Gen 19:14-15 | NETfull | STEP | Then Lot went out and spoke to his sons-in-law who were going to marry his daughters. He said, “Quick, get out of this place because the Lord is about to destroy the city!” But his sons-in-law thought he was ridiculing them.

Genesis 19:14-15

14 Then Lot went out and spoke to his sons-in-law who were going to marry his daughters. ^{▼▼ The language has to be interpreted in the light of the context and the social customs. The men are called “sons-in-law” (literally “the takers of his daughters”), but the daughters had not yet had sex with a man. It is better to translate the phrase “who were going to marry his daughters.” Since formal marriage contracts were binding, the husbands-to-be could already be called sons-in-law.} He said, “Quick, get out of this place because the Lord is about to destroy ^{▼▼ The Hebrew active participle expresses an imminent action.} the city!” But his sons-in-law thought he was ridiculing them. ^{▼▼ Heb “and he was like one taunting in the eyes of his sons-in-law.” These men mistakenly thought Lot was ridiculing them and their lifestyle. Their response illustrates how morally insensitive they had become.}

15 At dawn ^{▼▼ Heb “When dawn came up.”} the angels hurried Lot along, saying, “Get going! Take your wife and your two daughters who are here, ^{▼▼ Heb “who are found.” The wording might imply he had other daughters living in the city, but the text does not explicitly state this.} or else you will be destroyed when the city is judged!” ^{▼▼ Or “with the iniquity [i.e., punishment] of the city” (cf. NASB, NRSV).}