Lot

Technical Profile

• Name Meaning: Hebrew לוֹט (Lôṭ), likely “covering/veil” (meaning uncertain)
• Period/Era: Patriarchal Period
• Main References: Genesis 11:27–14:24; 18:16–19:38
• Key Connections: Nephew of Abram/Abraham; companion of Sarah; linked to Sodom; ancestor of Moab and Ammon

Who was Lot?

Lot was the son of Haran and the nephew of Abram, traveling with Abram’s household from Mesopotamia toward Canaan (Genesis 11:31).
He later separated from Abram due to disputes between their herdsmen and settled in the Jordan Valley near Sodom (Genesis 13:5–12).
His household was rescued during the judgment on Sodom, though his wife perished on the way out (Genesis 19:15–26).

Key Events & Achievements

• Separation from Abram: Chose the Jordan Valley and moved toward Sodom as their households divided land and resources (Genesis 13:8–12).
• Rescue from captivity: Was taken during regional conflict and recovered by Abram’s pursuit (Genesis 14:12–16).
• Escape from Sodom: Was led out before the city’s destruction, afterward living in the hill country (Genesis 19:15–30).

Life Lesson & Legacy

Lot’s story links patriarchal family movement and land choices with the later origins of neighboring peoples east of Israel.

Key Verse

"So Lot chose for himself all the Jordan Valley, and Lot journeyed east. Thus they separated from each other." — Genesis 13:11, ESV