח אֶת לוֹט֙ מִתּ֣וֹךְ הַהֲפֵכָ֔ה בַּהֲפֹךְ֙ אֶת הֶ֣עָרִ֔ים אֲשֶׁר יָשַׁ֥ב בָּהֵ֖ן לֽוֹט

And it came to pass, when God destroyed the cities of the plain, that God remembered Abraham and sent Lot out from the midst of the overthrow, when he overthrew the cities in which Lot had lived.

Interpretive summary: Lot rescue is grounded in God remembrance of Abrahamוַיְהִ֗י
Word-by-word analysis· 22 words
וַיְהִ֗יand it came to passQal wayyiqtol 3ms · הָיָה (H1961)Wayyiqtol introducing temporal frame→ Wayyiqtol: temporal/narrative frame-setterהָיָה (H1961) 'to be'; וַיְהִי בְּ = 'and it came to pass when'; transitional narrative formula signaling a theological summary.
בְּשַׁחֵ֤תwhen destroyingprep בְּ + Piel inf cstr · שָׁחַת (H7843)Temporal infinitival phrase (when God destroyed)→ Infinitive: temporal — the time of the destructionשָׁחַת (H7843) 'to destroy'; Piel inf = 'in the destroying of'; the same root that opened the announcement in v.13. Now the narrator uses it in the temporal frame of the theological explanation.
אֱלֹהִים֙GodN m pl abs · אֱלֹהִים (H430)Subject of inf cstr (who was destroying)אֱלֹהִים (H430) 'God, Elohim'; significantly uses Elohim (not YHWH) for the cosmic judge; this v.29 uses Elohim throughout, framing the event in terms of divine governance.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853) nota accusativi marking the cities as the direct object of the destruction.
עָרֵ֣יthe cities ofN f pl cstr · עִיר (H5892)Direct object of inf cstr (what was destroyed)עִיר (H5892) 'city'; pl cstr = 'cities of'; the cities of the plain are the object of the divine destruction.
הַכִּכָּ֔רthe plainart + N m/f sg abs · כִּכָּר (H3603)Genitive (construct chain — the plain's cities)כִּכָּר (H3603) 'plain'; the Jordan valley plain; the whole plain-cities complex is destroyed.
וַיִּזְכֹּ֥רand God rememberedQal wayyiqtol 3ms · זָכַר (H2142)Wayyiqtol (main narrative clause — divine memory is the key)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative — the theological centerזָכַר (H2142) 'to remember, be mindful of'; the most theologically significant verb in the chapter; God's remembrance of Abraham is the reason for Lot's rescue; חסד, not Lot's merit, is the ground of salvation.
אֱלֹהִ֖יםGodN m pl abs · אֱלֹהִים (H430)Subject of וַיִּזְכֹּראֱלֹהִים (H430) God; repeated as subject; God's memory of Abraham is the hinge on which the rescue turns.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853) nota accusativi marking Abraham as the object of God's remembrance.
אַבְרָהָ֑םAbrahamproper noun · אַבְרָהָם (H85)Direct object of וַיִּזְכֹּר (whom God remembered)אַבְרָהָם (H85) Abraham; God's rescue of Lot is fundamentally an act on behalf of Abraham; Lot is saved because of the covenant relationship between God and Abraham.
וַיְשַׁלַּ֤חand he sent outPiel wayyiqtol 3ms · שָׁלַח (H7971)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (the act of rescue explained)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceשָׁלַח (H7971) 'to send'; Piel 'to send out, dispatch'; the same verb used in v.13 of the angels' mission; now used of God sending Lot out of the destruction.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853) nota accusativi marking Lot as the object of divine rescue.
לוֹט֙Lotproper noun · לוֹט (H3876)Direct object of וַיְשַׁלַּח (the rescued person)לוֹט (H3876) Lot; named explicitly as the one sent out; the rescue was of Lot specifically, and it was through God's memory of Abraham.
מִתּ֣וֹךְfrom the midst ofprep מִן + N m sg cstr · תָּוֶךְ (H8432)Source prepositional phrase (the place of rescue from)תָּוֶךְ (H8432) 'midst, middle'; מִתּוֹךְ = 'from the midst of'; Lot was inside the destruction zone and was extracted from it.
הַהֲפֵכָ֔הthe overthrowart + N f sg abs · הֲפֵכָה (H2018)Genitive (what he was extracted from — the overthrow)הֲפֵכָה (H2018) 'overthrow, overturning'; cognate noun from הָפַךְ (v.25); the act of overturning; used only here in the OT to describe the Sodom event; a technical term for the catastrophe.
בַּהֲפֹךְ֙when he overthrewprep בְּ + art + Qal inf cstr · הָפַךְ (H2015)Temporal infinitival phrase (when the overthrow occurred)→ Infinitive: temporal — at the time of overturningהָפַךְ (H2015) 'to overturn'; repeated a third time in this context; the cognate of the noun just used; the parallelism emphasizes: sent from the overthrow, at the time of overturning.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853) nota accusativi marking the cities as the object of the overturning.
הֶ֣עָרִ֔יםthe citiesart + N f pl abs · עִיר (H5892)Direct object of בַּהֲפֹךְעִיר (H5892) 'city'; the cities overthrown — same cities mentioned throughout the chapter.
אֲשֶׁרin whichrelative pronoun · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative pronoun (introducing the relative clause about Lot's dwelling)אֲשֶׁר (H834) 'which, where'; introducing the relative clause about where Lot lived.
יָשַׁ֥בhad livedQal perf 3ms · יָשַׁב (H3427)Predicate of relative clause (past habitation)→ Perfective: prior completed state of dwellingיָשַׁב (H3427) 'to sit, dwell, live'; Lot's prior habitation in those cities; his dwelling there began in Gen 13:12.
בָּהֵ֖ןin themprep בְּ + 3fp suffix · בָּהֵן (H2004)Prepositional complement of יָשַׁב (where he dwelt)הֵן (H2004) 'in them (fem pl)'; the feminine plural suffix agreeing with the fem noun עָרִים; Lot dwelt in those cities.
לֽוֹטLotproper noun · לוֹט (H3876)Post-verbal subject of יָשַׁב (delayed subject)לוֹט (H3876) Lot; the subject delayed to the very end; the sentence builds to Lot's name for closure: he had lived there, and from there God sent him out.
30

