Genesis 19:30 Lot and his two daughters left Zoar and settled in the mountains--for he was afraid to stay in Zoar--where they lived in a cave.

◄ Genesis 19:30 ►

New International Version
Lot and his two daughters left Zoar and settled in the mountains, for he was afraid to stay in Zoar. He and his two daughters lived in a cave.

New Living Translation
Afterward Lot left Zoar because he was afraid of the people there, and he went to live in a cave in the mountains with his two daughters.

English Standard Version
Now Lot went up out of Zoar and lived in the hills with his two daughters, for he was afraid to live in Zoar. So he lived in a cave with his two daughters.

Berean Standard Bible
Lot and his two daughters left Zoar and settled in the mountains—for he was afraid to stay in Zoar—where they lived in a cave.

King James Bible
And Lot went up out of Zoar, and dwelt in the mountain, and his two daughters with him; for he feared to dwell in Zoar: and he dwelt in a cave, he and his two daughters.

New King James Version
Then Lot went up out of Zoar and dwelt in the mountains, and his two daughters were with him; for he was afraid to dwell in Zoar. And he and his two daughters dwelt in a cave.

New American Standard Bible
Now Lot went up from Zoar with his two daughters and stayed in the mountains, because he was afraid to stay in Zoar; and he stayed in a cave, he and his two daughters.

NASB 1995
Lot went up from Zoar, and stayed in the mountains, and his two daughters with him; for he was afraid to stay in Zoar; and he stayed in a cave, he and his two daughters.

NASB 1977
And Lot went up from Zoar, and stayed in the mountains, and his two daughters with him; for he was afraid to stay in Zoar; and he stayed in a cave, he and his two daughters.

Legacy Standard Bible
And Lot went up from Zoar and stayed in the mountains, and his two daughters with him; for he was afraid to stay in Zoar; and he stayed in a cave, he and his two daughters.

Amplified Bible
Now Lot went up from Zoar, and lived in the mountain together with his two daughters, for he was afraid to stay [any longer] in Zoar; and he lived in a cave with his two daughters.

Christian Standard Bible
Lot departed from Zoar and lived in the mountains along with his two daughters, because he was afraid to live in Zoar. Instead, he and his two daughters lived in a cave.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Lot departed from Zoar and lived in the mountains along with his two daughters, because he was afraid to live in Zoar. Instead, he and his two daughters lived in a cave.

American Standard Version
And Lot went up out of Zoar, and dwelt in the mountain, and his two daughters with him; for he feared to dwell in Zoar: and he dwelt in a cave, he and his two daughters.

Contemporary English Version
Lot was afraid to stay on in Zoar. So he took his two daughters and moved to a cave in the hill country.

English Revised Version
And Lot went up out of Zoar, and dwelt in the mountain, and his two daughters with him; for he feared to dwell in Zoar: and he dwelt in a cave, he and his two daughters.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Lot left Zoar because he was afraid to stay there. He and his two daughters settled in the mountains where they lived in a cave.

Good News Translation
Because Lot was afraid to stay in Zoar, he and his two daughters moved up into the hills and lived in a cave.

International Standard Version
Later on, Lot and his two daughters abandoned Zoar and settled in the hills because Lot was afraid to live in Zoar. He lived there in a cave, along with his two daughters.

Majority Standard Bible
Lot and his two daughters left Zoar and settled in the mountains—for he was afraid to stay in Zoar—where they lived in a cave.

NET Bible
Lot went up from Zoar with his two daughters and settled in the mountains because he was afraid to live in Zoar. So he lived in a cave with his two daughters.

New Heart English Bible
Lot went up out of Zoar, and lived in the mountain, and his two daughters with him; for he was afraid to live in Zoar. He lived in a cave with his two daughters.

Webster's Bible Translation
And Lot went up from Zoar, and dwelt in the mountain, and his two daughters with him; for he feared to dwell in Zoar: and he dwelt in a cave, he, and his two daughters.

World English Bible
Lot went up out of Zoar, and lived in the mountain, and his two daughters with him; for he was afraid to live in Zoar. He lived in a cave with his two daughters.

