2389. That the “sons-in-law” are the truths that are associated with the affections of good and of truth, in this case that were to be associated, is evident from the signification of “sons-in-law.” In the Word “a man” signifies truth, and a “wife” good (n. 265, 749, 915, 1007), for the reason that between truth and good there is a likeness of a marriage (n. 1432, 1904, 2173). Hence “sons-in-law” signify the knowledges of truth, with which are associated the affections of good (denoted by the “daughters”), but which here are to be associated, for it is said afterwards, in verse 14, that Lot went out and spoke to his sons-in-law that were marrying, that is, were about to marry his daughters.

749. That “male and female” signify truth and good, may be seen from what has been said before, at verses 2 and 3 of this chapter, where “male and female” are predicated of fowls, and “man and wife” of beasts. The reason was also then stated, namely, that there is a marriage of the things of the will with those of the understanding, and not so much of the things of the understanding, in themselves regarded, with those of the will. The former are related as man and wife, the latter as male and female. And because the subject here, as before said, is the temptation of that man as to the things of his understanding, it is said “male and female” and there is meant a combat or temptation as to the things of the understanding.