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◄ Genesis 19:20►

New International Version
Look, here is a town near enough to run to, and it is small. Let me flee to it—it is very small, isn’t it? Then my life will be spared.”

New Living Translation
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.”

English Standard Version
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!”

Berean Standard Bible
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.”

King James Bible
Behold now, this cityis near to flee unto, and itis a little one: Oh, let me escape thither, (is it not a little one?) and my soul shall live.

New King James Version
See now, this cityis nearenough to flee to, and itis a little one; please let me escape there (is it not a little one?) and my soul shall live.”

New American Standard Bible
now behold, this town is nearenough to flee to, and it is small. Please, let me escape there (is it not small?) so that my life may be saved.”

NASB 1995
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.”

NASB 1977
now behold, this town is nearenough to flee to, and it is small. Please, let me escape there (is it not small?) that my life may be saved.”

Legacy Standard Bible
now behold, this town is nearenough to flee to, and it is small. Please, let me escape there (is it not small?) that my life may be preserved.”

Amplified Bible
Now look, this town [in the distance] is nearenough 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.”

Christian Standard Bible
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.”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Look, this town is close enough for me to run to. It is a small place. Please let me go there—it’s only a small place, isn’t it?—so that I can survive.”

American Standard Version
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.

Contemporary English Version
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."

English Revised Version
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.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
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."

Good News Translation
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."

International Standard Version
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!"

NET Bible
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."

New Heart English Bible
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."

Webster's Bible Translation
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.

Majority Text Translations

Majority Standard Bible
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.”

World English Bible
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.”

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
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.”

Young's Literal Translation
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.'

Smith's Literal Translation
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.

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
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?

Catholic Public Domain Version
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?”

New American Bible
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.”

New Revised Standard Version
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!”

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
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.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
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.”

OT Translations

JPS Tanakh 1917
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.'

Brenton Septuagint Translation
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.

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

Lot Flees to Zoar
…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.20Look,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.”21“Very well,” he answered, “I will grant this request as well, and will not demolish the town you indicate.…

Berean Standard Bible ·Download

Cross References

Genesis 13:10-13
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. ...

Genesis 18:22-33
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? ...

Genesis 14:2
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).

Genesis 14:8
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

Genesis 14:10
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.

Genesis 14:12
They also carried off Abram’s nephew Lot and his possessions, since Lot was living in Sodom.

Genesis 14:16
He retrieved all the goods, as well as his relative Lot and his possessions, together with the women and the rest of the people.

Genesis 14:17
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).

Genesis 14:21-23
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.’

Deuteronomy 29:23
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.

Isaiah 1:9
Unless the LORD of Hosts had left us a few survivors, we would have become like Sodom, we would have resembled Gomorrah.

Isaiah 13:19
And Babylon, the jewel of the kingdoms, the glory of the pride of the Chaldeans, will be overthrown by God like Sodom and Gomorrah.

Jeremiah 49:18
As Sodom and Gomorrah were overthrown along with their neighbors,” says the LORD, “no one will dwell there; no man will abide there.

Jeremiah 50:40
As God overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah along with their neighbors,” declares the LORD, “no one will dwell there; no man will abide there.

Amos 4:11
“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.

Treasury of Scripture

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.

Genesis 19:30
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.

Proverbs 3:5-7
Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding…

Amos 3:6
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 doneit?

and my.

Genesis 12:13
Say, I pray thee, thouart my sister: that it may be well with me for thy sake; and my soul shall live because of thee.

Psalm 119:175
Let my soul live, and it shall praise thee; and let thy judgments help me.

Isaiah 55:3
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.

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Genesis 19

1.Lot entertains two angels.
4.The vicious Sodomites are smitten with blindness.
12.Lot is warned, and in vain warns his sons-in-law.
15.He is directed to flee to the mountains, but obtains leave to go into Zoar.
24.Sodom and Gomorrah are destroyed.
26.Lot's wife looks back and becomes a pillar of salt.
29.Lot dwells in a cave.
31.The incestuous origin of Moab and Ammon.

Study Bible

Book ◦ Chapter

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 inGenesis 14:2. 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 inPsalm 46:1, 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 in1 Samuel 2:8, 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 inGenesis 18:23-33.

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 inJohn 3:16. Lot's escape to Zoar serves as a type of the believer's escape from judgment through faith in Christ.

Persons / Places / Events

1.Lot
Nephew of Abraham, living in Sodom, who is warned by angels to flee the impending destruction.

2.Angels
Messengers of God sent to destroy Sodom and Gomorrah and to rescue Lot and his family.

3.Sodom and Gomorrah
Cities known for their wickedness, destined for destruction by divine judgment.

4.Zoar
The small town Lot requests to flee to, which means "small" or "insignificant" in Hebrew.

5.Destruction of Sodom
The event of divine judgment where God destroys Sodom and Gomorrah due to their sinfulness.

Teaching Points

God's Mercy in Judgment
Even in judgment, God provides a way of escape for the righteous, as seen in Lot's plea to flee to Zoar.

The Importance of Obedience
Lot's request to flee to Zoar shows the necessity of heeding God's warnings and instructions.

