Genesis 19:5 - They called to Lot, and said to him, “Where are the men who came in to you this night? Bring them out to us, that we may have sex with them.”

Generated Verse: Genesis 19:5

What does "Genesis 19:5" mean?


This verse from Genesis 19:5 describes a mob of men from Sodom demanding that Lot bring out the two male visitors who were staying with him so that they could rape them.

Here's a breakdown of the meaning:

"They called to Lot...": This indicates a large group of men, the inhabitants of Sodom, surrounded Lot's house.
"Where are the men who came in to you this night?": They are referring to the two angels who had arrived in Sodom in human form and had been taken in by Lot as guests.
"Bring them out to us...": The men were demanding that Lot hand over his guests.
"...that we may have sex with them.": This is the crux of the verse. The Hebrew word used here implies a forceful and violent sexual act, akin to rape. The men of Sodom intended to gang-rape Lot's guests.

Significance:

Homosexuality: This verse is often cited in discussions about homosexuality. However, many scholars argue that the sin of Sodom was not simply homosexuality, but rather a violent and inhospitable attitude towards strangers. The story highlights a lack of basic decency, respect, and hospitality.
Violation of Hospitality: In ancient Near Eastern culture, hospitality was a sacred duty. Lot's willingness to protect his guests, even at great personal risk (as revealed in later verses), underscores the importance of this cultural value. The men of Sodom were not only violating this duty but doing so in a particularly brutal way.
Depravity: The verse illustrates the extent of the moral decay within Sodom. The men's desire for violent sexual assault shows a complete disregard for human dignity and a profound level of depravity.
Context of the Story: This verse is part of the larger narrative of God's judgment on Sodom and Gomorrah. The men's actions serve as evidence of the cities' wickedness, which ultimately leads to their destruction.

Interpretations and Controversies:

The interpretation of this verse is a subject of ongoing debate, particularly in relation to homosexuality. Some argue that the verse condemns all homosexual acts, while others maintain that it condemns only violent, non-consensual acts. It's important to consider the historical, cultural, and literary context of the passage when interpreting its meaning.

In summary, Genesis 19:5 depicts a scene of extreme hostility and intended sexual violence, highlighting the moral corruption of Sodom and the violation of sacred cultural norms of hospitality.