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
And Lot goes up out of Zoar, and dwells in the mountain, and his two daughters with him, for he has been afraid of dwelling in Zoar, and he dwells in a cave, he and his two daughters.

Young's Literal Translation
And Lot goeth up out of Zoar, and dwelleth in the mountain, and his two daughters with him, for he hath been afraid of dwelling in Zoar, and he dwelleth in a cave, he and his two daughters.

Smith's Literal Translation
And Lot will go up from Zoar and will dwell in the mountain, and his two daughters with him, for he will fear to dwell in Zoar; and he will dwell in a cave, he and his two daughters.

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
And Lot went up out of Segor, and abode in the mountain, and his two daughters with him, (for he was afraid to stay in Segor,) and he dwelt in a cave, he and his two daughters with him.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And Lot ascended from Zoar, and he stayed on the mountain, and likewise his two daughters with him, (for he was afraid to stay in Zoar) and he dwelt in a cave, he and his two daughters with him.

New American Bible
Since Lot was afraid to stay in Zoar, he and his two daughters went up from Zoar and settled in the hill country, where he lived with his two daughters in a cave.

New Revised Standard Version
Now Lot went up out of Zoar and settled in the hills with his two daughters, for he was afraid to stay in Zoar; so he lived in a cave with his two daughters.

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
And Lot went up out of Zoar and dwelt in the mountain, and his two daughters were with him; for he was afraid to live in Zoar; and he dwelt in a cave, both he and his two daughters.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And Lot came up from Tsaar and sat down in the mountain, he and his two daughters with him, because he was afraid to sit in Tsaar, and he and his two daughters sat down in a cave.

OT Translations

JPS Tanakh 1917
And Lot went up out of Zoar, and dwelt in the mountain, and his two daughters with him; for he feared to dwell in Zoar; and he dwelt in a cave, he and his two daughters.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And Lot went up out of Segor, and dwelt in the mountain, he and his two daughters with him, for he feared to dwell in Segor; and he dwelt in a cave, he and his two daughters with him.

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

Lot and His Daughters
30Lot and his two daughters left Zoar and settled in the mountains— for he was afraid to stay in Zoar— where they lived in a cave. 31One day the older daughter said to the younger, “Our father is old, and there is no man in the land to sleep with us, as is the custom over all the earth.…

Berean Standard Bible · Download

Cross References

Genesis 13:10-13
And Lot looked out and saw that the whole plain of the Jordan, all the way to Zoar, was well watered like the garden of the LORD, like the land of Egypt. (This was before the LORD destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah.) / So Lot chose the whole plain of the Jordan for himself and set out toward the east. And Abram and Lot parted company. / Abram lived in the land of Canaan, but Lot settled in the cities of the plain and pitched his tent toward Sodom. ...

Genesis 13:18
So Abram moved his tent and went to live near the Oaks of Mamre at Hebron, where he built an altar to the LORD.

Genesis 14:12
They also carried off Abram’s nephew Lot and his possessions, since Lot was living in Sodom.

Genesis 14:16
He retrieved all the goods, as well as his relative Lot and his possessions, together with the women and the rest of the people.

Genesis 18:20-21
Then the LORD said, “The outcry against Sodom and Gomorrah is great. Because their sin is so grievous, / I will go down to see if their actions fully justify the outcry that has reached Me. If not, I will find out.”

Genesis 19:17
As soon as the men had brought them out, one of them said, “Run for your lives! Do not look back, and do not stop anywhere on the plain! Flee to the mountains, or you will be swept away!”

Genesis 19:26
But Lot’s wife looked back, and she became a pillar of salt.

Genesis 19:29
So when God destroyed the cities of the plain, He remembered Abraham, and He brought Lot out of the catastrophe that destroyed the cities where he had lived.

Deuteronomy 2:9
Then the LORD said to me, “Do not harass the Moabites or provoke them to war, for I will not give you any of their land, because I have given Ar to the descendants of Lot as their possession.”

Deuteronomy 2:19
But when you get close to the Ammonites, do not harass them or provoke them, for I will not give you any of the land of the Ammonites. I have given it to the descendants of Lot as their possession.”

Psalm 107:34
and fruitful land into fields of salt, because of the wickedness of its dwellers.

