And they called to Lot, “Where are the men who came to you tonight? Bring them out to us, that we may know them.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
What's striking here is the subtle implication behind "that we may know them." While commentators rightly point to the clear, horrific meaning of sexual violation, the phrasing also carries a chilling undertone of asserting dominance and claiming ownership. They aren't just demanding the guests; they're demanding to know them, as if to erase their distinct identities and subject them to their own depraved will.
And they called to Lot, “Where are the men who came to you tonight? Bring them out to us, that we may know them.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
Angels have just arrived in Sodom, appearing as men, and Lot, despite living among this deeply corrupt city, has welcomed them into his home. Before the night is over, the men of Sodom surround Lot's house, demanding that he hand over his guests so they can "know" them, revealing the city's pervasive, violent depravity. The angels, however, intervene, protecting Lot and revealing their divine mission to destroy the wicked city.
The men of Sodom's request seems almost like a casual inquiry, but the depth of their depravity is shocking. What does this tell us about the true nature of sin?
The city of Sodom was infamous for its wickedness, a sin so profound that the word 'sodomy' still describes it today. Genesis 19:5 doesn't just describe a single event; it reveals a culture so corrupted that their desires were perverted and their actions horrific.
A Society Lost to Shame
Lot bravely stepped out to protect his guests, even offering his own daughters. What does this reveal about hospitality, courage, and the desperate measures sin can drive people to?
In the face of the mob's depraved demands, Lot's actions highlight a stark contrast between righteousness and the unbridled sin of Sodom.
A Host's Courage and Desperation
Ask a follow-up
Understand the original words
yada' · Hebrew Verb
A Hebrew euphemism often used to describe sexual intercourse, sometimes referring to legitimate marriage, but in certain contexts, denoting perversion or violation.
This verse plunges us into the heart of Sodom's depravity. The men's demand isn't just for information; it's a brazen demand for sexual violence, reflecting a society utterly given over to sin, a sin so profound that it cries out for divine judgment.
~2000 BC
Abraham called to leave Ur
God calls Abraham from his homeland to a new land, initiating a lineage that will eventually include Lot. This event sets the stage for the patriarchs' movements and God's unfolding plan.
c. 1900-1800 BC
Sodom and Gomorrah flourish
Sodom and Gomorrah were prosperous cities in the fertile Jordan plain, known for their wealth and possibly advanced civilization, but also notorious for their wickedness.
c. 1878 BC
Abraham and Lot separate
Abraham and his nephew Lot agree to separate their vast households due to disputes among their herdsmen. Lot chooses the well-watered plain of the Jordan, moving his family to the vicinity of Sodom.
c. 1878 BC
Angels visit Abraham
Three visitors, understood to be divine messengers (one being the Lord himself), appear to Abraham. They confirm God's plan to judge Sodom and Gomorrah.
c. 1878 BC— this verse
Men of Sodom surround Lot's house
The men of Sodom surround Lot's house demanding that he bring out the male visitors (angels in disguise) for them to sexually assault, revealing the city's extreme depravity.
c. 1878 BC
Destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah
God rains fire and brimstone upon Sodom and Gomorrah, destroying them and all the inhabitants of the plain. Lot and his two daughters are rescued by the angels.
This passage describes a similar situation where a mob demands access to a male guest for sexual purposes, highlighting the widespread nature of such depravity and the grave danger faced by those who offered hospitality.
Romans 1:26-27Paul directly references the sin of Sodom, explaining the spiritual and moral decay that leads to such unnatural desires and actions, providing a theological understanding of the 'knowing' the men demanded.
Leviticus 18:22This verse explicitly condemns the act the men of Sodom desired, showing God's clear prohibition of such behavior and framing it as an 'abomination,' underscoring the divine judgment that would follow.
Jude 1:7This New Testament passage explicitly links Sodom and Gomorrah to sexual immorality and 'unnatural desire,' serving as a stark warning and a reminder of the consequences of such extreme wickedness.
clarkeGenesis 19:5: "And they called unto Lot, and said unto him, Where are the men which came in to thee this night? bring them out unto us, that we may know them."
Where are the men which came in to thee, etc. - This account justifies the character given of this depraved people in the preceding chapter, Genesis 18:20 , and in Genesis 23:13 . As their crime was the deepest disgrace to human nature, so it is too bad to be described; in the sacred text it is sufficiently marked; and the iniquity which…
calvinGenesis 19:1-38: "And there came two angels to Sodom at even; and Lot sat in the gate of Sodom: and Lot seeing them rose up to meet them; and he bowed himself with his face toward the ground;"
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.
Et dixit, Ecce, nunc domini mei, declinate obsecro ad domum ser…
What's striking here is the subtle implication behind "that we may know them." While commentators rightly point to the clear, horrific meaning of sexual violation, the phrasing also carries a chilling undertone of asserting dominance and claiming ownership. They aren't just demanding the guests; they're demanding to know them, as if to erase their distinct identities and subject them to their own depraved will.
Angels have just arrived in Sodom, appearing as men, and Lot, despite living among this deeply corrupt city, has welcomed them into his home. Before the night is over, the men of Sodom surround Lot's house, demanding that he hand over his guests so they can "know" them, revealing the city's pervasive, violent depravity. The angels, however, intervene, protecting Lot and revealing their divine mission to destroy the wicked city.
Angels have just arrived in Sodom, appearing as men, and Lot, despite living among this deeply corrupt city, has welcomed them into his home. Before the night is over, the men of Sodom surround Lot's house, demanding that he hand over his guests so they can "know" them, revealing the city's pervasive, violent depravity. The angels, however, intervene, protecting Lot and revealing their divine mission to destroy the wicked city.
"And they called to Lot, “Where are the men who came to you tonight? Bring them out to us, that we may know them.”" — What's striking here is the subtle implication behind "that we may know them." While commentators rightly point to the clear, horrific meaning of sexual violation, the phrasing also carries a chillin…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Last reviewed October 2026