וַיַּעַל֩ ל֨וֹט מִצּ֜וֹעַר וַיֵּ֣שֶׁב בָּהָ֗ר וּשְׁתֵּ֤י בְנֹתָיו֙ עִמּ֔וֹ כִּ֥י יָרֵ֖א לָשֶׁ֣בֶת בְּצ֑וֹעַר וַיֵּ֨שֶׁב֙ בַּמְּעָרָ֔ה ה֖וּא וּשְׁתֵּ֥י בְנֹתָֽיו

And Lot went up from Zoar and lived in the hill country, and his two daughters with him, because he was afraid to live in Zoar; and he lived in the cave, he and his two daughters.

Aftermath of fear: refuge in Zoar gives way to cave isolationוַיַּעַל֩
Word-by-word analysis· 17 words
וַיַּעַל֩and he went upQal wayyiqtol 3ms · עָלָה (H5927)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (post-Zoar movement)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceעָלָה (H5927) 'to go up, ascend'; Lot goes up from the lowland city to the hill country; ironically leaving the refuge he begged for.
ל֨וֹטLotproper noun · לוֹט (H3876)Subject (post-verbal explicit subject)לוֹט (H3876) Lot; named as the explicit subject; his fear (v.30b) is the reason he cannot stay even in Zoar.
מִצּ֜וֹעַרfrom Zoarprep מִן + proper noun · צֹעַר (H6820)Source prepositional phrase (from where he went up)צֹעַר (H6820) Zoar; the city he begged to be spared for his refuge — but now he leaves it. The irony is complete.
וַיֵּ֣שֶׁבand he livedQal wayyiqtol 3ms · יָשַׁב (H3427)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (new dwelling)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceיָשַׁב (H3427) 'to sit, dwell'; Lot settles in a new place — the hill country.
בָּהָ֗רin the hill countryprep בְּ + art + N m sg abs · הַר (H2022)Locative prepositional phrase (new dwelling place)הַר (H2022) 'mountain, hill country'; the very place the angel commanded him to flee to (v.17) and which he refused; he ends up there anyway.
וּשְׁתֵּ֤יand twoconj וְ + numeral f dual cstr · שְׁנַיִם (H8147)Subject of secondary clause (his daughters with him)שְׁנַיִם (H8147) 'two'; his two daughters are named as cohabiting in the hill country with him.
בְנֹתָיו֙his daughtersN f pl cstr + 3ms suffix · בַּת (H1323)Construct-chain noun (the two daughters of Lot)בַּת (H1323) 'daughter'; + 3ms suffix = 'his daughters'; the two daughters rescued from Sodom, who will now act out of desperate isolation.
עִמּ֔וֹwith himprep + 3ms suffix · עִמּוֹ (H5973)Prepositional phrase (his daughters' location)עִמּוֹ (H5973) 'with him'; + 3ms suffix; they share Lot's isolation in the cave; the closeness will become morally problematic.
כִּ֥יforconjunction · כִּי (H3588)Causal conjunction (grounding the departure from Zoar)כִּי (H3588) 'for, because'; gives the reason Lot left Zoar.
יָרֵ֖אhe was afraidQal perf 3ms · יָרֵא (H3372)Predicate verb (causal clause — Lot's fear)→ Perfective: completed state of fearיָרֵא (H3372) 'to fear'; the stative perfect describes Lot's ongoing fear; the man who lingered in Sodom, who preferred Zoar, now fears even Zoar.
לָשֶׁ֣בֶתto liveprep לְ + Qal inf cstr · יָשַׁב (H3427)Complementary infinitive (what he feared — living in Zoar)→ Infinitive: complementary — the feared actionיָשַׁב (H3427) 'to dwell'; לָשֶׁבֶת = 'to dwell'; Lot's fear of remaining in Zoar is not explained; perhaps the surrounding destruction made him feel no city was safe.
בְּצ֑וֹעַרin Zoarprep בְּ + proper noun · צֹעַר (H6820)Locative prepositional phrase (the feared dwelling)צֹעַר (H6820) Zoar; the city he pleaded for becomes the city he fears; the narrative of ironic reversal is complete.
וַיֵּ֨שֶׁב֙so he livedQal wayyiqtol 3ms · יָשַׁב (H3427)Wayyiqtol of narrative consequence (the cave as final dwelling)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceיָשַׁב (H3427) 'to dwell'; the verb used twice in this verse; the second instance marks the cave as the final and inglorious dwelling.
בַּמְּעָרָ֔הin the caveprep בְּ + art + N f sg abs · מְעָרָה (H4631)Locative prepositional phrase (the dwelling location)מְעָרָה (H4631) 'cave'; Lot ends up in a cave — the lowest possible dwelling, not the city gate where he had sat (v.1). A dramatic descent.
ה֖וּאhepronoun 3ms · הוּא (H1931)Resumptive subject (the cave's inhabitants)הוּא (H1931) 'he'; resumptive pronoun listing who is in the cave — Lot himself first.
וּשְׁתֵּ֥יand twoconj וְ + numeral f dual cstr · שְׁנַיִם (H8147)Coordinated subject (Lot and his daughters in the cave)שְׁנַיִם (H8147) 'two'; the second members of the cave dwelling — the two daughters.
בְנֹתָֽיוhis daughtersN f pl cstr + 3ms suffix · בַּת (H1323)Genitive (construct chain — his daughters)בַּת (H1323) 'daughter'; + 3ms suffix; repeating the information of v.30a with a sense of claustrophobic finality — father and two daughters, alone in a cave.
31

