Oh, no, my lords: Lot does not possess the tact and style of his uncle Abraham. For Oh see 18.30. Lords in Hebrew is ambiguous in form and can be taken to be either singular or plural. However, Lot continues with the singular in the next clause, and so it is recommended that the singular also be used here. Note Good News Translation “sir.” Lot’s refusal refers to his not wanting to leave the valley. In some languages it may be best to make this clear by rearranging verse 19 and linking some of the later part of it to these opening words; for example, “No, master. Those hills are a very long way. Please don’t….”

Quoted with permission from Reyburn, William D. and Fry, Euan McG. A Handbook on Genesis. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 1997. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .