and said, “My lords, please turn aside to your servant’s house and spend the night and wash your feet. Then you may rise up early and go on your way.” They said, “No; we will spend the night in the town square.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
The angels’ polite refusal isn't just modesty; it's a subtle test of Lot’s genuine hospitality and a way to reveal the true danger of Sodom. By insisting on sleeping outside, they force Lot to press them, exposing his character and hinting that safety found elsewhere in the world is impossible here.
and said, “My lords, please turn aside to your servant’s house and spend the night and wash your feet. Then you may rise up early and go on your way.” They said, “No; we will spend the night in the town square.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
Lot, seeing two strangers arrive in Sodom, extends the ancient and honorable offer of hospitality, inviting them to his home to rest and refresh themselves. The visitors, however, initially decline, preferring to stay in the public square, a refusal that subtly reveals their awareness of the city's depravity and serves as a test of Lot's true intentions before the impending divine judgment.
Lot's urgent invitation was more than just politeness. It was a crucial test, not only for the visitors but for Sodom itself.
Beyond Mere Manners
Lot’s offer to the two visitors—to come into his house, wash their feet, and stay the night—was the height of ancient hospitality. In a world without hotels, opening one’s home to strangers was a profound act of generosity and trust.
But in Genesis 19, this wasn't just about politeness. The angels, appearing as men, were intentionally testing the heart of Sodom. Their initial refusal to stay at Lot's house, preferring the 'broad place' (what we might call the town square), was a strategic move. It allowed the true nature of the city to reveal itself.
Lot's insistence showed his character. He was willing to risk his own comfort and safety to protect his guests, demonstrating a stark contrast to the city's impending depravity.
Why did the angels refuse Lot's offer at first? It wasn't a rejection of his kindness, but a divine strategy to expose the city's evil.
A Calculated Refusal
The angels' initial 'Nay; but we will abide in the street' might seem strange. Were they being rude? Not at all. Their refusal served a crucial purpose:
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c. 2000 BC
Abraham called from Ur
God calls Abraham from his homeland, initiating a covenant relationship and promising descendants and land. This sets the stage for the family's future movements and God's dealings with various peoples.
c. 1850 BC
Abraham and Lot settle in Canaan
Abraham and his nephew Lot settle in the land of Canaan, establishing themselves in the region, though their descendants will later interact with various nations.
c. 1850 BC
Lot settles near Sodom
Lot chooses to live in the vicinity of Sodom, a city known for its wickedness, separating himself geographically and morally from Abraham.
c. 1850 BC
Divine judgment on Sodom determined
God reveals to Abraham that the outcry against Sodom and Gomorrah has become great, and He determines to investigate and, if necessary, judge these cities.
c. 1850 BC— this verse
Angels visit Lot in Sodom
Two angels arrive in Sodom in the evening, and Lot, sitting at the city gate, shows them great hospitality by inviting them to his home to rest and wash their feet.
This passage directly alludes to Abraham and Lot entertaining strangers, suggesting these angels were received hospitably, just as Abraham and Lot did, who were receiving God's messengers without knowing it.
Luke 24:28-29Jesus, like the angels here, initially made as if He would go further, but yielded to the pressing invitation of His disciples, showing a similar pattern of responding to earnest hospitality.
Judges 19:15This verse describes travelers seeking lodging and ending up in the 'broad place' or 'street' of a city, highlighting the common practice and the need for hospitality, much like Lot offered.
Romans 12:13This verse encourages believers to 'practice hospitality,' directly reflecting Lot's selfless and urgent offer to these visitors, even in a dangerous city.
1 Peter 4:9Peter exhorts believers to 'show hospitality to one another without grumbling,' which perfectly encapsulates Lot's generous and persistent invitation, contrasting sharply with the city's wickedness.
gillGenesis 19:2: "And he said, Behold now, my lords, turn in, I pray you, into your servant's house, and tarry all night, and wash your feet, and ye shall rise up early, and go on your ways. And they said, Nay; but we will abide in the street all night."
And he said, behold now, my lords,.... Taking them to be, and bespeaking them as persons of quality, who appeared with majesty in their countenances, and looked as if they had been well brought up, and were upon their travels; not knowing them to…
pooleGenesis 19:2: "And he said, Behold now, my lords, turn in, I pray you, into your servant's house, and tarry all night, and wash your feet, and ye shall rise up early, and go on your ways. And they said, Nay; but we will abide in the street all night."
Go on your ways, and so this will be no hinderance to your occasions. We will abide in the street all night: this was no untruth, but really intended by them in the present state of things, and upon supposition that Lot should press them no furthe…
The angels’ polite refusal isn't just modesty; it's a subtle test of Lot’s genuine hospitality and a way to reveal the true danger of Sodom. By insisting on sleeping outside, they force Lot to press them, exposing his character and hinting that safety found elsewhere in the world is impossible here.
Lot, seeing two strangers arrive in Sodom, extends the ancient and honorable offer of hospitality, inviting them to his home to rest and refresh themselves. The visitors, however, initially decline, preferring to stay in the public square, a refusal that subtly reveals their awareness of the city's depravity and serves as a test of Lot's true intentions before the impending divine judgment.
Lot, seeing two strangers arrive in Sodom, extends the ancient and honorable offer of hospitality, inviting them to his home to rest and refresh themselves. The visitors, however, initially decline, preferring to stay in the public square, a refusal that subtly reveals their awareness of the city's depravity and serves as a test of Lot's true intentions before the impending divine judgment.
"and said, “My lords, please turn aside to your servant’s house and spend the night and wash your feet. Then you may rise up early and go on your way.” They said, “No; we will spend the night in the town square.”" — The angels’ polite refusal isn't just modesty; it's a subtle test of Lot’s genuine hospitality and a way to reveal the true danger of Sodom. By insisting on sleeping outside, they force Lot to press…
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Last reviewed October 2026