וַתֹּ֧אמֶר הַבְּכִירָ֛ה אֶל הַצְּעִירָ֖ה אָבִ֣ינוּ זָקֵ֑ן וְאִ֨ישׁ אֵ֤ין בָּאָ֨רֶץ֙ לָב֣וֹא עָלֵ֔ינוּ כְּדֶ֖רֶךְ כָּל הָאָֽרֶץ

And the firstborn said to the younger, "Our father is old, and there is not a man in the land to come in to us according to the way of all the earth."

The daughters reason from isolation toward a desperate planוַתֹּ֧אמֶר
Word-by-word analysis· 14 words
וַתֹּ֧אמֶרand she saidQal wayyiqtol 3fs · אָמַר (H559)Wayyiqtol introducing direct speech (the eldest daughter's proposal)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceאָמַר (H559) 'to say'; the older daughter speaks to the younger; their dialogue, isolated in the cave, hatches the scheme.
הַבְּכִירָ֛הthe firstbornart + N f sg abs · בְּכִירָה (H1067)Subject (post-verbal explicit subject)בְּכִירָה (H1067) 'firstborn (female), older daughter'; with article = the firstborn daughter; she takes the initiative in the plan, as befits her role.
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Directional preposition (addressee of speech)אֶל (H413) 'to'; marking the younger as the addressee.
הַצְּעִירָ֖הthe youngerart + adj f sg abs · צְעִירָה (H6810)Object of preposition (the younger daughter addressed)צְעִירָה (H6810) 'young, younger'; with article = the younger daughter; she is always identified in relation to her sister — older/younger.
אָבִ֣ינוּour fatherN m sg cstr + 1cp suffix · אָב (H1)Subject of זָקֵן (fronted for emphasis)אָב (H1) 'father'; + 1cp suffix = 'our father'; the argument begins with their father's condition — old age without male heir.
זָקֵ֑ןis oldQal perf 3ms · זָקֵן (H2204)Predicate verb (our father is old)→ Perfective: completed stative — aged conditionזָקֵן (H2204) 'to be old'; a stative perfect describing Lot's age; the same word used of Abraham and Sarah's age in the childbearing context (Gen 18:13).
וְאִ֨ישׁand a manconj וְ + N m sg abs · אִישׁ (H376)Subject of negative existential (no man exists)אִישׁ (H376) 'man'; used as the subject of the negative existential אֵין; their argument: there is no man available to them in the land.
אֵ֤יןthere is nonenegative particle · אַיִן (H369)Negative existential predicateאַיִן (H369) 'there is not, nothing'; אֵין + subject = 'there is no man'; the devastating existential isolation of Lot's family.
בָּאָ֨רֶץ֙in the landprep בְּ + art + N f sg abs · אֶרֶץ (H776)Locative prepositional phrase (the scope of the emptiness)אֶרֶץ (H776) 'land'; they perceive the land as devoid of men — perhaps they genuinely believe the entire region is destroyed; their view of the catastrophe is total.
לָב֣וֹאto come in toprep לְ + Qal inf cstr · בּוֹא (H935)Purpose infinitive (what no man is available to do)→ Infinitive: purpose — the unavailable male functionבּוֹא (H935) 'to come, enter'; בּוֹא אֶל/עַל = 'to come in to' (a woman, as sexual consummation); a euphemism for intercourse; cf. Gen 6:4; 16:2; 29:23.
עָלֵ֔ינוּto usprep + 1cp suffix · עָלֵינוּ (H5921)Prepositional complement of לָבוֹא (to come in to us)עַל (H5921) 'upon'; + 1cp suffix = 'to us'; the sexual euphemism is explicit in the Hebrew.
כְּדֶ֖רֶךְaccording to the way ofprep כְּ + N m sg cstr · דֶּרֶךְ (H1870)Comparative prepositional phrase (the normal custom being invoked)דֶּרֶךְ (H1870) 'way, path, manner, custom'; כְּדֶרֶךְ כָּל הָאָרֶץ = 'after the manner of all the earth'; the daughters appeal to the universal custom of procreation and marriage.
כָּלall ofN m sg cstr · כֹּל (H3605)Universal quantifier (the whole earth's custom)כֹּל (H3605) 'all'; the normal course of life as practiced by everyone everywhere.
הָאָֽרֶץthe earthart + N f sg abs · אֶרֶץ (H776)Genitive (construct chain — the custom of the earth)אֶרֶץ (H776) 'land, earth'; the daughters see themselves as the only survivors needing to preserve the line; their logic parallels Noah's situation though their method is not divinely sanctioned.
32

לְכָ֨ה נַשְׁקֶ֧ה אֶת אָבִ֛ינוּ יַ֖יִן וְנִשְׁכְּבָ֣ה עִמּ֑וֹ וּנְחַיֶּ֥ה מֵאָבִ֖ינוּ זָֽרַע

Come, let us give our father wine to drink, and let us lie with him, that we may preserve offspring from our father.

