Old Testament
Genesis 19:20
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
"Look, there is a small town nearby that I could escape to. It is just a little place. Please let me flee there — is it not a small town? — and my soul shall live."
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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.
What Genesis 19:20 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this moment, a man is pleading for his life, seeking refuge in a small town nearby. He emphasizes that it is just a little place, hoping that its size will make it a safe haven. His desperation is palpable as he asks for permission to escape there, believing that reaching this town will save him. The urgency in his voice reflects the dire situation he faces, and he is willing to settle for a seemingly insignificant location just to ensure his survival. This plea highlights the instinctive human desire for safety and the lengths one will go to find it. It also shows how sometimes, even the smallest options can provide hope and a chance for a new beginning. The man’s request is not just about physical safety; it’s about preserving his very existence and the hope that comes with it. His words resonate with anyone who has ever felt the need to find a place of security in times of trouble, reminding us that even small places can hold great significance in our lives.
How to apply Genesis 19:20 to your life
When faced with overwhelming challenges, remember that even small options can lead to safety and hope. Don't underestimate the power of seeking refuge, no matter how insignificant it may seem. Sometimes, the simplest choices can make a significant difference in our lives.
Curated for this public verse page. Genesis Summary
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Illustrated scene from Lot's story: Brought Out of Sodom (Genesis 19:12–22)
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Lot
Photo: Diego Delso, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY-SA 3.0. Source. Location: Tell es-Sultan, Jericho, West Bank. Resized for the web.
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Jericho
The city of palm trees, whose walls fell in Joshua's day.
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Keep studying Genesis 19:20
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At a Glance — the Book of Genesis
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Moses
- Written
- Around 1400 BC
- Genre
- Law (Pentateuch)
- Original Audience
- The Israelites in the wilderness
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Genesis 19:20 teach about seeking refuge?
Genesis 19:20 illustrates the instinctive human desire for safety in desperate times. The man's plea for a small town as a refuge highlights that even the most modest options can provide hope and security. This teaches us that in moments of crisis, we should not overlook seemingly insignificant choices that may lead to safety and a new beginning.
Why does the man emphasize the town's small size in Genesis 19:20?
The man emphasizes the town's small size to convey his desperation and belief that its insignificance might make it a safer option for refuge. By highlighting that it is 'just a little place,' he hopes to persuade others that it poses less risk, reflecting the human tendency to seek safety in simplicity during dire situations.
How can Genesis 19:20 apply to modern life challenges?
Genesis 19:20 can be applied to modern life by reminding us that when faced with overwhelming challenges, we should consider all available options, no matter how small they may seem. It encourages us to seek refuge in simple solutions or support systems that can provide safety and hope, reinforcing the idea that even minor choices can lead to significant positive changes.
What themes are present in Genesis 19:20?
The themes present in Genesis 19:20 include desperation, safety, hope, and survival. The verse captures the urgency of seeking refuge and the lengths one will go to preserve life, emphasizing that even small towns can symbolize hope and a chance for a new beginning in times of trouble.
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