Lot
Lot in the Bible
Lot is Abraham’s nephew and a recurring figure in Genesis 11–19. He travels with Abraham, settles near Sodom, is rescued from war, and later escapes Sodom before its destruction.
Lot at a Glance
Key Bible Passages About Lot
Old Testament
Genesis 13:5–13
Lot and Abraham separate, and Lot chooses the Jordan plain toward Sodom.
Genesis 14:11–16
Lot is captured during war and rescued by Abraham.
Genesis 18:16–33
Abraham intercedes concerning Sodom before the narrative returns to Lot.
Genesis 19:1–29
Lot receives angelic visitors and escapes Sodom before its destruction.
Genesis 19:30–38
The final Lot narrative traces the origins of Moab and Ammon through his daughters.
New Testament
Luke 17:28–32
Jesus refers to the days of Lot and warns listeners to remember Lot’s wife.
2 Peter 2:7–8
Peter describes Lot as distressed by the lawless conduct around him.
The Story of Lot
Lot is introduced as the son of Haran and nephew of Abraham. He travels with Abraham’s household toward Canaan. As both men’s possessions increase, their herdsmen quarrel, and Abraham offers Lot a choice of land. Lot chooses the Jordan plain and moves toward Sodom.
When regional kings capture Sodom and take Lot, Abraham mounts a rescue. Later, angelic visitors arrive in Sodom and warn Lot to leave because the city will be destroyed. Lot hesitates but is led out with his wife and daughters. His wife looks back and becomes a pillar of salt. Genesis 19 concludes with the troubling account of Lot and his daughters, from which Moab and Ammon are traced.
Where Does Lot Appear in the Bible?
Old Testament
Genesis 11–13MAJOR APPEARANCE
Lot travels with Abraham and eventually separates from him toward Sodom.
Genesis 14MAJOR APPEARANCE
Lot is captured and rescued by Abraham.
Genesis 19MAJOR APPEARANCE
Lot escapes Sodom and later fathers the ancestral lines of Moab and Ammon through his daughters.
Deuteronomy 2:9, 19
Moab and Ammon are connected to Lot’s descendants.
New Testament
Luke 17:28–32
Jesus uses Lot’s days as an example in teaching about sudden judgment.
2 Peter 2:7–8
Lot is remembered in a discussion of rescue from judgment.
Historical & Cultural Context
Lot’s narrative is set among the kinship groups and city-states portrayed in Genesis. Pastoral wealth, land competition, warfare among kings, urban hospitality, and family survival shape his story.
Literary Role
Lot often functions as a contrast and companion figure to Abraham. Their separation follows different land choices, while Abraham later rescues Lot and intercedes in the broader Sodom narrative. Lot’s story also creates genealogical origins for Moab and Ammon.
Character & Significance
Lot’s story intersects Abraham’s narrative while also developing Genesis themes of land choice, hospitality, judgment, rescue, and the consequences of association with Sodom. His descendants connect the patriarchal narratives with the later peoples of Moab and Ammon.
Important People in Lot’s Life
Abraham
UncleLot travels with Abraham, separates from him, and is later rescued by him.
Haran
FatherHaran is Lot’s father and Abraham’s brother.
Lot’s Wife
WifeShe leaves Sodom with Lot but looks back and becomes a pillar of salt.
Lot’s Daughters
DaughtersLot’s daughters escape Sodom with him and appear in the final episode of Genesis 19.
The Life and Story of Lot
Travels with Abraham
Lot accompanies Abraham’s household toward Canaan.
Separates from Abraham
Lot chooses the Jordan plain and moves toward Sodom.
Captured and Rescued
Lot is taken in war and rescued by Abraham.
Angels Arrive in Sodom
Lot receives visitors who warn of coming judgment.
Escape from Sodom
Lot and his daughters escape as Sodom is destroyed.
Moab and Ammon
Genesis traces Moab and Ammon through Lot’s daughters.
Research Questions About Lot
Why did Lot choose to live near Sodom?
Read Genesis 13:5–13 and note the land-based reasoning the narrator provides.
How is Lot contrasted with Abraham?
Compare their land choices, Abraham’s rescue of Lot, and the Sodom narratives in Genesis 13–19.
How do later biblical texts remember Lot?
Compare Luke 17 and 2 Peter 2, which use Lot’s story for different purposes.
Frequently Asked Questions About Lot
Who was Lot in the Bible?
Lot was Abraham’s nephew who settled near Sodom and escaped before the city’s destruction.
How was Lot related to Abraham?
Lot was the son of Abraham’s brother Haran, making him Abraham’s nephew.
Why did Lot live in Sodom?
Genesis 13 says Lot chose the well-watered Jordan plain and moved his tents as far as Sodom.
What happened to Lot’s wife?
Genesis 19 says she looked back during the escape and became a pillar of salt.
Who descended from Lot?
Genesis 19 traces Moab and Ben-ammi, ancestors of Moab and Ammon, through Lot’s daughters.
Citing This BibleVerses.com Research Guide
Citation styles vary by instructor and institution. These are convenient starting points; students should follow their assigned style guide.
“Lot: Life, Story, Bible Verses & Significance.” BibleVerses.com, https://www.bibleverses.com/people/lot/. Accessed September 30, 2026.
BibleVerses.com. “Lot: Life, Story, Bible Verses & Significance.” Accessed September 30, 2026. https://www.bibleverses.com/people/lot/.
When citing Scripture itself, cite the Bible translation and passage separately according to your required style.