Proposed scheme: intoxication is made the means of preserving seedלְכָ֨ה
Word-by-word analysis· 10 words
לְכָ֨הcomeQal impv 2ms (cohort) · הָלַךְ (H3212)Cohortative interjection (inviting the younger to act together)→ Volitional: urging joint actionהָלַךְ (H3212) 'to go, walk'; לְכָה = 'come!' an invitation form of the imperative; the older daughter invites the younger into the scheme.
נַשְׁקֶ֧הlet us give to drinkHiphil cohort 1cp · שָׁקָה (H8248)Cohortative verb (the proposed scheme — first step)→ Cohortative: volitional joint actionשָׁקָה (H8248) 'to give to drink, water'; Hiphil 'to cause to drink'; they plan to make their father drink until he loses awareness; the step-by-step plan is laid out.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853) nota accusativi marking their father as the direct object.
אָבִ֛ינוּour fatherN m sg cstr + 1cp suffix · אָב (H1)Direct object (the one given wine to drink)אָב (H1) 'father'; + 1cp suffix = 'our father'; the identity of the person is not hidden — it is their father they plan to intoxicate.
יַ֖יִןwineN m sg abs · יַיִן (H3196)Direct object of נַשְׁקֶה (what is given to drink)יַיִן (H3196) 'wine'; wine is the instrument of the scheme; the same problem as Noah's drunkenness (Gen 9:21); wine removes the conscious guardian against incest.
וְנִשְׁכְּבָ֣הand let us lieQal cohort 1cp · שָׁכַב (H7901)Cohortative verb (the second step of the scheme)→ Cohortative: volitional joint action — proposed sexual actשָׁכַב (H7901) 'to lie down'; used for sexual relations; the scheme: first intoxicate, then lie with him.
עִמּ֑וֹwith himprep + 3ms suffix · עִמּוֹ (H5973)Prepositional complement of וְנִשְׁכְּבָהעִמּוֹ (H5973) 'with him'; the sexual nature of the lying is unmistakable; 'to lie with' = to have intercourse with.
וּנְחַיֶּ֥הthat we may preservePiel cohort 1cp · חָיָה (H2421)Cohortative expressing purpose (the reason for the scheme)→ Cohortative: volitional purpose — perpetuating lifeחָיָה (H2421) 'to live'; Piel 'to cause to live, preserve alive'; the purpose of the scheme is not pleasure but survival of the family line; the same root as לְהַחֲיוֹת in v.19.
מֵאָבִ֖ינוּfrom our fatherprep מִן + N m sg cstr + 1cp suffix · אָב (H1)Source prepositional phrase (the origin of the seed)אָב (H1) 'father'; + 1cp suffix = 'our father'; the seed/offspring comes from their father; the grammar is stark.
זָֽרַעseedN m sg abs · זֶרַע (H2233)Direct object of וּנְחַיֶּה (what is to be preserved)זֶרַע (H2233) 'seed, offspring, descendants'; the same word used throughout Genesis for the covenantal promise; here it is sought through incest rather than divine provision.
33

וַתַּשְׁקֶ֧יןָ אֶת אֲבִיהֶ֛ן יַ֖יִן בַּלַּ֣יְלָה ה֑וּא וַתָּבֹ֤א הַבְּכִירָה֙ וַתִּשְׁכַּ֣ב אֶת אָבִ֔יהָ וְלֹֽא יָדַ֥ע בְּשִׁכְבָ֖הּ וּבְקׄוּמָֽהּ

And they gave their father wine to drink that night, and the firstborn came and lay with her father; and he did not know when she lay down or when she arose.

