CINXE.COM

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Genesis 19:20 Look, there is a town nearby where I can flee, and it is a small place. Please let me flee there--is it not a small place? Then my life will be saved."</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/genesis/19-20.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/11/01_Gen_19_20.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Genesis 19:20 - Lot Flees to Zoar" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Look, there is a town nearby where I can flee, and it is a small place. Please let me flee there--is it not a small place? Then my life will be saved." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/genesis/19-20.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/genesis/19-20.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/genesis/">Genesis</a> > <a href="/genesis/19.htm">Chapter 19</a> > Verse 20</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad20.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/genesis/19-19.htm" title="Genesis 19:19">◄</a> Genesis 19:20 <a href="/genesis/19-21.htm" title="Genesis 19:21">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/genesis/19.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/genesis/19.htm">New International Version</a> Look, here is a town near enough to run to, and it is small. Let me flee to it—it is very small, isn&#8217t it? Then my life will be spared.&#8221 <a href="/nlt/genesis/19.htm">New Living Translation</a> See, there is a small village nearby. Please let me go there instead; don’t you see how small it is? Then my life will be saved.” <a href="/esv/genesis/19.htm">English Standard Version</a> Behold, this city is near enough to flee to, and it is a little one. Let me escape there—is it not a little one?—and my life will be saved!” <a href="/bsb/genesis/19.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> Look, there is a town nearby where I can flee, and it is a small place. Please let me flee there—is it not a small place? Then my life will be saved.” <a href="/kjv/genesis/19.htm">King James Bible</a> Behold now, this city is near to flee unto, and it is a little one: Oh, let me escape thither, (is it not a little one?) and my soul shall live. <a href="/nkjv/genesis/19.htm">New King James Version</a> See now, this city is near enough to flee to, and it is a little one; please let me escape there (is it not a little one?) and my soul shall live.” <a href="/nasb_/genesis/19.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> now behold, this town is near enough to flee to, and it is small. Please, let me escape there (is it not small?) so that my life may be saved.” <a href="/nasb/genesis/19.htm">NASB 1995</a> now behold, this town is near enough to flee to, and it is small. Please, let me escape there (is it not small?) that my life may be saved.&#8221 <a href="/nasb77/genesis/19.htm">NASB 1977 </a> now behold, this town is near enough to flee to, and it is small. Please, let me escape there (is it not small?) that my life may be saved.” <a href="/lsb/genesis/19.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> now behold, this town is near enough to flee to, and it is small. Please, let me escape there (is it not small?) that my life may be preserved.” <a href="/amp/genesis/19.htm">Amplified Bible</a> Now look, this town [in the distance] is near enough for us to flee to, and it is small [with only a few people]. Please, let me escape there (is it not small?) so that my life will be saved.” <a href="/csb/genesis/19.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> Look, this town is close enough for me to flee to. It is a small place. Please let me run to it—it’s only a small place, isn’t it?—so that I can survive.” <a href="/hcsb/genesis/19.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> Look, this town is close enough for me to run to. It is a small place. Please let me go there—it&#8217s only a small place, isn&#8217t it?—so that I can survive.&#8221 <a href="/asv/genesis/19.htm">American Standard Version</a> behold now, this city is near to flee unto, and it is a little one. Oh let me escape thither (is it not a little one?), and my soul shall live. <a href="/cev/genesis/19.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> There's a town near here. It's only a small place, but my family and I will be safe, if you let us go there." <a href="/erv/genesis/19.htm">English Revised Version</a> behold now, this city is near to flee unto, and it is a little one: Oh, let me escape thither, (is it not a little one?) and my soul shall live. <a href="/gwt/genesis/19.