Genesis 19:36 - Thus both of Lot’s daughters were with child by their father.

Generated Verse: Genesis 19:36

What does "Genesis 19:36" mean?


Genesis 19:36, "Thus both of Lot’s daughters were with child by their father," means that Lot's daughters became pregnant by their father, Lot. This occurred after the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah.

Here's a breakdown of the context and interpretation:

The story: Lot and his daughters escaped Sodom before its destruction. They ended up living in a cave. The daughters, believing that there were no other men left to procreate with, conspired to get their father drunk and have sexual relations with him in order to preserve their family line. They each took turns doing this on consecutive nights.

Meaning: The verse states the direct result of the daughters' actions: both of them became pregnant by their father.

Interpretations and Controversies:
Moral implications: The story is deeply disturbing and raises many moral questions. The incestuous act is generally seen as wrong and is forbidden in many religious and legal systems.
Motivations: The daughters' actions are often interpreted as driven by a desperate desire to continue their family line in what they believed was a world without other possibilities. Some commentaries suggest they were influenced by the moral corruption they witnessed in Sodom.
Narrative purpose: Some scholars believe the story serves as an etiology, explaining the origins of the Moabite and Ammonite nations, who were often enemies of Israel. The sons born from these unions were Moab and Ben-Ammi, the ancestors of the Moabites and Ammonites, respectively (Genesis 19:37-38). This could be viewed as a disparaging narrative, portraying these nations as having questionable origins.

In summary, Genesis 19:36 is a straightforward statement of fact within the context of a highly controversial and morally complex story. It signifies the incestuous pregnancies of Lot's daughters, born from their actions with their father. This verse is crucial for understanding the narrative's implications about morality, survival, and the origins of the Moabite and Ammonite nations.

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