The scheme is enacted: the firstborn carries out the planוַתַּשְׁקֶ֧יןָ
Word-by-word analysis· 15 words
וַתַּשְׁקֶ֧יןָand they gave to drinkHiphil wayyiqtol 3fp · שָׁקָה (H8248)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (the scheme enacted)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceשָׁקָה (H8248) 'to give to drink'; Hiphil wayyiqtol 3fp (feminine plural); both daughters act together in the intoxication; the plan moves to execution.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853) nota accusativi.
אֲבִיהֶ֛ןtheir fatherN m sg cstr + 3fp suffix · אָב (H1)Direct object (the one intoxicated)אָב (H1) 'father'; + 3fp suffix = 'their father'; the suffix shifts to 3fp, matching the daughters as the actors.
יַ֖יִןwineN m sg abs · יַיִן (H3196)Direct object (the medium of intoxication)יַיִן (H3196) 'wine'; the wine is not explained — how did they have it in the cave? The narrative assumes availability without explaining logistics.
בַּלַּ֣יְלָהin the nightprep בְּ + art + N m sg abs · לַיְלָה (H3915)Temporal prepositional phrase (when it happened — that night)לַיְלָה (H3915) 'night'; the act is done under cover of night; the night motif contrasts with the dawn of the destruction (v.15).
ה֑וּאthat onepronoun 3ms · הוּא (H1931)Deictic pronoun (specifying which night — that very night)הוּא (H1931) 'that'; הַלַּיְלָה הוּא = 'that night'; the demonstrative points to the specific night of the plan's execution.
וַתָּבֹ֤אand she cameQal wayyiqtol 3fs · בּוֹא (H935)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (the act of approach)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceבּוֹא (H935) 'to come, enter'; the first daughter comes in to him.
הַבְּכִירָה֙the firstbornart + N f sg abs · בְּכִירָה (H1067)Subject (post-verbal explicit subject — the elder daughter)בְּכִירָה (H1067) 'firstborn daughter'; she goes first, consistent with her initiating the plan.
וַתִּשְׁכַּ֣בand she lay withQal wayyiqtol 3fs · שָׁכַב (H7901)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (the sexual act)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceשָׁכַב (H7901) 'to lie down'; used here for sexual intercourse; the narrator records the act with the same verb the daughters had used in their plan (v.32).
אֶתwithprep · אֵת (H854)Preposition (companion in the lying — her father)אֵת (H854) 'with'; here as prep 'with' (not the obj marker); שָׁכַב אֶת = 'to lie with' (sexual idiom).
אָבִ֔יהָher fatherN m sg cstr + 3fs suffix · אָב (H1)Complement of preposition (with whom she lay)אָב (H1) 'father'; + 3fs suffix = 'her father'; the identity is clear and unambiguous. The text does not soften it.
וְלֹֽאand he did notconj וְ + negative · לֹא (H3808)Negative clause (Lot's lack of awareness)לֹא (H3808) 'not'; + conjunction = 'and he did not'; the next clause describes what Lot did not know.
יָדַ֥עknowQal perf 3ms · יָדַע (H3045)Predicate verb (his ignorance)→ Perfective: completed state of not-knowingיָדַע (H3045) 'to know, be aware'; Lot does not know; the same root used for sexual knowledge (Gen 4:1) is here denied — he was unconscious of what happened.
בְּשִׁכְבָ֖הּwhen she lay downprep בְּ + Qal inf cstr + 3fs suffix · שָׁכַב (H7901)Temporal infinitival phrase (when she lay down)שָׁכַב (H7901) 'to lie down'; + 3fs suffix = 'her lying down'; בְּשִׁכְבָהּ = 'when she lay down'; Lot's unawareness spans both actions.
וּבְקׄוּמָֽהּand when she aroseconj וְ + prep בְּ + Qal inf cstr + 3fs suffix · קוּם (H6965)Coordinated temporal infinitival phrase (when she arose)קוּם (H6965) 'to rise, get up'; + 3fs suffix = 'her arising'; וּבְקוּמָהּ = 'and when she arose'; he did not know through the entire event — lying down and rising. The dagesh in the qoph is a special scribal mark (extraordinary point).
34

וַֽיְהִי֙ מִֽמָּחֳרָ֔ת וַתֹּ֤אמֶר הַבְּכִירָה֙ אֶל הַצְּעִירָ֔ה הֵן שָׁכַ֥בְתִּי אֶ֖מֶשׁ אֶת אָבִ֑י נַשְׁקֶ֨נּוּ יַ֜יִן גַּם הַלַּ֗יְלָה וּבֹ֨אִי֙ שִׁכְבִ֣י עִמּ֔וֹ וּנְחַיֶּ֥ה מֵאָבִ֖ינוּ זָֽרַע

And it came to pass on the next day that the firstborn said to the younger, "Behold, I lay last night with my father. Let us give him wine to drink also tonight, and go in, lie with him, that we may preserve offspring from our father."

