Bereshis 19:6

6 And Lot went outside unto them, and shut the delet after him,

Bereshis 19:6 Meaning and Commentary

Genesis 19:6

And Lot went out at the door unto them
At the door of his house:

and shut the door after him;
the door of the passage to his house, the courtyard door, for another word is here used; unless the one was properly the door, and the other a hatch: however, this precaution of shutting it was used to prevent the men of Sodom rushing in, and taking away the men by violence; and that Lot might have some opportunity of trying what he could do by arguments, to prevail upon them to desist from their attempt.

Bereshis 19:6 In-Context

4 But before they lay down, the men of the Ir, even the anshei Sodom, surrounded the bais, from na’ar to zeken, all the people from every quarter [of the city];

5 And they called unto Lot, and said unto him, Where are the anashim which came in to thee halailah (this night)? Bring them out unto us, that we may know them [carnally].

6 And Lot went outside unto them, and shut the delet after him,

7 And said, Now, achai (my brethren), do not so wickedly.

8 Hinei now, I have two banot which have not known man; now let me bring them out unto you, and do ye to them as is good in your eyes; only unto these anashim do nothing; for therefore came they under the tzel (shadow) of my korah (beam, roof).