Genesis 19:29

ESV So it was that, when God destroyed the cities of the valley, God remembered Abraham and sent Lot out of the midst of the overthrow when he overthrew the cities in which Lot had lived.

NIV So when God destroyed the cities of the plain, he remembered Abraham, and he brought Lot out of the catastrophe that overthrew the cities where Lot had lived.

NASB So it came about, when God destroyed the cities of the surrounding area, that God remembered Abraham, and sent Lot out of the midst of the destruction, when He overthrew the cities in which Lot had lived.

CSB So it was, when God destroyed the cities of the plain, he remembered Abraham and brought Lot out of the middle of the upheaval when he demolished the cities where Lot had lived.

NLT But God had listened to Abraham’s request and kept Lot safe, removing him from the disaster that engulfed the cities on the plain.

KJV And it came to pass, when God destroyed the cities of the plain, that God remembered Abraham, and sent Lot out of the midst of the overthrow, when he overthrew the cities in the which Lot dwelt.

NKJV And it came to pass, when God destroyed the cities of the plain, that God remembered Abraham, and sent Lot out of the midst of the overthrow, when He overthrew the cities in which Lot had dwelt.

What does Genesis 19:29 mean?

This verse restates what Abraham learned only later. God saved Lot and Lot's daughters because He remembered Abraham. God even saved Lot's wife, at least temporarily, though she died during the escape due to her own disobedience. God did indeed overthrow and thoroughly destroy the region in which Lot lived for their overwhelming sinfulness. But God saved Lot.

God's act of rescue even in His judgment would serve as evidence to Abraham that God would keep His promises to Abraham in the years to come. What happened in Sodom and Gomorrah has to be remembered when interpreting God's command to Abraham in chapter 22 to sacrifice his son Isaac. God has proven that He will not only act properly, but that He will work out all things for good in ways Abraham never could have foreseen. It is that earned trust, through experience with God's providence, which will lead Abraham to place his faith in God during such a confusing time.

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Context Summary
Genesis 19:23–29 describes the utter destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah with sulfur and fire. Based on prior descriptions in the book of Genesis, this devastation is both overdue and well-deserved. The Lord's judgment wipes out the cities, all of the valley, all of the people, and all of the vegetation. God demonstrates that He will judge humans for their sinfulness when the time is right. He also demonstrates His grace and mercy, however, remembering His promises to Abraham in rescuing Abraham's nephew Lot.

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Chapter Context
Two angels, disguised as men, visit Abraham's nephew, Lot, in the city of Sodom. After the men of Sodom attempt to rape the angels in Lot's home, the angels rescue Lot and his family, forcibly removing them from the city. Then God sends fire and sulfur from heaven. This destroys all of the land and people in and around the cities. As stated in earlier verses, this is the result of their great and ongoing wickedness. Lot's wife is turned to a pillar of salt when she disobeys the angels by looking back on the destruction. Lot and his daughters flee first to Zoar, then to a cave in the hills. There, Lot's confused and frightened daughters get him drunk, have sex with him, and each become pregnant.

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