The plan is repeated: the firstborn directs the second nightוַֽיְהִי֙
Word-by-word analysis· 21 words
וַֽיְהִי֙and it came to passQal wayyiqtol 3ms · הָיָה (H1961)Wayyiqtol introducing temporal circumstance→ Wayyiqtol: temporal/narrative frame-setterהָיָה (H1961) 'to be'; וַיְהִי מִמָּחֳרָת = 'and it came to pass on the morrow'; standard temporal transition formula.
מִֽמָּחֳרָ֔תon the next dayprep מִן + N f sg abs · מָחֳרָת (H4283)Temporal prepositional phrase (the following day)מָחֳרָת (H4283) 'the morrow, next day'; מִמָּחֳרָת = 'on the next day'; the plan is to be repeated the second night.
וַתֹּ֤אמֶרand she saidQal wayyiqtol 3fs · אָמַר (H559)Wayyiqtol introducing direct speech (second night planned)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceאָמַר (H559) 'to say'; the next day the older daughter speaks again to direct the second night's action.
הַבְּכִירָה֙the firstbornart + N f sg abs · בְּכִירָה (H1067)Subject (explicit post-verbal subject — older daughter)בְּכִירָה (H1067) 'firstborn daughter'; she speaks again, coordinating the plan.
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Directional preposition (addressee)אֶל (H413) 'to'; the younger is again the addressee.
הַצְּעִירָ֔הthe youngerart + adj f sg abs · צְעִירָה (H6810)Object of preposition (younger daughter addressed)צְעִירָה (H6810) 'younger'; with article; the same address as in v.31.
הֵןbeholddemonstrative particle · הֵן (H2005)Presentative particle (drawing attention to the announcement)הֵן (H2005) 'behold, look'; variant of הִנֵּה; an attention-drawing particle; the older daughter is about to report what she did.
שָׁכַ֥בְתִּיI layQal perf 1cs · שָׁכַב (H7901)Predicate verb (the older daughter's confession/report)→ Perfective: completed past actשָׁכַב (H7901) 'to lie down'; the older daughter reports the fact plainly; the same verb throughout the passage.
אֶ֖מֶשׁlast nightadverb · אֶמֶשׁ (H570)Temporal adverb (when the lying occurred)אֶמֶשׁ (H570) 'last night, yesterday evening'; the temporal specification confirms this was the previous night.
אֶתwithprep · אֵת (H854)Preposition (companion in the lying)אֵת (H854) 'with'; same sexual idiom as v.33.
אָבִ֑יmy fatherN m sg cstr + 1cs suffix · אָב (H1)Object of preposition (with whom she lay)אָב (H1) 'father'; + 1cs suffix = 'my father'; the report is stark.
נַשְׁקֶ֨נּוּlet us give him to drinkHiphil cohort 1cp + 3ms suffix · שָׁקָה (H8248)Cohortative (the plan for the second night)→ Cohortative: volitional joint action — second night planשָׁקָה (H8248) 'to give to drink'; Hiphil cohort 1cp + 3ms suffix = 'let us give him to drink'; the plan is repeated verbatim.
יַ֜יִןwineN m sg abs · יַיִן (H3196)Direct object of נַשְׁקֶנּוּ (what to give him)יַיִן (H3196) 'wine'; the same means.
גַּםalsoadverb · גַּם (H1571)Additive adverb (also this night)גַּם (H1571) 'also, even'; gam הַלַּיְלָה = 'also tonight'; extending the plan to a second night.
הַלַּ֗יְלָהtonightart + N m sg abs · לַיְלָה (H3915)Temporal noun (the time of the second execution)לַיְלָה (H3915) 'night'; הַלַּיְלָה = 'tonight'; the second night.
וּבֹ֨אִי֙and come inconj וְ + Qal impv 2fs · בּוֹא (H935)First imperative in the commands to the younger (go in)→ Volitional: urgent command to the younger sisterבּוֹא (H935) 'to come, enter'; Qal impv 2fs = 'go in!'; directed to the younger; the older tells her to enter, i.e., approach their father.
שִׁכְבִ֣יlie withQal impv 2fs · שָׁכַב (H7901)Second imperative (to lie with him)→ Volitional: directive commandשָׁכַב (H7901) 'to lie down'; Qal impv 2fs = 'lie with (him)!'; the older instructs the younger on what to do.
עִמּ֔וֹwith himprep + 3ms suffix · עִמּוֹ (H5973)Prepositional complement (the sexual partner)עִמּוֹ (H5973) 'with him'; the same idiom as before.
וּנְחַיֶּ֥הthat we may preservePiel cohort 1cp · חָיָה (H2421)Cohortative expressing purpose (the stated goal)→ Cohortative: volitional purpose — propagationחָיָה (H2421) 'to live'; Piel 'to keep alive'; same purpose statement as v.32; the plan is repeated to the younger with the same rationale.
מֵאָבִ֖ינוּfrom our fatherprep מִן + N m sg cstr + 1cp suffix · אָב (H1)Source prepositional phraseאָב (H1) 'father'; + 1cp suffix; the seed comes from their father.
זָֽרַעseedN m sg abs · זֶרַע (H2233)Direct object of וּנְחַיֶּהזֶרַע (H2233) 'seed, offspring'; identical to v.32; the repetition emphasizes the stated purpose.
35

וַתַּשְׁקֶ֜יןָ גַּ֣ם בַּלַּ֧יְלָה הַה֛וּא אֶת אֲבִיהֶ֖ן יָ֑יִן וַתָּ֤קָם הַצְּעִירָה֙ וַתִּשְׁכַּ֣ב עִמּ֔וֹ וְלֹֽא יָדַ֥ע בְּשִׁכְבָ֖הּ וּבְקֻמָֽהּ

And they gave their father wine to drink that night also, and the younger arose and lay with him; and he did not know when she lay down or when she arose.

Second enactment: the younger follows the same pathוַתַּשְׁקֶ֜יןָ
Word-by-word analysis· 15 words
וַתַּשְׁקֶ֜יןָand they gave to drinkHiphil wayyiqtol 3fp · שָׁקָה (H8248)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (second night enacted)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceשָׁקָה (H8248) 'to give to drink'; Hiphil 3fp wayyiqtol; parallel to v.33; the same act repeated.
גַּ֣םalsoadverb · גַּם (H1571)Additive adverb (also this night, parallel to v.33)גַּם (H1571) 'also'; the second act mirrors the first; the repetition is deliberate and stark.
בַּלַּ֧יְלָהin the nightprep בְּ + art + N m sg abs · לַיְלָה (H3915)Temporal prepositional phrase (the second night)לַיְלָה (H3915) 'night'; in contrast to בַּלַּיְלָה הוּא of v.33, this is the second night.
הַה֛וּאthat oneart + pronoun 3ms · הוּא (H1931)Deictic article + pronoun (that specific night)הוּא (H1931) 'that'; הַלַּיְלָה הַהוּא = 'that night'; distinguishing this night (second) from the first night of v.33.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853) nota accusativi.
אֲבִיהֶ֖ןtheir fatherN m sg cstr + 3fp suffix · אָב (H1)Direct object (who is given wine)אָב (H1) 'father'; + 3fp suffix = 'their father'; both daughters together intoxicate their father on the second night too.
יָ֑יִןwineN m sg abs · יַיִן (H3196)Direct object (the means — wine)יַיִן (H3196) 'wine'; repeated three times across vv.32-35; wine is the recurring instrument of the scheme.
וַתָּ֤קָםand she aroseQal wayyiqtol 3fs · קוּם (H6965)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (the younger's action)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceקוּם (H6965) 'to rise'; the younger daughter rises to act; this replaces the older daughter's approach in v.33.
הַצְּעִירָה֙the youngerart + adj f sg abs · צְעִירָה (H6810)Subject (post-verbal explicit subject)צְעִירָה (H6810) 'younger'; with article; now the younger daughter acts as the older did before.
וַתִּשְׁכַּ֣בand she layQal wayyiqtol 3fs · שָׁכַב (H7901)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (the sexual act)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceשָׁכַב (H7901) 'to lie'; same verb as the older daughter's act in v.33.
עִמּ֔וֹwith himprep + 3ms suffix · עִמּוֹ (H5973)Prepositional complement (the companion)עִמּוֹ (H5973) 'with him'; with their father.
וְלֹֽאand he did notconj וְ + negative · לֹא (H3808)Negative clause (Lot's continued unawareness)לֹא (H3808) 'not'; the same formula as v.33: Lot did not know.
יָדַ֥עknowQal perf 3ms · יָדַע (H3045)Predicate verb (Lot's ignorance — repeated)→ Perfective: completed state of not-knowingיָדַע (H3045) 'to know'; Lot's unawareness is total; the repetition of the ignorance formula both nights is important: Lot bears no moral culpability in the text's perspective.
בְּשִׁכְבָ֖הּwhen she lay downprep בְּ + Qal inf cstr + 3fs suffix · שָׁכַב (H7901)Temporal infinitival phrase (at her lying down)שָׁכַב (H7901) 'to lie'; + 3fs suffix = 'her lying down'; parallel to v.33.
וּבְקֻמָֽהּand when she aroseconj וְ + prep בְּ + Qal inf cstr + 3fs suffix · קוּם (H6965)Coordinated temporal infinitival phrase (at her arising)קוּם (H6965) 'to rise'; + 3fs suffix = 'her arising'; parallel to v.33's ending, with spelling variant (qamats vs. shureq).
36

