Verse: Genesis 19:5
Theme: The Depth of Human Depravity and the Urgency of Divine Judgment
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
— Genesis 19:5, King James Version (KJV)
And they called to Lot and said to him Where are the men who came to you tonight Bring them out to us so that we may have relations with them
— Genesis 19:5, New American Standard Bible (NASB)
They yelled to Lot Where are the men who are staying with you Bring them out so we can have our way with them
— Genesis 19:5, The Message (MSG)
Meaning of Genesis 19:5
Genesis 19:5 is a disturbing verse that reveals the moral collapse of Sodom. It captures a moment when the men of the city surround Lot’s house and demand access to his guests for the purpose of sexual violence. Their demand, framed as a desire to “know them,” is a biblical euphemism for abusive sexual behavior. The intent of the mob is not hospitality but exploitation and domination.
This verse does not merely reflect a single sinful act. It is the collective cry of a city steeped in rebellion, lust, and violence. What makes the moment more horrific is that it involves an entire community—young and old alike—united in a desire to abuse strangers. It marks the full expression of a city whose sins had reached their peak.
Genesis 19:5 shows the extreme perversion and brokenness of humanity when left unchecked by divine truth and moral restraint. It also illustrates a complete inversion of what God created human sexuality to be—a sacred bond of covenant and love. Instead, it has become an instrument of humiliation and power.
This moment is not just about sexual sin. It is about pride, lawlessness, and cruelty. The scene underscores why God’s judgment on Sodom was both necessary and just. It was not an impulsive decision, but the consequence of repeated rebellion against His ways. This verse stands as a warning against moral decay and the dangers of a society that loses its sense of righteousness.
Popular Words of Wisdom from Genesis 19:5
The depravity of Sodom was not just in desire but in the demand for domination without conscience
— Beth Moore, Christian Author and Bible Teacher
When sin becomes communal and celebrated it is no longer a private matter but a society in crisis
— John Piper, Theologian and Founder of Desiring God
The outcry against Sodom was not about one sin but about a culture that had normalized violence and rejected mercy
— Tim Keller, Pastor and Christian Apologist
Genesis 19 is not just a story about judgment but about what happens when humanity turns its back on God’s order
— N.T. Wright, New Testament Scholar and Author
The most dangerous sins are those society no longer sees as sin at all
— Priscilla Shirer, Bible Teacher and Actress
God does not destroy cities on a whim. Sodom had long abandoned His ways and silenced His warnings
— Max Lucado, Pastor and Bestselling Author
The Bible doesn’t shy away from hard truths because it wants to keep us from hard consequences
— Jackie Hill Perry, Christian Writer and Poet
Explaining the Context of Genesis 19:5
The story begins in Genesis 18 when the Lord and two angels visit Abraham and share the decision to investigate the grievous sins of Sodom and Gomorrah. Abraham intercedes, asking if God would spare the city for the sake of a few righteous people. The Lord agrees to relent if even ten righteous people can be found.
Genesis 19 opens with the two angels arriving at Sodom and being welcomed by Lot. He insists they stay in his house rather than sleep in the open square. The reason for his urgency becomes clear when the men of Sodom surround his home and demand to assault the guests.
Lot tries to reason with the mob and even offers his daughters in a desperate and misguided attempt to protect his visitors. The angels then intervene, striking the men blind and declaring that the city’s destruction is imminent.
Genesis 19:5 captures the point of no return for Sodom. It is not merely about immorality but about how deeply evil has become ingrained in the collective heart of a people. It was not one man sinning in secrecy but a crowd uniting in public wickedness.
This verse is central in understanding why Sodom was judged so severely. It was not just about behavior—it was about willful corruption, hardened hearts, and the absence of any reverence for God or human dignity.
Explaining the Key Parts of Genesis 19:5
And They Called Unto Lot
The phrase shows that the crowd knew Lot personally. He was not an outsider—they felt emboldened to pressure him directly. This illustrates that Lot’s moral influence in Sodom had little effect. Though he was a righteous man in God’s eyes, his presence did not restrain the city’s evil.
And Said Unto Him Where Are the Men
This line introduces the mob’s intent. The men are not curious about the visitors—they want them exposed. The question is accusatory and invasive, setting the tone for what follows.
Bring Them Out Unto Us
This phrase shows forceful intent. It implies they have no regard for Lot’s home, rights, or protection of his guests. Hospitality, which was sacred in ancient cultures, is violated. The visitors are not guests to be honored but targets to be degraded.
