Verse (Click for Chapter) 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.” Berean Literal Bible Behold, please, this city is near to flee there, and it is a small place. Let me escape there, please. Is it not a small place? And my soul shall live!” King James Bible 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. New King James Version 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.” New American Standard Bible 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.” 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 near enough 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 near enough 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 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.” Berean Annotated 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. 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 BibleLook, 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 Versionnow 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.” Berean Literal Bible Behold, please, this city is near to flee there, and it is a small place. Let me escape there, please. Is it not a small place? And my soul shall 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 BibleThere 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 BibleBehold 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 1917Behold 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.… Cross References Look, there is a town nearby where I can flee, Joshua 20:2-3 “Tell the Israelites to designate the cities of refuge, as I instructed you through Moses, / so that anyone who kills another unintentionally or accidentally may flee there. These will be your refuge from the avenger of blood. Numbers 35:11-12 designate cities to serve as your cities of refuge, so that a person who kills someone unintentionally may flee there. / You are to have these cities as a refuge from the avenger, so that the manslayer will not die until he stands trial before the assembly. Deuteronomy 19:2-3 then you are to set apart for yourselves three cities within the land that the LORD your God is giving you to possess. / You are to build roads for yourselves and divide into three regions the land that the LORD your God is giving you as an inheritance, so that any manslayer can flee to these cities. and it is a small place. Ecclesiastes 9:14-15 There was a small city with few men. A mighty king came against it, surrounded it, and built large siege ramps against it. / Now a poor wise man was found in the city, and he saved the city by his wisdom. Yet no one remembered that poor man. Micah 5:2 But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come forth for Me One to be ruler over Israel—One whose origins are of old, from the days of eternity. Zechariah 4:10 For who has despised the day of small things? But these seven eyes of the LORD, which scan the whole earth, will rejoice when they see the plumb line in the hand of Zerubbabel.” Please let me flee there—is it not a small place? Psalm 57:1-2 For the choirmaster. To the tune of “Do Not Destroy.” A Miktam of David, when he fled from Saul into the cave. Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy, for in You my soul takes refuge. In the shadow of Your wings I will take shelter until the danger has passed. / I cry out to God Most High, to God who fulfills His purpose for me. Ruth 2:12 May the LORD repay your work, and may you receive a rich reward from the LORD, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have taken refuge.” Proverbs 18:10 The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe. Then my life will be saved.” Psalm 56:13 For You have delivered my soul from death, and my feet from stumbling, that I may walk before God in the light of life. Psalm 116:8 For You have delivered my soul from death, my eyes from tears, my feet from stumbling. Proverbs 10:2 Ill-gotten treasures profit nothing, but righteousness brings deliverance from death. 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 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 done it? and my. Genesis 12:13 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. 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. Jump to Previous City Enough Escape Flee It Little Please Run Saved Small Soul Spared Thither YonderJump to Next City Enough Escape Flee It Little Please Run Saved Small Soul Spared Thither YonderGenesis 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. 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 Genesis 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 in Psalm 46:1, where God is described as a refuge and strength. and it is a small place Please let me flee there—is it not a small place? Then my life will be saved. Persons / Places / Events 1. LotNephew 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 JudgmentEven 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. 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 Links Genesis 19:20 NIVGenesis 19:20 NLT Genesis 19:20 ESV Genesis 19:20 NASB Genesis 19:20 KJV Genesis 19:20 BibleApps.com Genesis 19:20 Biblia Paralela Genesis 19:20 Chinese Bible Genesis 19:20 French Bible Genesis 19:20 Catholic Bible OT Law: Genesis 19:20 See now this city is near (Gen. 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