He said to him: that is, “The angel said to Lot” or “One of the angels said to Lot.”

I grant you this favor also translates the Hebrew idiom “I have lifted up your face,” which has the sense “I will do what you ask me,” or “I will grant your request” (New English Bible). In some languages it will be sufficient to make this response a simple “All right,” and readers will understand that this means that Lot’s request is granted. Some translations make the response fit the actual terms of Lot’s request by saying “All right, you can go there….”

That I will not overthrow the city of which you have spoken is the favor the angel will do for Lot. Nothing has been said about destroying any cities other than Sodom and Gomorrah. It is possible that Zoar, being closely linked to the larger places, was also targeted for destruction until Lot’s special plea. A number of translations, including Good News Translation, shorten the final clause to “that town” or “that village.”

Overthrow the city: in reference to Zoar this means to tear down, overturn, and so destroy. Of which you have spoken may sometimes be rendered by “that city” or “that little town you mentioned.”

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 .