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> Look, there's a city near enough to flee to, and it's small. Why don't you let me run there? Isn't it small? Then my life will be saved." <a href="/gnt/genesis/19.htm">Good News Translation</a> Do you see that little town? It is near enough. Let me go over there--you can see it is just a small place--and I will be safe." <a href="/isv/genesis/19.htm">International Standard Version</a> Look, there is a town nearby where I can flee, and it's a small one. Let me escape there! It's a small one, isn't it? That way I'll stay alive!" <a href="/msb/genesis/19.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> Look, there is a town nearby where I can flee, and it is a small place. Please let me flee there?is it not a small place? Then my life will be saved.? <a href="/net/genesis/19.htm">NET Bible</a> Look, this town over here is close enough to escape to, and it's just a little one. Let me go there. It's just a little place, isn't it? Then I'll survive." <a href="/nheb/genesis/19.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> See now, this city is near to flee to, and it is a little one. Let me escape there--isn't it a little one?--and my life will be saved." <a href="/wbt/genesis/19.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> Behold now, this city is near to flee to, and it is a small one: Oh, let me escape thither! (Is it not a small one?) and my soul shall live. <a href="/web/genesis/19.htm">World English Bible</a> See now, this city is near to flee to, and it is a little one. Oh let me escape there (isn’t it a little one?), and my soul will live.” <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/genesis/19.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> now behold, this city [is] near to flee there, and it [is] little; please let me escape there (is it not little?) that my soul may live.” <a href="/ylt/genesis/19.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> lo, I pray thee, this city is near to flee thither, and it is little; let me escape, I pray thee, thither, (is it not little?) and my soul doth live.' <a href="/slt/genesis/19.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> Behold now, this city drawing nigh to flee there, and it is small: now I shall be saved there, is it not small? and my soul shall live.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/genesis/19.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> There is this city here at hand, to which I may flee, it is a little one, and I shall be saved in it: is it not a little one, and my soul shall live? <a href="/cpdv/genesis/19.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> There is a certain city nearby, to which I can flee; it is a little one, and I will be saved in it. Is it not a modest one, and will not my soul live?” <a href="/nabre/genesis/19.htm">New American Bible</a> Look, this town ahead is near enough to escape to. It is only a small place. Let me flee there—is it not a small place?—to save my life.” <a href="/nrsvce/genesis/19.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> Look, that city is near enough to flee to, and it is a little one. Let me escape there—is it not a little one?—and my life will be saved!”<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/genesis/19.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> Behold now, this town is near to flee to, and it is a little one. Oh, let me escape there, and behold, because it is a little one my life will be spared. <a href="/hpbt/genesis/19.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> Behold this city is near to flee there and it is small. I may escape there; behold it is small, and my soul will live.”<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/genesis/19.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> Behold now, this city is near to flee unto, and it is a little one; oh, let me escape thither--is it not a little one?--and my soul shall live.' <a href="/sep/genesis/19.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> Behold this city is near for me to escape thither, which is a small one, and there shall I be preserved, is it not little? and my soul shall live because of thee. <a href="/parallel/genesis/19-20.