What does Genesis 13:11 mean?

To resolve recurring conflicts caused by sharing limited resources, Abram approached Lot and suggested they move in two different directions to occupy different areas of the land. Abram gave Lot the first choice of where to settle. This was a generous gesture, since Abram was the older and more entitled member of the family.

The previous verse describes the best spot, the well-watered plain along the Jordan river. Lot surveyed it, and now he chooses it for himself. Some have suggested this was a selfish choice, but the text does not say so. Lot simply received the generous gift Abram had offered to him. Lot's choice is not necessarily wrong, nor is it sinful. It was certainly the most profitable land.

What we learn in the next few chapters, however, proves that this decision is unwise. Lot's choice to move his large estate to the east and settle near Sodom will prove destructive in the end. By this time, the reputation of this region has been established (Genesis 13:13). The depravity is so bad that God will eventually destroy these cities. By then, however, Lot will become so accustomed to the culture that he has to be dragged from the city by angels (Genesis 19:15–16)!