Λώτ

Lot

Definition

Λώτ (Lot) is the Greek form of the Hebrew name for Abraham's nephew, a significant patriarchal figure. In the New Testament, he is presented not primarily as a historical individual but as a moral exemplar and a recipient of divine rescue. In Luke 17:28-29, he is a figure from the past whose time in Sodom parallels the days of Noah, illustrating sudden, catastrophic judgment. In 2 Peter 2:7, he is explicitly called 'righteous Lot,' distressed by the lawless conduct of Sodom and rescued by God, serving as an example of divine deliverance of the godly from trial.

Biblical Usage

The name Λώτ is used exclusively in reference to the Old Testament patriarch. It appears in two distinct contexts: in the Gospel of Luke (17:28, 29, 32) as part of Jesus' teaching about the suddenness of the Day of the Son of Man, using the destruction of Sodom as a parallel. The single use in 2 Peter 2:7 highlights Lot's righteous character and his rescue from the corrupt city, using him as a proof of God's ability to save the godly from temptation and judgment.

Etymology

Λώτ is a direct transliteration of the Hebrew name לוֹט (Lôṭ) into Greek. It is not derived from a Greek root word but is a proper name borrowed from the Septuagint (the Greek translation of the Old Testament), where it is used consistently for Abraham's nephew. Its meaning in Hebrew is uncertain but may relate to a 'covering' or 'veil.'

Semantic Range

Lot is a theologically significant figure in the New Testament for illustrating God's justice and mercy. In Luke, his story underscores the sudden, unexpected nature of divine judgment and the urgency of repentance. In 2 Peter, he becomes a key example of God's faithfulness in preserving the righteous, even when they are immersed in a corrupt environment (2 Peter 2:7-9). Understanding the Greek references enriches reading by connecting Jesus' and Peter's teachings directly to the Genesis narrative, emphasizing continuity in God's character across the Testaments.

As a proper name for a patriarchal figure, Λώτ would have been familiar to a 1st-century Jewish or God-fearing audience from the Greek Old Testament (Septuagint). His association with Sodom and Gomorrah made him an immediate cultural reference point for extreme wickedness and divine judgment. The New Testament authors assume this shared knowledge to make their theological points about eschatology and righteousness.

There are no direct synonyms, as it is a proper name. Theologically, he is connected to concepts of rescue and righteousness. A related figure is Νῶε (Nōe, G3575) — Noah, who is also used alongside Lot in Luke 17:26-30 as another example of a survivor of divine judgment.

Word Details

Scripture References