Lot’s daughters get him drunk, and the older daughter sleeps with him while he is completely unaware of what’s happening. The Hebrew phrase for "did not know" is lo yada, meaning total lack of awareness or understanding. Lot’s escape from one crisis leads him into another, this time because he’s numbed himself with alcohol.

This verse challenges the idea that numbing pain or escaping reality is harmless. Both ancient and modern people use substances to avoid facing trauma, but here, it leads to unintended and damaging consequences.

If you’ve ever tried to forget your problems by checking out—whether with alcohol, distractions, or denial—Lot’s story is a warning. Sometimes, the cost of not paying attention is higher than the pain you’re trying to avoid. This verse suggests that facing reality, however hard, is better than losing yourself and your choices in the process.