וַֽתַּהֲרֶ֛יןָ שְׁתֵּ֥י בְנֽוֹת ל֖וֹט מֵאֲבִיהֶֽן

And the two daughters of Lot became pregnant by their father.

Outcome of the scheme: both daughters conceiveוַֽתַּהֲרֶ֛יןָ
Word-by-word analysis· 5 words
וַֽתַּהֲרֶ֛יןָand they became pregnantQal wayyiqtol 3fp · הָרָה (H2029)Wayyiqtol of narrative consequence (the outcome of the scheme)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advance — the culminating resultהָרָה (H2029) 'to conceive, become pregnant'; Qal 3fp wayyiqtol; both daughters conceived from their father; the biological outcome is stated plainly.
שְׁתֵּ֥יbothnumeral f dual cstr · שְׁנַיִם (H8147)Subject of וַתַּהֲרֶיןָ (both daughters conceived)שְׁנַיִם (H8147) 'two'; dual fem cstr = 'both of'; both daughters are explicit subjects.
בְנֽוֹתdaughters ofN f pl cstr · בַּת (H1323)Construct chain (daughters of Lot)בַּת (H1323) 'daughter'; pl cstr = 'daughters of'; Lot's daughters are the subject of the conception.
ל֖וֹטLotproper noun · לוֹט (H3876)Genitive (construct chain — whose daughters)לוֹט (H3876) Lot; the daughters of Lot are the subject; named as the father from whom the offspring comes.
מֵאֲבִיהֶֽןfrom their fatherprep מִן + N m sg cstr + 3fp suffix · אָב (H1)Source prepositional phrase (whose seed they conceived from)אָב (H1) 'father'; + 3fp suffix = 'their father'; the source of the pregnancy is explicit: their own father. The text records without editorial comment.
37

וַתֵּ֤לֶד הַבְּכִירָה֙ בֵּ֔ן וַתִּקְרָ֥א שְׁמ֖וֹ מוֹאָ֑ב ה֥וּא אֲבִֽי מוֹאָ֖ב עַד הַיּֽוֹם

And the firstborn bore a son and called his name Moab; he is the father of Moab to this day.

Etiological naming: the line of Moab is traced to the firstborn sonוַתֵּ֤לֶד
Word-by-word analysis· 11 words
וַתֵּ֤לֶדand she boreQal wayyiqtol 3fs · יָלַד (H3205)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (birth of the firstborn's son)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceיָלַד (H3205) 'to bear, give birth'; 3fs = the older daughter bears; the standard birth formula begins the etiological conclusion.
הַבְּכִירָה֙the firstbornart + N f sg abs · בְּכִירָה (H1067)Subject (post-verbal explicit subject)בְּכִירָה (H1067) 'firstborn daughter'; the older daughter is the first to give birth; named as the actor.
בֵּ֔ןa sonN m sg abs · בֵּן (H1121)Direct object of וַתֵּלֶד (what was born)בֵּן (H1121) 'son'; the birth of a son is the culmination of the plan to preserve seed.
וַתִּקְרָ֥אand she namedQal wayyiqtol 3fs · קָרָא (H7121)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (the naming act)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceקָרָא (H7121) 'to call, name'; the naming act establishes the etiological significance; the name encodes the origin.
שְׁמ֖וֹhis nameN m sg cstr + 3ms suffix · שֵׁם (H8034)Direct object of וַתִּקְרָא (what she named)שֵׁם (H8034) 'name'; + 3ms suffix = 'his name'; the standard naming formula: 'she called his name X'.
מוֹאָ֑בMoabproper noun · מוֹאָב (H4124)Predicate nominative (the name given — Moab)מוֹאָב (H4124) Moab; the folk etymology is probably מֵאָב = 'from (my) father'; the name encodes the origin; Moab becomes Israel's eastern neighbor, related by this account.
ה֥וּאhepronoun 3ms · הוּא (H1931)Subject of etiological identification clauseהוּא (H1931) 'he'; the pronoun begins the etiological formula 'he is the father of Moab'.
אֲבִֽיfather ofN m sg cstr · אָב (H1)Predicate nominative (his role — father of Moab)אָב (H1) 'father'; in construct = 'father of'; the etiological claim: this son is the ancestor of Moab.
מוֹאָ֖בMoabproper noun · מוֹאָב (H4124)Genitive (construct — father of whom)מוֹאָב (H4124) Moab; the nation; Moab is connected throughout the OT with Israel's story — Ruth is a Moabitess, and the Moabites are connected to this passage.
עַדuntilprep · עַד (H5704)Temporal preposition (the extent of the claim — to this day)עַד (H5704) 'until, as far as'; עַד הַיּוֹם = 'until today'; the etiological formula looks from the past to the narrator's present.
הַיּֽוֹםthis dayart + N m sg abs · יוֹם (H3117)Temporal noun (the ongoing reference point of the etiology)יוֹם (H3117) 'day'; הַיּוֹם = 'this day, today'; עַד הַיּוֹם = 'until this day'; the formula anchors the etiology in the narrator's own time.
38

