What does Genesis 19:35 mean?
"And they made their father drink wine that night also: and the younger arose, and lay with him; and he perceived not when she lay down, nor when she arose." - Genesis 19:35

The Bible verse Genesis 19:35 from the King James Version reads, "And they made their father drink wine that night: and the firstborn went in, and lay with her father; and he perceived not when she lay down, nor when she arose."
This verse is part of the larger narrative of the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. The context of this specific verse is the aftermath of the destruction, where Lot and his two daughters find themselves living in a cave in fear for their lives. This scene follows the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, and Lot's wife turning into a pillar of salt for disobeying the angels' instructions.
The themes of this verse can be seen as the consequences of moral corruption and the destructive power of unchecked sin. The actions of Lot and his daughters are the result of the moral decay of Sodom and Gomorrah, and we see the consequences of their actions in this passage.
The symbolism in this verse is quite profound. The act of the daughters getting their father drunk and then lying with him is a desperate attempt to continue their family line, even if it meant committing such a grotesque act. It illustrates the depths of the daughters' desperation and the moral decay that has infected their society. This is a particularly disturbing scene that confronts the reader with the consequences of sin and the depths to which people can sink when they abandon moral principles.
This passage can also be seen as a cautionary tale about the destructive power of sin and the importance of upholding moral values. It serves as a reminder of the consequences that can result from unchecked sin and moral corruption. The actions of Lot and his daughters are a stark reminder of how easily society can devolve into chaos and immorality when people forsake their moral compass.
In interpreting this passage, it is important to consider the historical context and the cultural norms of the time. In ancient societies, the continuation of a family line was of utmost importance, and this may have influenced the actions of Lot's daughters. However, it is crucial to note that the Bible does not condone their actions, but rather presents them as a cautionary tale.
This verse can also serve as a reminder of the grace and mercy of God. Despite the moral decay and destruction that surrounded them, God spared Lot and his daughters. This serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness and his ability to bring hope and restoration even in the midst of chaos and destruction.
In conclusion, Genesis 19:35 is a difficult and challenging passage that forces the reader to confront the consequences of sin and the depths to which people can sink when they abandon moral principles. It serves as a cautionary tale about the destructive power of sin and the importance of upholding moral values. Ultimately, it also serves as a reminder of the grace and mercy of God, who is able to bring hope and restoration even in the midst of chaos and destruction.
Have questions about Genesis 19:35?
Dive deeper into this scripture with Bible Chat — an AI-powered tool for exploring God's Word through conversation. Ask questions, get context, and grow in your understanding of the Bible.
Get Our Apps
Genesis 19:35 Artwork
Genesis 19-35
"And they made their father drink wine that night also: and the younger arose, and lay with him; and he perceived not when she lay down, nor when she arose." - Genesis 19:35
Genesis 35:19 - "And Rachel died, and was buried in the way to Ephrath, which is Beth-lehem."
"And Rachel died, and was buried in the way to Ephrath, which is Beth-lehem." - Genesis 35:19
Genesis 26:35
Genesis 31:35
Genesis 24-35
Genesis 35:16-20
genesis 26:1-35
Genesis 29:16-35
Genesis 35:24 - "The sons of Rachel; Joseph, and Benjamin:"
Genesis 35:25 - "And the sons of Bilhah, Rachel's handmaid; Dan, and Naphtali:"
2 Chronicles 35:19 - "In the eighteenth year of the reign of Josiah was this passover kept."
Joshua 19:35 - "And the fenced cities are Ziddim, Zer, and Hammath, Rakkath, and Chinnereth,"
Genesis 35:28 - "And the days of Isaac were an hundred and fourscore years."
Genesis 26:35 - "Which were a grief of mind unto Isaac and to Rebekah."
Leviticus 19:35 - "¶ Ye shall do no unrighteousness in judgment, in meteyard, in weight, or in measure."
Genesis 19-19
Genesis 35:21 - "¶ And Israel journeyed, and spread his tent beyond the tower of Edar."
Luke 19:35 - "And they brought him to Jesus: and they cast their garments upon the colt, and they set Jesus thereon."
"The sons of Rachel; Joseph, and Benjamin:" - Genesis 35:24
Genesis 35:15 - "And Jacob called the name of the place where God spake with him, Beth-el."
Genesis 35:23 - "The sons of Leah; Reuben, Jacob's firstborn, and Simeon, and Levi, and Judah, and Issachar, and Zebulun:"
Genesis 35:13 - "And God went up from him in the place where he talked with him."
Genesis 27:35 - "And he said, Thy brother came with subtilty, and hath taken away thy blessing."
Genesis 35:20 - "And Jacob set a pillar upon her grave: that is the pillar of Rachel's grave unto this day."
Genesis 35:9 - "¶ And God appeared unto Jacob again, when he came out of Padan-aram, and blessed him."
Genesis 35:16 - "¶ And they journeyed from Beth-el; and there was but a little way to come to Ephrath: and Rachel travailed, and she had hard labour."
Genesis 35:5 - "And they journeyed: and the terror of God was upon the cities that were round about them, and they did not pursue after the sons of Jacob."
Genesis 35:6 - "¶ So Jacob came to Luz, which is in the land of Canaan, that is, Beth-el, he and all the people that were with him."