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/7ehevn8iSgc?start=4199" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/genesis/19.htm">Lot Flees to Zoar</a> …19Your servant has indeed found favor in your sight, and you have shown me great kindness by sparing my life. But I cannot run to the mountains; the disaster will overtake me, and I will die. 20<a href="/hebrew/2009.htm" title="2009: hin·nêh- (Interjection) -- Lo! behold! Prolongation for hen; lo!">Look,</a> <a href="/hebrew/2063.htm" title="2063: haz·zōṯ (Art:: Pro-fs) -- Hereby in it, likewise, the one other, same, she, so much, such deed, that. Irregular feminine of zeh; this.">there is</a> <a href="/hebrew/5892.htm" title="5892: hā·‘îr (Art:: N-fs) -- Excitement. Or par; or ayar; from uwr a city in the widest sense.">a town</a> <a href="/hebrew/7138.htm" title="7138: qə·rō·ḇāh (Adj-fs) -- Near. Or qarob; from qarab; near.">nearby</a> <a href="/hebrew/8033.htm" title="8033: šām·māh (Adv:: 3fs) -- There, thither. A primitive particle; there then; often thither, or thence.">where</a> <a href="/hebrew/5127.htm" title="5127: lā·nūs (Prep-l:: V-Qal-Inf) -- To flee, escape. A primitive root; to flit, i.e. Vanish away.">I can flee,</a> <a href="/hebrew/1931.htm" title="1931: wə·hî (Conj-w:: Pro-3fs) -- He, she, it. ">and it</a> <a href="/hebrew/4705.htm" title="4705: miṣ·‘ār (N-ms) -- A small thing. From tsa'ar; petty; adverbially, a short.">is a small place.</a> <a href="/hebrew/4994.htm" title="4994: nā (Interjection) -- I (we) pray, now. ">Please</a> <a href="/hebrew/4422.htm" title="4422: ’im·mā·lə·ṭāh (V-Nifal-Imperf.Cohort-1cs) -- A primitive root; properly, to be smooth, i.e. to escape; causatively, to release or rescue; specifically, to bring forth young, emit sparks.">let me flee</a> <a href="/hebrew/4994.htm" title="4994: nā (Interjection) -- I (we) pray, now. "></a> <a href="/hebrew/8033.htm" title="8033: šām·māh (Adv:: 3fs) -- There, thither. A primitive particle; there then; often thither, or thence.">there—</a> <a href="/hebrew/1931.htm" title="1931: hî (Pro-3fs) -- He, she, it. ">is it</a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: hă·lō (Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">not</a> <a href="/hebrew/4705.htm" title="4705: miṣ·‘ār (N-ms) -- A small thing. From tsa'ar; petty; adverbially, a short.">a small place?</a> <a href="/hebrew/5315.htm" title="5315: nap̄·šî (N-fsc:: 1cs) -- From naphash; properly, a breathing creature, i.e. Animal of vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense.">Then my life</a> <a href="/hebrew/2421.htm" title="2421: ū·ṯə·ḥî (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConjImperf.Jus-3fs) -- To live, to revive. A primitive root; to live, whether literally or figuratively; causatively, to revive.">will be saved.”</a> 21“Very well,” he answered, “I will grant this request as well, and will not demolish the town you indicate.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/genesis/13-10.htm">Genesis 13:10-13</a> And Lot looked out and saw that the whole plain of the Jordan, all the way to Zoar, was well watered like the garden of the LORD, like the land of Egypt. (This was before the LORD destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah.) / So Lot chose the whole plain of the Jordan for himself and set out toward the east. And Abram and Lot parted company. / Abram lived in the land of Canaan, but Lot settled in the cities of the plain and pitched his tent toward Sodom. ... <a href="/genesis/18-22.htm">Genesis 18:22-33</a> And the two men turned away and went toward Sodom, but Abraham remained standing before the LORD. / Abraham stepped forward and said, “Will You really sweep away the righteous with the wicked? / What if there are fifty righteous ones in the city? Will You really sweep it away and not spare the place for the sake of the fifty righteous ones who are there? ... <a href="/genesis/14-2.htm">Genesis 14:2</a> went to war against Bera king of Sodom, Birsha king of Gomorrah, Shinab king of Admah, Shemeber king of Zeboiim, and the king of Bela (that is, Zoar). <a href="/genesis/14-8.htm">Genesis 14:8</a> Then the king of Sodom, the king of Gomorrah, the king of Admah, the king of Zeboiim, and the king of Bela (that is, Zoar) marched out and arrayed themselves for battle in the Valley of Siddim <a href="/genesis/14-10.htm">Genesis 14:10</a> Now the Valley of Siddim was full of tar pits, and as the kings of Sodom and Gomorrah fled, some men fell into the pits, but the survivors fled to the hill country. <a href="/genesis/14-12.htm">Genesis 14:12</a> They also carried off Abram’s nephew Lot and his possessions, since Lot was living in Sodom. <a href="/genesis/14-16.htm">Genesis 14:16</a> He retrieved all the goods, as well as his relative Lot and his possessions, together with the women and the rest of the people. <a href="/genesis/14-17.htm">Genesis 14:17</a> After Abram returned from defeating Chedorlaomer and the kings allied with him, the king of Sodom went out to meet him in the Valley of Shaveh (that is, the King’s Valley). <a href="/genesis/14-21.htm">Genesis 14:21-23</a> The king of Sodom said to Abram, “Give me the people, but take the goods for yourself.” / But Abram replied to the king of Sodom, “I have raised my hand to the LORD God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth, / that I will not accept even a thread, or a strap of a sandal, or anything that belongs to you, lest you should say, ‘I have made Abram rich.’ <a href="/deuteronomy/29-23.htm">Deuteronomy 29:23</a> All its soil will be a burning waste of sulfur and salt, unsown and unproductive, with no plant growing on it, just like the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, Admah and Zeboiim, which the LORD overthrew in His fierce anger. <a href="/isaiah/1-9.htm">Isaiah 1:9</a> Unless the LORD of Hosts had left us a few survivors, we would have become like Sodom, we would have resembled Gomorrah. <a href="/isaiah/13-19.htm">Isaiah 13:19</a> And Babylon, the jewel of the kingdoms, the glory of the pride of the Chaldeans, will be overthrown by God like Sodom and Gomorrah. <a href="/jeremiah/49-18.htm">Jeremiah 49:18</a> As Sodom and Gomorrah were overthrown along with their neighbors,” says the LORD, “no one will dwell there; no man will abide there. <a href="/jeremiah/50-40.htm">Jeremiah 50:40</a> As God overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah along with their neighbors,” declares the LORD, “no one will dwell there; no man will abide there. <a href="/amos/4-11.htm">Amos 4:11</a> “Some of you I overthrew as I overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah, and you were like a firebrand snatched from a blaze, yet you did not return to Me,” declares the LORD.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>Behold now, this city is near to flee to, and it is a little one: Oh, let me escape thither, (is it not a little one?) and my soul shall live.this.<a href="/genesis/19-30.htm">Genesis 19:30</a> And Lot went up out of Zoar, and dwelt in the mountain, and his two daughters with him; for he feared to dwell in Zoar: and he dwelt in a cave, he and his two daughters.<a href="/proverbs/3-5.htm">Proverbs 3:5-7</a> Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding… <a href="/amos/3-6.htm">Amos 3:6</a> Shall a trumpet be blown in the city, and the people not be afraid? shall there be evil in a city, and the LORD hath not done it?and my.<a href="/genesis/12-13.htm">Genesis 12:13</a> Say, I pray thee, thou art my sister: that it may be well with me for thy sake; and my soul shall live because of thee.<a href="/psalms/119-175.htm">Psalm 119:175</a> Let my soul live, and it shall praise thee; and let thy judgments help me.<a href="/isaiah/55-3.htm">Isaiah 55:3</a> Incline your ear, and come unto me: hear, and your soul shall live; and I will make an everlasting covenant with you, even the sure mercies of David.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/genesis/19-16.htm">City</a> <a href="/genesis/13-6.htm">Enough</a> <a href="/genesis/19-19.htm">Escape</a> <a href="/genesis/19-17.htm">Flee</a> <a href="/mark/4-4.htm">It</a> <a href="/genesis/18-4.htm">Little</a> <a href="/genesis/19-18.htm">Please</a> <a href="/jude/1-11.htm">Run</a> <a href="/revelation/21-24.htm">Saved</a> <a href="/genesis/19-11.htm">Small</a> <a href="/genesis/17-14.htm">Soul</a> <a href="/genesis/12-13.htm">Spared</a> <a href="/acts/25-4.htm">Thither</a> <a href="/matthew/26-36.htm">Yonder</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/genesis/19-21.htm">City</a> <a href="/genesis/21-8.htm">Enough</a> <a href="/genesis/19-22.htm">Escape</a> <a href="/genesis/19-22.htm">Flee</a> <a href="/genesis/35-22.htm">It</a> <a href="/genesis/24-17.htm">Little</a> <a href="/genesis/20-15.htm">Please</a> <a href="/genesis/31-27.htm">Run</a> <a href="/genesis/47-25.htm">Saved</a> <a href="/genesis/30-15.htm">Small</a> <a href="/genesis/27-4.htm">Soul</a> <a href="/genesis/32-30.htm">Spared</a> <a href="/genesis/19-22.htm">Thither</a> <a href="/genesis/22-5.htm">Yonder</a><div class="vheading2">Genesis 19</div>1. <a href="/genesis/19-1.htm">Lot entertains two angels.</a> 4. <a href="/genesis/19-4.htm">The vicious Sodomites are smitten with blindness.</a> 12. <a href="/genesis/19-12.htm">Lot is warned, and in vain warns his sons-in-law.</a> 15. <a href="/genesis/19-15.htm">He is directed to flee to the mountains, but obtains leave to go into Zoar.</a> 24. <a href="/genesis/19-24.htm">Sodom and Gomorrah are destroyed.</a> 26. <a href="/genesis/19-26.htm">Lot's wife looks back and becomes a pillar of salt.</a> 29. <a href="/genesis/19-29.htm">Lot dwells in a cave.</a> 31. <a href="/genesis/19-31.htm">The incestuous origin of Moab and Ammon.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/genesis/19.