Where in the Bible Does It Say ‘Remember Lot’s Wife’?
The story of Lot’s wife is one of the most enduring narratives in the Bible, a cautionary tale that has been repeated and interpreted in various ways over the centuries. The phrase “remember Lot’s wife” is often cited in discussions about faith, morality, and the consequences of disobedience. But where exactly does this phrase appear in the Bible?
The story of Lot’s wife is found in the Book of Genesis, specifically in Genesis 19. This account takes place in the city of Sodom, where God sends two angels to warn Lot and his family to leave the city before it is destroyed. The angels instruct them to take their wives, their sons, and their daughters-in-law with them. However, when Lot’s wife looks back at the city as they are leaving, she is turned into a pillar of salt.
The exact phrase “remember Lot’s wife” is not found in the original text of Genesis 19. Instead, it is a summary or paraphrase of the event. The closest biblical reference to this phrase can be found in 2 Peter 2:7, where Peter writes, “And if he did not spare the ancient world, when he brought the flood upon the ungodly, but preserved Noah, a preacher of righteousness, with seven others, he condemned the world of the ungodly to destruction through the flood.” This verse does not mention Lot’s wife directly but is often associated with her story due to the parallels between the flood and the destruction of Sodom.
Despite the lack of the exact phrase in Genesis, the story of Lot’s wife has become a powerful symbol in Christian theology. It serves as a reminder of the importance of obedience and the consequences of looking back on past sins or earthly desires. The phrase “remember Lot’s wife” has been used to encourage believers to stay focused on their spiritual journey and not to be lured back into the world they have left behind.
In conclusion, while the exact phrase “remember Lot’s wife” is not found in the Bible, the story of her fate is a significant part of the narrative in Genesis 19. This tale has been interpreted and repeated throughout history, serving as a cautionary tale for believers and a reminder of the importance of obedience and the consequences of disobedience.