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Λώτ (Lōt)

Lōt

Lot

G3091 · Greek · New Testament · 4 verses

Quick Reference

Language
Koine Greek
Testament
New Testament
Occurrences
4 verses
Root
—

Word Overview

The proper name Lōt appears in the New Testament as a reference to Abraham’s nephew, whose story is recounted in Genesis. The sources indicate that the name derives from the Hebrew לוֹט (Lōṭ), meaning "veil" or "covering." This etymological root adds a layer of symbolic weight to his narrative, particularly given the themes of concealment and exposure that define his life.

Scripture mentions Lōt in only four verses, with significant appearances in Luke 17:28-29, 32 and 2 Peter 2:7. In Luke, Jesus uses Lōt’s experience as a warning about the suddenness of the Day of the Son of Man, noting that people were eating and drinking until the day Lōt left Sodom. The account emphasizes the urgency of escape when judgment arrives.

2 Peter 1:7 highlights Lōt as an example of a righteous man who was distressed by the lawless behavior around him in Sodom. This portrayal focuses on his moral discomfort rather than his actions, presenting him as someone who struggled to remain faithful in a corrupt environment. The brevity of these references underscores their function as typological warnings rather than detailed biographies.

Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).

What This Word Means for Your Faith

The name Lot means 'veil' or 'covering,' a detail that quietly shapes how we see his story in Scripture. In Luke, Jesus points to Lot’s days in Sodom to show how ordinary life—eating, drinking, building—can continue right up until judgment arrives. This is not a call to panic, but a reminder that God’s timing is sudden and real.

2 Peter adds another layer, describing Lot as a righteous man who was deeply distressed by the wickedness around him. He did not cause the destruction, nor did he lead the charge against it; he simply lived among corruption while his conscience remained active. For us, this offers comfort: God sees those who feel out of place in a broken world and delivers them according to His justice.

When we face environments that pull us away from faith, Lot’s story invites us to stay alert. It is not about earning salvation through perfection, but about recognizing when God calls us to step back. His deliverance shows that God remembers those who grieve over sin and trusts them with His protection.

How it's translated

How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 4 verses where it appears, by frequency.

  • Lot2×
  • of Lot;1×
  • of Lot!1×

Forms in the text

The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.

  • Λὼτ2×
  • Λώτ·1×
  • Λώτ.1×

Key Verses

  • Luke 17:28
    Likewise, even as it was in the days of Lot: they ate, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they built;

    This verse establishes the normalcy of daily life before judgment, highlighting how Lot’s world was engaged in routine activities like buying and selling until the moment of crisis.

  • Luke 17:29
    but in the day that Lot went out from Sodom, it rained fire and sulfur from the sky and destroyed them all.

    Here the suddenness of divine intervention is shown through the rain of fire and sulfur, marking the irreversible end of Lot’s time in Sodom.

  • II Peter 2:7
    and delivered righteous Lot, who was very distressed by the lustful life of the wicked

    This occurrence defines Lot not by his failures but by his moral distress, showing that God delivers those who are tormented by the lawlessness around them.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the name Lot mean?

The name Lot comes from the Hebrew word for 'veil' or 'covering.' This etymology adds symbolic weight to his narrative, reflecting themes of concealment and eventual exposure in his life story.

Why is Lot mentioned in the New Testament?

Lot appears in the New Testament primarily as a warning example. Jesus uses his story in Luke to illustrate the suddenness of judgment, while Peter uses him in 2 Peter to show that God delivers the righteous who are distressed by wickedness.

Was Lot considered a righteous man?

Yes, 2 Peter 2:7 explicitly calls him 'righteous,' noting that he was 'very distressed by the lustful life of the wicked.' This highlights his moral discomfort in Sodom rather than any heroic actions on his part.

Every Occurrence (4 verses across 2 books)