Old Testament
Genesis 19:34
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In this passage, the older daughter reveals to her younger sister that she had a sexual encounter with their father the previous night.
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Moses
- Written
- Around 1400 BC
- Genre
- Law (Pentateuch)
- Original Audience
- The Israelites in the wilderness
The next day the older daughter said to the younger, "Last night I slept with our father. Let us get him to drink wine again tonight, and you go in and sleep with him so we can preserve our father's family line."
And it came to pass on the morrow, that the firstborn said unto the younger, Behold, I lay yesternight with my father: let us make him drink wine this night also; and go thou in, and lie with him, that we may preserve seed of our father.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this passage, the older daughter reveals to her younger sister that she had a sexual encounter with their father the previous night. She proposes that they repeat this act to ensure their family line continues, suggesting that they get their father drunk again. This situation highlights the desperation and moral confusion the daughters face after the destruction of their home in Sodom. They believe that preserving their family lineage is of utmost importance, even if it means resorting to such extreme measures. Their actions reflect a lack of faith in a future beyond their immediate circumstances. This story serves as a stark reminder of how fear and isolation can lead to troubling decisions. It challenges us to consider the lengths we might go to in order to secure our future, even when those choices are deeply flawed. Ultimately, it raises questions about morality, family loyalty, and the consequences of our actions in desperate times. The daughters' plan reveals a complex mix of survival instinct and misguided thinking.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Genesis 19:34 to your life
When faced with difficult situations, we may be tempted to make choices that compromise our values. It's important to pause and reflect on the long-term consequences of our actions. Seeking guidance from trusted sources can help us navigate tough decisions with integrity and wisdom. Remember, there are always better options than resorting to desperation. Trust in a brighter future can lead to healthier choices and outcomes. .
Curated for this public verse page. Genesis Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Genesis 19:34 mean?
Genesis 19:34 describes a troubling situation where the older daughter tells her sister about a sexual encounter with their father, suggesting they repeat the act to ensure their family line continues. This reflects the desperation and moral confusion they face after the destruction of Sodom.
What is the significance of the daughters' actions in Genesis 19:34?
The daughters' actions in Genesis 19:34 signify a deep moral confusion and a survival instinct driven by fear and isolation. Their plan to get their father drunk and sleep with him reveals their misguided thinking in a desperate situation.
Why did the daughters want to sleep with their father in Genesis 19:34?
The daughters wanted to sleep with their father to preserve their family line, believing it was necessary after the destruction of Sodom. Their actions reflect a lack of faith in a future beyond their immediate circumstances.
What themes are present in Genesis 19:34?
Genesis 19:34 presents themes of desperation, family loyalty, moral confusion, and survival instinct. These themes highlight the complex decisions people make when faced with extreme challenges.
The Book of Genesis
Genesis 1: Creation
God creates the heaven and the earth, and the earth is without form and void, covered in darkness as His Spirit moves upon the waters. He speaks light into existence, separates it from darkness, and names them Day and Night. He divides the waters with a firmament called Heaven, gathers the lower waters to reveal dry land called Earth, and commands the earth to bring forth grass, herbs, and fruit trees yielding seed after their kind. He sets the sun, moon, and stars in the firmament to divide day from night, to give light, and to mark seasons, days, and years. He fills the waters with living creatures and the air with fowl, blessing them to multiply, then creates cattle, creeping things, and beasts of the earth. Finally, He creates man in His own image, male and female, gives them dominion over all living things, and appoints every herb and tree for food, and He sees that all He has made is very good.
Unlock the full Genesis summary
Continue reading every chapter — themes, structure, and turning points.
The complete summary of Genesis — a chapter-by-chapter breakdown covering all 50 chapters.
What you get
Every chapter of Genesis summarized in clear, modern English
How each section connects — narrative flow, key themes, and turning points
Permanent access — read anytime, on any device
Best value • Save over 90%
One-time purchase • Access anytime
ClearBible summaries are proprietary content and may not be copied, republished, or resold.
Checkout works as a guest. After payment, you create an account to claim your unlock.