וְהַצְּעִירָ֤ה גַם הִוא֙ יָ֣לְדָה בֵּ֔ן וַתִּקְרָ֥א שְׁמ֖וֹ בֶּן עַמִּ֑י ה֛וּא אֲבִ֥י בְנֵֽי עַמּ֖וֹן עַד הַיּֽוֹם

And the younger, she also bore a son and called his name Ben-ammi; he is the father of the sons of Ammon to this day.

Second etiological naming: the younger daughter line leads to Ammonוְהַצְּעִירָ֤ה
Word-by-word analysis· 15 words
וְהַצְּעִירָ֤הand the youngerconj וְ + art + adj f sg abs · צְעִירָה (H6810)Subject (fronted subject — the younger daughter)צְעִירָה (H6810) 'younger'; with conjunction and article = 'and the younger also'; the second etiological birth account is parallel to the first.
גַםalsoadverb · גַּם (H1571)Additive adverb (she also bore)גַּם (H1571) 'also, even'; the gam signals the second parallel: the younger also bore a son.
הִוא֙shepronoun 3fs · הִוא (H1931)Subject pronoun (emphatic — she herself also)הִוא (H1931) 'she'; variant spelling of הִיא; emphatic resumption of the younger daughter as subject; גַּם הִוא = 'she also'.
יָ֣לְדָהboreQal perf 3fs · יָלַד (H3205)Predicate verb (the birth act)→ Perfective: completed birth eventיָלַד (H3205) 'to bear'; 3fs perf = she bore; parallel to וַתֵּלֶד in v.37 but using the perfect, not wayyiqtol; slightly background compared to v.37's foregrounded action.
בֵּ֔ןa sonN m sg abs · בֵּן (H1121)Direct object (what was born)בֵּן (H1121) 'son'; again a son; the two sons will become the progenitors of Moab and Ammon.
וַתִּקְרָ֥אand she namedQal wayyiqtol 3fs · קָרָא (H7121)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (naming act)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceקָרָא (H7121) 'to call, name'; parallel naming act to v.37.
שְׁמ֖וֹhis nameN m sg cstr + 3ms suffix · שֵׁם (H8034)Direct object of וַתִּקְרָאשֵׁם (H8034) 'name'; + 3ms suffix; 'she called his name'.
בֶּןBenproper noun · בֶּן עַמִּי (H1151)First element of the compound proper nounבֶּן (H1121) 'son'; part of the proper noun בֶּן עַמִּי = 'son of my people/kinsman'; a name that encodes the origin — son of my own kin.
עַמִּ֑יAmmiproper noun · בֶּן עַמִּי (H1151)Second element of the compound proper noun (Ben-Ammi)עַמִּי (H5971) 'my people, my kin'; the name עַמִּי = 'my kinsman/people'; בֶּן עַמִּי = 'son of my kin'; the name transparently encodes the incestuous origin.
ה֛וּאhepronoun 3ms · הוּא (H1931)Subject of second etiological clauseהוּא (H1931) 'he'; begins the etiological identification parallel to v.37.
אֲבִ֥יfather ofN m sg cstr · אָב (H1)Predicate nominative (his ancestral role)אָב (H1) 'father'; in construct = 'father of'; he is the father of the Ammonites.
בְנֵֽיthe sons ofN m pl cstr · בֵּן (H1121)Construct chain (the sons of Ammon)בֵּן (H1121) 'son'; pl cstr = 'sons of'; the Ammonites are literally 'sons of Ammon'.
עַמּ֖וֹןAmmonproper noun · עַמּוֹן (H5983)Genitive (construct chain — sons of Ammon)עַמּוֹן (H5983) Ammon; the national name; the Ammonites appear throughout Israelite history (Judg 10-11; 1 Sam 11; 2 Sam 10; Neh 2:10); they are traced to this cave-born origin.
עַדuntilprep · עַד (H5704)Temporal preposition (the extent of the claim)עַד (H5704) 'until'; עַד הַיּוֹם = 'until this day'; the identical closing formula to v.37; symmetrical closure of the chapter.
הַיּֽוֹםthis dayart + N m sg abs · יוֹם (H3117)Temporal noun (the narrator's present as endpoint)יוֹם (H3117) 'day'; הַיּוֹם = 'today, this day'; the chapter closes with the identical formula as v.37, framing the two etiological births as a matched pair. The chapter that began with angels at Sodom's gate ends with two cave-born peoples whose existence testifies both to divine rescue and human disorder.