Small Beginnings
Zoar, meaning "small," reminds us that God can use seemingly insignificant places or things for His purposes.

Urgency in Response
Lot's urgency to flee highlights the need for immediate action when responding to God's call.

Trust in God's Provision
Lot's survival in Zoar demonstrates God's provision and protection for those who trust Him.

Bible Study Questions and Answers

1.What is the meaning of Genesis 19:20?

2.How does Genesis 19:20 illustrate God's mercy in times of judgment?

3.What does "this town is near enough" teach about seeking refuge in God?

4.How can Genesis 19:20 inspire trust in God's provision during difficult times?

5.Compare Genesis 19:20 with Psalm 46:1. How do both emphasize God's protection?

6.How can we apply Lot's request for safety to our daily spiritual walk?

7.What is the significance of the city mentioned in Genesis 19:20?

8.How does Genesis 19:20 reflect God's mercy and judgment?

9.Why is the city in Genesis 19:20 described as "small"?

10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Genesis 19?

11.What is Zoar's significance in the Bible?

12.How can the compassionate approach to accidental killers in Joshua 20 be reconciled with the violent conquests described earlier, such as in Joshua 6?

13.When do angels manifest to humans?

14.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?

What Does Genesis 19:20 Mean

Look, there is a town nearby where I can flee

- Lot has just heard the angels’ charge: “Escape for your life!” (Genesis 19:17). He spots Zoar within reach and recognizes that God often puts deliverance within visible distance (Psalm 46:1;1 Corinthians 10:13).

- The nearness underscores urgency; judgment is moments away (Genesis 19:24).

and it is a small place

- By calling Zoar “small,” Lot distinguishes it from the wicked cities marked for destruction (Genesis 19:22).

- God regularly works through “little” things—Gideon’s three hundred (Judges 7:7), a mustard seed (Matthew 13:31-32), “the day of small things” (Zechariah 4:10).

- A small refuge highlights dependence on divine protection, not human strength.

Please let me flee there

- Lot’s request reveals humility: he is not demanding, but asking (Genesis 19:18-19).

- Scripture encourages such petitions; “Call upon Me in the day of trouble” (Psalm 50:15) and “approach the throne of grace with confidence” (Hebrews 4:16).

- The angels consent (Genesis 19:21), demonstrating God’s willingness to accommodate honest weakness.

is it not a small place?

- Repetition shows earnestness (cf.John 21:17;Isaiah 6:3). Lot appeals to God’s mercy by stressing Zoar’s insignificance.

- “Fear not, little flock” (Luke 12:32) echoes the same principle: God delights to save those who seem small or insignificant.

Then my life will be saved

- Lot recognizes only God-provided refuge can spare him from wrath (Genesis 19:22).

- This mirrors the broader truth that God “knows how to rescue the godly from trials” (2 Peter 2:9) and ultimately “deliver us from the coming wrath” through Christ (1 Thessalonians 1:10).

- Salvation is the goal, not comfort; obedience secures life.

summary

Genesis 19:20 captures Lot’s urgent, humble plea for a near and modest refuge so that he might survive the impending judgment. The verse underscores that God supplies reachable escapes, values sincere petitions, works through what appears small, and stands ready to save all who swiftly seek the shelter He graciously provides.

Pulpit Commentary

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.

Parallel Commentaries ...

Hebrew

Look,
הִנֵּה־(hin·nêh-)
Interjection
Strong's 2009:Lo! behold!

this
הַזֹּ֧את(haz·zōṯ)
Article | Pronoun - feminine singular
Strong's 2063:Hereby in it, likewise, the one other, same, she, so much, such deed, that,

town
הָעִ֨יר(hā·‘îr)
Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 5892:Excitement

[is] near
קְרֹבָ֛ה(qə·rō·ḇāh)
Adjective - feminine singular
Strong's 7138:Near

enough for me flee to it,
לָנ֥וּס(lā·nūs)
Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 5127:To flit, vanish away

and it
וְהִ֣יא(wə·hî)
Conjunctive waw | Pronoun - third person feminine singular
Strong's 1931:He, self, the same, this, that, as, are

is a small place.
מִצְעָ֑ר(miṣ·‘ār)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4705:Petty, a short

Please
נָ֠א(nā)
Interjection
Strong's 4994:I pray', 'now', 'then'

let me flee
אִמָּלְטָ֨ה(’im·mā·lə·ṭāh)
Verb - Nifal - Imperfect Cohortative - first person common singular
Strong's 4422:To be smooth, to escape, to release, rescue, to bring forth young, emit sparks

there—
שָׁ֖מָּה(šām·māh)
Adverb | third person feminine singular
Strong's 8033:There, then, thither

is it
הִ֖וא(hî)
Pronoun - third person feminine singular
Strong's 1931:He, self, the same, this, that, as, are

not
הֲלֹ֥א(hă·lō)
Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808:Not, no

a small place?
מִצְעָ֛ר(miṣ·‘ār)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4705:Petty, a short

Then my life
נַפְשִֽׁי׃(nap̄·šî)
Noun - feminine singular construct | first person common singular
Strong's 5315: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
Strong's 2421:To live, to revive

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OT Law: Genesis 19:20 See now this city is near (Gen. Ge Gn)