Genesis 19:5
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)
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
The men of Sodom don't just ask "where" the visitors are; they demand Lot "bring them out" so they can "know them." This isn't a simple request for identification, but a brutal and explicit demand for sexual violation, exposing the depravity that had become the city's norm.
Angels have appeared to Lot as men and accepted his hospitality. As the men of Sodom discover the strangers' presence, a furious mob surrounds Lot's house, demanding that he hand them over. This act is a direct eruption of the city's deeply ingrained wickedness, showing their intent to commit a grave sexual sin against Lot's guests.
The men of Sodom's demand is shocking in its directness. What does this reveal about their society?
The crowd's demand, 'Bring them out to us, that we may know them,' leaves no room for doubt about their intentions. This isn't a polite inquiry; it's a violent, sexual demand that exposes the deep-seated depravity of Sodom.
A Society Beyond Shame
Faced with a violent mob, Lot steps out. What does his action reveal about his character, and what does it cost him?
In the face of overwhelming evil, Lot chooses to step out of his house and confront the mob. This act, though flawed in its ultimate outcome, demonstrates a remarkable courage rooted in his commitment to hospitality and a desire to protect his guests.
The Protector's Dilemma
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 occurs at a critical moment illustrating the utter depravity of Sodom, a city whose sin was so great it provoked divine judgment. The men's demand reveals a profound moral corruption that stood in stark contrast to the hospitality and righteousness God requires.
c. 2000 BC - 1900 BC
Abraham Sojourns in Canaan
Abraham, the patriarch of Israel, was called by God to live in the land of Canaan, settling near the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah.
c. 1900 BC
Lot Settles in Sodom
Lot, Abraham's nephew, chose to settle in the fertile region of the Jordan plain, specifically in the wicked city of Sodom, despite its notorious wickedness.
c. 1900 BC— this verse
Angels Visit Lot in Sodom
Two angels, appearing as men, arrive in Sodom in the evening. Lot, showing hospitality, invites them to his home for the night.
c. 1900 BC
Men of Sodom Demand the Visitors
The men of Sodom surround Lot's house, demanding that he bring out the visitors so they can 'know' them, revealing their homosexual intentions.
This passage describes a strikingly similar situation where a mob demands access to a male guest for sexual purposes, highlighting the depraved nature of the men of that region.
Romans 1:26-27Paul uses the sin of Sodom as a prime example of humanity's unnatural desires and the resulting 'recompense of error' when people turn away from God.
Jude 1:7This verse explicitly mentions Sodom and Gomorrah as examples of eternal fire, serving as a warning against sexual immorality and 'unnatural desire.'
Ezekiel 16:49-50Ezekiel describes the sins of Sodom as pride, overeating, complacency, and a lack of help for the poor and needy, in addition to their abominable practices, showing a broader societal corruption.
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…
The men of Sodom don't just ask "where" the visitors are; they demand Lot "bring them out" so they can "know them." This isn't a simple request for identification, but a brutal and explicit demand for sexual violation, exposing the depravity that had become the city's norm.
Angels have appeared to Lot as men and accepted his hospitality. As the men of Sodom discover the strangers' presence, a furious mob surrounds Lot's house, demanding that he hand them over. This act is a direct eruption of the city's deeply ingrained wickedness, showing their intent to commit a grave sexual sin against Lot's guests.
Angels have appeared to Lot as men and accepted his hospitality. As the men of Sodom discover the strangers' presence, a furious mob surrounds Lot's house, demanding that he hand them over. This act is a direct eruption of the city's deeply ingrained wickedness, showing their intent to commit a grave sexual sin against Lot's guests.
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Ask a follow-up
Ask Sola things like:
Live chat about Genesis 19:5 is available in the Sola app.
c. 1900 BC
Destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah
God rains fire and brimstone on Sodom and Gomorrah, destroying them and the surrounding cities due to their extreme wickedness.
"And they called to Lot, “Where are the men who came to you tonight? Bring them out to us, that we may know them.”" — The men of Sodom don't just ask "where" the visitors are; they demand Lot "bring them out" so they can "know them." This isn't a simple request for identification, but a brutal and explicit demand fo…
