Lot’s wife’s story begins in the book of Genesis, where Lot flees Egypt with Abram and Sarai (who later become Abraham and Sarah). It’s unclear whether Lot’s wife flees Egypt with the trio or meets and marries Lot later in her birthplace of Sodom. Lot, who is Abram’s nephew, eventually parts with his uncle and settles down in Sodom, despite knowing the city’s bad reputation. He lives there with his wife, two daughters, and his sons-in-law, amassing great wealth. The city’s reputation as a wicked enclave existed far before Lot’s arrival. The constant news of Sodom’s wickedness is so great that it draws God’s attention. God decides to destroy Sodom and Gomorrah if there aren’t at least 10 worthy men in the cities.

One day, two angels in the guise of men arrive at Sodom’s gates. Lot greets them and offers hospitality, and the angels finally accept. It’s traditionally believed that Lot’s male neighbors surround Lot’s house and demand to have sex with the disguised angels. Lot tries offering his virgin daughters to the mob instead, to no avail. The angels, realizing there aren’t at least 10 worthy men, blind the men outside and tell Lot that God will soon destroy the cities for wickedness.