Isaiah 13:19
And Babylon, the jewel of the kingdoms, the glory of the pride of the Chaldeans, will be overthrown by God like Sodom and Gomorrah.

Jeremiah 49:18
As Sodom and Gomorrah were overthrown along with their neighbors,” says the LORD, “no one will dwell there; no man will abide there.

Lamentations 4:6
The punishment of the daughter of my people is greater than that of Sodom, which was overthrown in an instant without a hand turned to help her.

Ezekiel 16:49-50
Now this was the iniquity of your sister Sodom: She and her daughters were arrogant, overfed, and complacent; they did not help the poor and needy. / Thus they were haughty and committed abominations before Me. Therefore I removed them, as you have seen.

Treasury of Scripture

And Lot went up out of Zoar, and dwelled in the mountain, and his two daughters with him; for he feared to dwell in Zoar: and he dwelled in a cave, he and his two daughters.

Lot.

Genesis 19:17-23
And it came to pass, when they had brought them forth abroad, that he said, Escape for thy life; look not behind thee, neither stay thou in all the plain; escape to the mountain, lest thou be consumed…

for he.

Genesis 49:4
Unstable as water, thou shalt not excel; because thou wentest up to thy father's bed; then defiledst thou it: he went up to my couch.

Jeremiah 2:36,37
Why gaddest thou about so much to change thy way? thou also shalt be ashamed of Egypt, as thou wast ashamed of Assyria…

James 1:8
A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.

Zoar.

Genesis 13:10
And Lot lifted up his eyes, and beheld all the plain of Jordan, that it was well watered every where, before the LORD destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah, even as the garden of the LORD, like the land of Egypt, as thou comest unto Zoar.

Genesis 14:22
And Abram said to the king of Sodom, I have lift up mine hand unto the LORD, the most high God, the possessor of heaven and earth,

Deuteronomy 34:3
And the south, and the plain of the valley of Jericho, the city of palm trees, unto Zoar.

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Genesis 19

1. Lot entertains two angels.
4. The vicious Sodomites are smitten with blindness.
12. Lot is warned, and in vain warns his sons-in-law.
15. He is directed to flee to the mountains, but obtains leave to go into Zoar.
24. Sodom and Gomorrah are destroyed.
26. Lot's wife looks back and becomes a pillar of salt.
29. Lot dwells in a cave.
31. The incestuous origin of Moab and Ammon.

Berean Study Bible

Lot and his two daughters
This phrase highlights the remnants of Lot's family after the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. Lot, a nephew of Abraham, had chosen to live in the fertile plains near Sodom, but now he is left with only his two daughters. The Hebrew root for "daughters" (בָּנוֹת, banot) emphasizes the familial bond and the continuation of Lot's lineage, albeit under dire circumstances. This setting underscores the theme of survival and the consequences of choices made outside of God's guidance.

left Zoar
Zoar was one of the five cities of the plain, spared from destruction at Lot's request (Genesis 19:20-22). The name "Zoar" means "small" or "insignificant" in Hebrew, reflecting its minor status compared to the other cities. Lot's departure from Zoar signifies a transition from a place of perceived safety to one of isolation, driven by fear. This movement can be seen as a metaphor for leaving behind worldly security to seek refuge in God's provision, even when it seems less promising.

settled in the mountains
The mountains often symbolize a place of refuge and divine encounter in biblical literature. In Hebrew, "mountains" (הָהָר, hahar) can also imply a place of testing and transformation. Lot's choice to settle in the mountains, despite initially pleading to stay in Zoar, suggests a return to a more primitive and dependent state, away from the corrupting influences of the cities. This setting invites reflection on the spiritual journey of seeking higher ground and the protection that comes from trusting in God's plan.

for he was afraid to stay in Zoar
Lot's fear is a pivotal element in this narrative. The Hebrew word for "afraid" (יָרֵא, yare) conveys a deep sense of dread or reverence. Lot's fear may stem from witnessing the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah and realizing the potential for judgment upon Zoar. This fear drives him to seek safety in the mountains, illustrating how fear can lead to decisions that align more closely with God's will, even when they involve leaving behind comfort and familiarity.