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/genesis/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/genesis/19.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>Look, there is a town nearby where I can flee In this passage, Lot is speaking to the angels who are urging him to escape the impending destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. The town he refers to is Zoar, originally named Bela. Zoar is one of the five cities of the plain mentioned in <a href="/genesis/14-2.htm">Genesis 14:2</a>. Its proximity to Sodom makes it a logical choice for Lot, who is seeking immediate refuge. The urgency in Lot's plea highlights the imminent danger and the need for swift action. This reflects the broader biblical theme of seeking refuge and salvation, as seen in <a href="/psalms/46.htm">Psalm 46:1</a>, where God is described as a refuge and strength.and it is a small place Lot emphasizes the smallness of the town, possibly to suggest that it would not be significant enough to warrant destruction. This reflects a common biblical theme where God shows mercy to the humble and insignificant, as seen in <a href="/1_samuel/2-8.htm">1 Samuel 2:8</a>, where God raises the poor from the dust. The smallness of Zoar may also symbolize Lot's diminished circumstances, having lost his wealth and status in Sodom.Please let me flee there—is it not a small place? Lot's repetition underscores his desperation and the urgency of his request. The rhetorical question "is it not a small place?" suggests that Lot is appealing to the angels' sense of mercy, implying that sparing such a minor town would not be a significant deviation from their mission. This plea for mercy can be connected to the broader biblical narrative of intercession, as seen in Abraham's earlier negotiation with God in <a href="/genesis/18-23.htm">Genesis 18:23-33</a>.Then my life will be saved. Lot's concern for his life reflects the human instinct for self-preservation, but it also highlights the theme of divine salvation. In the broader biblical context, salvation often involves both physical deliverance and spiritual redemption. This moment foreshadows the ultimate salvation offered through Jesus Christ, who provides eternal life to those who seek refuge in Him, as seen in <a href="/john/3-16.htm">John 3:16</a>. Lot's escape to Zoar serves as a type of the believer's escape from judgment through faith in Christ.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/l/lot.htm">Lot</a> Nephew of Abraham, living in Sodom, who is warned by angels to flee the impending destruction. 2. <a href="/topical/a/angels.htm">Angels</a> Messengers of God sent to destroy Sodom and Gomorrah and to rescue Lot and his family. 3. <a href="/topical/s/sodom_and_gomorrah.htm">Sodom and Gomorrah</a> Cities known for their wickedness, destined for destruction by divine judgment. 4. <a href="/topical/z/zoar.htm">Zoar</a> The small town Lot requests to flee to, which means "small" or "insignificant" in Hebrew. 5. <a href="/topical/d/destruction_of_sodom.htm">Destruction of Sodom</a> The event of divine judgment where God destroys Sodom and Gomorrah due to their sinfulness.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/g/god's_mercy_in_judgment.htm">God's Mercy in Judgment</a> Even in judgment, God provides a way of escape for the righteous, as seen in Lot's plea to flee to Zoar. <a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_obedience.htm">The Importance of Obedience</a> Lot's request to flee to Zoar shows the necessity of heeding God's warnings and instructions. <a href="/topical/s/small_beginnings.htm">Small Beginnings</a> Zoar, meaning "small," reminds us that God can use seemingly insignificant places or things for His purposes. <a href="/topical/u/urgency_in_response.htm">Urgency in Response</a> Lot's urgency to flee highlights the need for immediate action when responding to God's call. <a href="/topical/t/trust_in_god's_provision.htm">Trust in God's Provision</a> Lot's survival in Zoar demonstrates God's provision and protection for those who trust Him.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_genesis_19.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Genesis 19</a> <a href="/q/what's_zoar's_role_in_the_bible.htm">What is Zoar's significance in the Bible?</a> <a href="/q/how_reconcile_joshua_20's_mercy_with_6's_violence.htm">How can the compassionate approach to accidental killers in Joshua 20 be reconciled with the violent conquests described earlier, such as in Joshua 6?</a> <a href="/q/when_do_angels_manifest_to_humans.htm">When do angels manifest to humans?</a> <a href="/q/was_the_avenger_system_fair_in_ancient_times.htm">How plausible is it that the avenger of blood system (Numbers 35:19) was enforced fairly in the context of ancient Near Eastern tribal justice?