Was Lot Righteous? Did He Sin Against His Daughters?

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Some argue that the Bible is contradictory concerning whether Lot was righteous. The argument is that Genesis 19:8 demonstrates that Lot was unrighteous because he offered his daughters to the mob of men, but 2 Peter 2:6-7 says that Lot was righteous. However, there is a very simple explanation that eliminates this alleged contradiction.

Scriptures

Lot Was Unrighteous – Genesis 19:8

, I have two daughters who have not known any man. Let me bring them out to you, and do to them as you please. Only do nothing to these men, for they have come under the shelter of my roof.”

Genesis 19:8

Lot Was Righteous – 2 Peter 2:6-7

6 if by turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah to ashes he condemned them to extinction, making them an example of what is going to happen to the ungodly; 7 and if he rescued righteous Lot, greatly distressed by the sensual conduct of the wicked

2 Peter 2:6-7

The Answer

Lot Was a Righteous Person Who Also Sinned in Genesis 19:8

The simple answer is that we can take Peter at his word when he says that Lot was righteous, and, at the same time, we can recognize that people who are in general righteous are not perfect and can still commit heinous sins, which is what occurred in Genesis 19:8. When Lot offered his daughters to the mob of men in Genesis 19:8, he committed a grievous sin. However, based on 2 Peter 2:6-7, it seems that this sin did not characterize Lot’s life in general; it seems that Lot’s life was generally characterized as reverent and righteous.

More Answers to “Contradictions” in the Bible

To read more answers to alleged and apparent contradictions in the Bible, see “Contradictions” in the Bible Answered.

These books are also excellent resources:

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