Genesis 13:12
What does Genesis 13:12 mean?
A plain-English look at Genesis 13:12 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Genesis 13:12 means
After the separation, Abram remained in the land of Canaan, aligning himself with God's original promise and calling. In contrast, Lot settled among the cities of the Jordan Plain and progressively moved his tents nearer to Sodom. This verse highlights the divergent paths: Abram's continued obedience and Lot’s gradual gravitation towards a morally corrupt environment. Lot's closer proximity to Sodom, a city soon to be revealed as exceedingly wicked, foreshadows the spiritual dangers inherent in his seemingly advantageous worldly choice.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Abram dwelt in the land of Canaan, and Lot dwelt in the cities of the Plain, and moved his tent as far as Sodom.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Abram dwelled in the land of Canaan, and Lot dwelled in the cities of the plain, and pitched his tent toward Sodom.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Abram dwelt in the land of Canaan, and Lot dwelt in the cities of the Plain, and moved his tent as far as Sodom.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Abram went on living in the land of Canaan, and Lot went to the lowland towns, moving his tent as far as Sodom.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862Abram hath dwelt in the land of Canaan, and Lot hath dwelt in the cities of the circuit, and tenteth unto Sodom;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Abram dwelt in the land of Chanaan: and Lot abode in the towns, that were about the Jordan, and dwelt in Sodom.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Abram dwelt in the land of Canaan; and Lot dwelt in the cities of the plain, and pitched tents as far as Sodom.
Context
This verse directly contrasts the choices and dwelling places of Abram and Lot following their separation in verse 11. It is critical for establishing the geographical and moral settings for both men. Abram's presence in Canaan reaffirms God's covenant, while Lot's movement toward Sodom sets the stage for the revelation of that city's wickedness in the very next verse, highlighting the spiritual danger of his worldly choice.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Genesis 19:25
and he overthrew those cities, and all the Plain, and all the inhabitants of the cities, and that which grew upon the ground.
- 1 Corinthians 15:33
Be not deceived: Evil companionships corrupt good morals.
- Genesis 19:29
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 dwelt.
- 2 Peter 2:7
and delivered righteous Lot, sore distressed by the lascivious life of the wicked
- Genesis 14:12
And they took Lot, Abram’s brother’s son, who dwelt in Sodom, and his goods, and departed.
- Psalms 26:5
I hate the assembly of evil-doers, And will not sit with the wicked.
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