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/genesis/19.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 20. - Behold now, this city is near to flee unto (literally, thither), and it is a little one: Oh, let me escape thither, (is it not a little one?) and my soul shall live. Lot's meaning was that since Zoar was the smallest of the cities of the Pentapolis, it would not be a great demand on God's mercy to spare it, and it would save him from further exertions for his safety. A singular display of moral obtuseness and indolent selfishness on the part of Lot. <a href="/commentaries/genesis/19-20.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>Look, הִנֵּה־ (hin·nêh-) Interjection <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2009.htm">Strong's 2009: </a> Lo! behold! this הַזֹּ֧את (haz·zōṯ) Article | Pronoun - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2063.htm">Strong's 2063: </a> Hereby in it, likewise, the one other, same, she, so much, such deed, that, town הָעִ֨יר (hā·‘îr) Article | Noun - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5892.htm">Strong's 5892: </a> Excitement [is] near קְרֹבָ֛ה (qə·rō·ḇāh) Adjective - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7138.htm">Strong's 7138: </a> Near enough for me flee to it, לָנ֥וּס (lā·nūs) Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5127.htm">Strong's 5127: </a> To flit, vanish away and it וְהִ֣יא (wə·hî) Conjunctive waw | Pronoun - third person feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1931.htm">Strong's 1931: </a> He, self, the same, this, that, as, are is a small place. מִצְעָ֑ר (miṣ·‘ār) Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4705.htm">Strong's 4705: </a> Petty, a short Please נָ֠א (nā) Interjection <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4994.htm">Strong's 4994: </a> I pray', 'now', 'then' let me flee אִמָּלְטָ֨ה (’im·mā·lə·ṭāh) Verb - Nifal - Imperfect Cohortative - first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4422.htm">Strong's 4422: </a> To be smooth, to escape, to release, rescue, to bring forth young, emit sparks there— שָׁ֖מָּה (šām·māh) Adverb | third person feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8033.htm">Strong's 8033: </a> There, then, thither is it הִ֖וא (hî) Pronoun - third person feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1931.htm">Strong's 1931: </a> He, self, the same, this, that, as, are not הֲלֹ֥א (hă·lō) Adverb - Negative particle <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> Not, no a small place? מִצְעָ֛ר (miṣ·‘ār) Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4705.htm">Strong's 4705: </a> Petty, a short Then my life נַפְשִֽׁי׃ (nap̄·šî) Noun - feminine singular construct | first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5315.htm">Strong's 5315: </a> A soul, living being, life, self, person, desire, passion, appetite, emotion will be saved.” וּתְחִ֥י (ū·ṯə·ḥî) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive imperfect Jussive - third person feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2421.htm">Strong's 2421: </a> To live, to revive <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/genesis/19-20.htm">Genesis 19:20 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/genesis/19-20.htm">Genesis 19:20 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/genesis/19-20.htm">Genesis 19:20 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/genesis/19-20.htm">Genesis 19:20 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/genesis/19-20.htm">Genesis 19:20 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/genesis/19-20.htm">Genesis 19:20 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/genesis/19-20.htm">Genesis 19:20 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/genesis/19-20.htm">Genesis 19:20 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/genesis/19-20.htm">Genesis 19:20 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/genesis/19-20.htm">Genesis 19:20 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/genesis/19-20.htm">OT Law: Genesis 19:20 See now this city is near (Gen. Ge Gn)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/genesis/19-19.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Genesis 19:19"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Genesis 19:19" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/genesis/19-21.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Genesis 19:21"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Genesis 19:21" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>