Instead, he and his two daughters lived in a cave
The cave represents a stark contrast to the life Lot once knew in Sodom. In biblical times, caves were often used as shelters or places of refuge. The Hebrew word for "cave" (מְעָרָה, me'arah) suggests a hidden or enclosed space, symbolizing both protection and isolation. This setting reflects Lot's reduced circumstances and the humbling of his family, yet it also serves as a place where God can work in unexpected ways. The cave becomes a backdrop for the unfolding of God's redemptive plan, even amidst human frailty and failure.

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(30) He feared to dwell in Zoar.--Though this little place had been granted him for an asylum, yet, terrified at the sight of the smoking valley, and remembering that he had been originally commanded to go to the mountains, he summons up his courage and proceeds thither. The limestone regions of Palestine are full of caverns; and the patriarch, whose wealth had been so great that he and Abraham could not dwell together, is now content to seek in one of these caverns a miserable home.

Pulpit Commentary

Verse 30. - And Lot went up out of Zoar (probably soon after), and dwelt in the mountain (i.e. of Moab, on the east of the Dead Sea), and his two daughters - step-daughters, it has been suggested, if Lot married a widow who was the mother of the two girls (Starke) - with him; for he feared to dwell in Zoar - from which the panic-stricken inhabitants may have fled towards the mountains (Murphy), either because at that time it was shaken by an earthquake (Jerome, Rosenmüller); or because he dreaded the conflagration which devoured the other cities might spread thither (Peele, Kalisch, Wordsworth), or the rising waters of the Dead Sea which engulfed them might reach to it (Bush) - apprehensions which were groundless and unbelieving, since God had granted Zoar for an asylum (Lange); or because he saw the wickedness of the inhabitants, who had not been improved by Sodom's doom (Vatablus, Inglis); or simply because he was driven by "a blind anxiety of mind" (Calvin). And he dwelt in a cave, - i.e. in one of those cavernous recesses with which the Moabitish mountains abound, and which already had been converted into dwelling-places by the primitive inhabitants of the region (cf. Genesis 14:6) - he and his two daughters

Parallel Commentaries ...

Hebrew

Lot
ל֨וֹט (lō·wṭ)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3876: Lot -- Abraham's nephew

and
עִמּ֔וֹ (‘im·mōw)
Preposition | third person masculine singular
Strong's 5973: With, equally with

his two
וּשְׁתֵּ֤י (ū·šə·tê)
Conjunctive waw | Number - fdc
Strong's 8147: Two (a cardinal number)

daughters
בְנֹתָיו֙ (ḇə·nō·ṯāw)
Noun - feminine plural construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 1323: A daughter

left
וַיַּעַל֩ (way·ya·‘al)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5927: To ascend, in, actively

Zoar
מִצּ֜וֹעַר (miṣ·ṣō·w·‘ar)
Preposition-m | Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 6820: Zoar -- 'insignificance', a city at the southeastern end of the Dead Sea

and settled
וַיֵּ֣שֶׁב (way·yê·šeḇ)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 3427: To sit down, to dwell, to remain, to settle, to marry

in the mountains—
בָּהָ֗ר (bā·hār)
Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 2022: Mountain, hill, hill country

for
כִּ֥י (kî)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

he was afraid
יָרֵ֖א (yā·rê)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 3372: To fear, to revere, caus, to frighten

to stay
לָשֶׁ֣בֶת (lā·še·ḇeṯ)
Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 3427: To sit down, to dwell, to remain, to settle, to marry

in Zoar—
בְּצ֑וֹעַר (bə·ṣō·w·‘ar)
Preposition-b | Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 6820: Zoar -- 'insignificance', a city at the southeastern end of the Dead Sea

where [they]
ה֖וּא (hū)
Pronoun - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1931: He, self, the same, this, that, as, are

lived
וַיֵּ֙שֶׁב֙ (way·yê·šeḇ)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 3427: To sit down, to dwell, to remain, to settle, to marry

in a cave.
בַּמְּעָרָ֔ה (bam·mə·‘ā·rāh)
Preposition-b, Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 4631: A cavern

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OT Law: Genesis 19:30 Lot went up out of Zoar (Gen. Ge Gn)