WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH: Women of the Bible: Lot's Wife

 

WOMAN OF THE BIBLE: LOT’S WIFE

This woman in the Bible is known to us only as “Lot’s wife.” Her name is never recorded, yet her story carries a powerful and sobering lesson—one that still speaks clearly to our hearts today.

Her story is found in Genesis 19:15–26, and Jesus Himself later refers to it in Luke 17:29–33. We are told that Lot and his family lived in the city of Sodom, a place steeped in corruption and wickedness. Lot, Abraham’s nephew, was a respected man in the city—likely a civic leader—and his family enjoyed wealth, comfort, and social status. From the outside, they appeared settled and secure.

But as Sodom’s sin grew more grievous, God’s judgment drew near. Abraham pleaded with God, asking if the city might be spared for the sake of righteous people living there. God agreed—but tragically, the only righteous ones found were Lot and his family.

In His mercy, God sent angels to warn Lot of the coming destruction and to help his family escape. Even then, hesitation lingered. The angels urged them to flee to the mountains and gave one clear command: do not look back.

As fire and brimstone rained down from heaven, Lot, his wife, and their two daughters fled for their lives. But in a single, fateful moment, Lot’s wife stopped. She turned and looked back at the city she was leaving behind—the life, the comfort, the possessions, and perhaps the identity she had grown to love more than obedience to God. Scripture tells us plainly: “But Lot’s wife looked back behind him, and she became a pillar of salt.” (Genesis 19:26)

Her personality:

Over time, she had become materialistic and self-focused, allowing comfort and status to dull her spiritual sensitivity. Though she had received a clear warning, she chose disobedience in a moment of longing for what she was leaving behind.

Her spiritual gifts

Perhaps Lot’s wife possessed the gift of hospitality. Along with Lot, she welcomed the angels into their home and prepared a meal for them. Even so, spiritual gifts alone cannot sustain a heart that clings to the world rather than to God.

The garden flower associated with her

The white lily may symbolize Lot’s wife, reminding us of Jesus’ words to “consider the lilies”—to trust God’s provision and not look back with fear or regret. The lily calls us to faith, surrender, and forward-looking trust.

How God guides us through her story

Lot’s wife teaches us the cost of divided hearts. God calls us to obedience and wholehearted trust—not to dwell on our sinful past or cling to what He is asking us to leave behind. When we look back, we risk missing the future God is leading us toward. 

Read and reflect: 

After reading the Scriptures, pause and examine your own life. Do you find yourself mourning the past or replaying old regrets?  Are you holding tightly to something God is asking you to release? How can you trust Him enough to move forward without looking back?

Obedience to God’s Word leads us into freedom, righteousness, and life. When God says, “Go,” may we go without hesitation—and keep our eyes fixed on Him.

Bibliography

Gower, Ralph. Manners and Customs of Bible Times. Chicago: Moody Bible Institute, 2005.

Harney, Sherry. Praying with Women of the Bible for 30 Days. Grand Rapids, MI: Harper Christian Resources, 2025.

Lockyer, Herbert. All the Men of the Bible; All the Women of the Bible. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2005.

Miller, Stephen M. The Complete Guide to the Bible. Uhrichsville, OH: Barbour Books, 2007.

Richards, Lawrence O. The Bible Reader’s Companion: Your Guide to Every Chapter of the Bible. Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1991.

Richards, Sue Poorman, and Lawrence O. Richards. Women of the Bible: The Life and Times of Every Woman in the Bible. Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 2003.

Roeleveld, Lori Stanley. Graceful Influence: Making a Lasting Impact through Lessons from Women of the Bible. Grand Rapids, MI: Our Daily Bread Publishing, 2004.

Spangler, Ann, and Jean E. Syswerda. Women of the Bible: A One-Year Devotional Study of Women in Scripture. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2007.

The International Bible Society. The Women’s Devotional Bible 2. Colorado Springs, CO: International Bible Society, 1978.