That We May Know Them
This is a euphemism in the biblical text. The word “know” here refers to sexual relations, but in this context it is predatory and coercive. It exposes a society so lost in depravity that strangers are not welcomed but violently pursued.
Lessons to Learn from Genesis 19:5
1. Sin Can Become a Collective Culture
When a society no longer calls evil “evil,” darkness thrives. Sodom’s sin was not isolated—it was public and normalized. This verse warns us that when communities accept sin as culture, judgment becomes inevitable.
2. Human Depravity Left Untamed Is Dangerous
Genesis 19:5 shows what happens when conscience is seared and restraint is removed. Sin does not remain private. It spreads and dominates. God’s law is not to control but to protect humanity from this kind of collapse.
3. Hospitality and Honor Matter to God
Lot’s efforts to protect his guests highlight how important hospitality is in God’s eyes. In contrast, the men of Sodom violate every principle of welcome and respect. The Bible repeatedly teaches us to treat strangers with dignity.
4. Desperation Without Discernment Is Dangerous
Lot offered his daughters to the mob—a decision often criticized. This shows how compromised Lot had become by the culture around him. Even righteous people can lose clarity when surrounded by wickedness for too long.
5. God’s Judgment Comes with Warnings
The angels came first as visitors. They gave Lot a chance to act. Sodom had a moment of decision but chose violence. God’s judgment always comes with an opportunity for repentance. When warnings are ignored, consequences follow.
Related Bible Verses
But the men of Sodom were wicked and sinners before the Lord exceedingly
— Genesis 13:13, King James Version (KJV)
As it was in the days of Lot they ate they drank they bought they sold they planted they builded But the same day that Lot went out of Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from heaven and destroyed them all
— Luke 17:28–29, King James Version (KJV)
Even as Sodom and Gomorrha and the cities about them in like manner giving themselves over to fornication and going after strange flesh are set forth for an example suffering the vengeance of eternal fire
— Jude 1:7, King James Version (KJV)
Woe unto them that call evil good and good evil that put darkness for light and light for darkness
— Isaiah 5:20, King James Version (KJV)
For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who hold the truth in unrighteousness
— Romans 1:18, King James Version (KJV)
How This Verse Points to Christ
Genesis 19:5 highlights the depravity of man, but it also reminds us why we need a Savior. The scene is dark, desperate, and without hope. The people of Sodom had turned completely from God, yet even in such moments, God’s mercy remains evident.
Lot is rescued, not because he is perfect, but because of God’s covenant with Abraham. In the same way, Jesus comes to rescue us, not because we deserve it, but because God made a way through His promise.
Jesus faced the same kind of crowd. He, too, was surrounded by angry voices. But unlike the men of Sodom who came to destroy, Jesus willingly gave Himself to be taken. The wickedness that brought judgment on Sodom was placed on Christ at the cross, so that mercy could be offered instead of wrath.
This verse is a mirror of our own hearts when we stray from God. It warns us of what sin can become. But it also leads us to the One who saves us from it. Jesus rescues us from the fire, not just of Sodom, but from the fire of eternal separation from God.
Closing Reflection
Genesis 19:5 is difficult to read. It forces us to look at the worst of human behavior. But it is preserved in Scripture not to shame, but to warn and awaken. The sins of Sodom were not new, and they are not extinct. What happened then can happen now if hearts remain unrepentant.
Yet in the middle of the chaos, God shows grace. He sends angels. He gives chances. He delivers Lot. He acts. This story is not just about judgment but about divine patience and holy justice.
Let it cause you to reflect on your own culture, your own choices, and your own prayers. Are you standing in the gap like Abraham? Did you grow too comfortable like Lot, or are you still listening for God’s warning before it is too late?
God is not slow in judgment. He is patient in mercy. But He will not ignore evil forever. Now is the time to return to Him.
Say This Prayer
Lord God
Thank You for showing me the seriousness of sin and the beauty of Your mercy. Help me to never grow numb to what is wrong. Let my heart remain tender to Your voice.
Keep me from becoming like Sodom—living without restraint or reverence. Teach me to walk in righteousness. Help me to be a light in my city and to protect those around me with love and truth.
Thank You for sending Jesus to save me from judgment. I receive Your grace and choose to walk in Your ways.
In Jesus’ name, I pray
Amen.