The stories of Sodom and Gomorrah in the Bible stand as one of the most powerful examples of God’s judgment against sin and wickedness. The cities, known for their rampant immorality and inhospitality, were destroyed by fire and brimstone as a direct result of their corruption.
These verses remind us of the importance of living righteous lives, honoring God’s laws, and understanding the consequences of rejecting Him.
In this blog post, we will dive deep into 15 Bible verses that highlight the story of Sodom and Gomorrah. By exploring these verses, we can reflect on the lessons they teach us about God’s justice, mercy, and the importance of repentance.
1. Genesis 18:20
“Then the Lord said, ‘Because the outcry against Sodom and Gomorrah is great and their sin is very grave…'”
Explanation: This verse sets the stage for the impending judgment of Sodom and Gomorrah. God acknowledges the grievousness of the sin in these cities, emphasizing that their wickedness has reached a tipping point. It’s a stark reminder of how sin can grow to such an extent that it invites divine intervention.
2. Genesis 18:21
“‘I will go down to see whether they have done altogether according to the outcry that has come to me. And if not, I will know.'”
Explanation: Here, God decides to investigate the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah before making His final judgment. This reveals God’s justice—He does not act on hearsay or assumptions but ensures that His actions are based on the full truth. It shows that God’s decisions are always thorough and righteous.
3. Genesis 18:23-24
“Then Abraham drew near and said, ‘Will you indeed sweep away the righteous with the wicked? Suppose there are fifty righteous within the city. Will you then sweep away the place and not spare it for the fifty righteous who are in it?'”
Explanation: Abraham intercedes for the cities, asking God if He will destroy them even if there are righteous people within. This is a key moment in the story, showing Abraham’s compassion and willingness to intercede on behalf of others. It also highlights God’s fairness and willingness to show mercy to the righteous.
4. Genesis 18:32
“‘Then he said, ‘Oh let not the Lord be angry, and I will speak again but this once. Suppose ten are found there.’ He answered, ‘For the sake of ten I will not destroy it.'”
Explanation: Abraham continues to plead with God, asking if the cities would be spared for the sake of even ten righteous people. God’s answer shows that He is willing to withhold judgment if even a small remnant of righteousness remains. It speaks to God’s mercy, but also His standard of justice.
5. Genesis 19:1
“The two angels came to Sodom in the evening, and Lot was sitting in the gate of Sodom. When Lot saw them, he rose to meet them and bowed himself with his face to the earth.”
Explanation: The angels, sent by God to assess the situation in Sodom, arrive in the city. Lot, a righteous man who lived among the people, immediately recognizes their divine nature. His respectful greeting shows his awareness of the gravity of the situation and his desire to show hospitality.
6. Genesis 19:4-5
“But before they lay down, the men of the city, the men of Sodom, both young and old, all the people to the last man, surrounded the house. And they called to Lot, ‘Where are the men who came to you tonight? Bring them out to us, that we may know them.'”
Explanation: The men of Sodom’s wickedness is revealed here as they demand to have immoral relations with the angels in disguise. This scene illustrates the extreme depravity of the city and serves as a key reason for God’s judgment—such actions were not only sinful but also deeply violent and corrupt.
7. Genesis 19:13
“For we are about to destroy this place, because the outcry against its people has become great before the Lord, and the Lord has sent us to destroy it.”
Explanation: The angels confirm God’s decision to destroy Sodom and Gomorrah due to the great wickedness of their inhabitants. This statement serves as a final declaration of judgment, emphasizing the severity of the cities’ sin and the necessity of their destruction.
8. Genesis 19:15
“As morning dawned, the angels urged Lot, saying, ‘Up, take your wife and your two daughters who are here, lest you be swept away in the punishment of the city.'”
Explanation: This is the moment when Lot is urgently warned to flee the city with his family. It demonstrates God’s mercy in offering Lot and his family a chance to escape the coming destruction. The fact that Lot was saved despite the city’s wickedness reflects God’s grace.
9. Genesis 19:24-25
“Then the Lord rained on Sodom and Gomorrah sulfur and fire from the Lord out of heaven. And he overthrew those cities, and all the valley, and all the inhabitants of the cities, and what grew on the ground.”
Explanation: This verse describes the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah—God’s judgment is swift and final. The fire and sulfur symbolize the total devastation of the cities and their complete destruction, marking the seriousness of sin and the consequences of living in rebellion against God.
10. Genesis 19:26
“But Lot’s wife, behind him, looked back, and she became a pillar of salt.”
Explanation: Lot’s wife disobeys the angel’s command to not look back at the city as it was being destroyed. Her turning back symbolizes longing for the sinful life she was leaving behind. Her punishment serves as a reminder of the importance of obedience and leaving behind our old ways when we follow God.
11. Deuteronomy 29:23
“The whole land burned out with brimstone and salt, nothing sown, and nothing growing, where no plant can sprout, and overthrow like that of Sodom and Gomorrah, Admah and Zeboiim, which the Lord overthrew in his anger and wrath.”
Explanation: This verse recounts the complete devastation of Sodom and Gomorrah. It reminds us of the extent of God’s wrath when sin reaches its peak. The land was rendered barren, showing that sin not only affects individuals but the land and the world around us.
12. Isaiah 1:9
“If the Lord of hosts had not left us a few survivors, we would have been like Sodom, and we would have been like Gomorrah.”
Explanation: Isaiah compares the sinful state of Israel to that of Sodom and Gomorrah. This verse emphasizes God’s mercy in leaving a remnant, despite the widespread corruption. It serves as a warning against falling into the same sinful patterns as those cities.
13. Ezekiel 16:49-50
“Behold, this was the guilt of your sister Sodom: she and her daughters had pride, excess of food, and prosperous ease, but did not aid the poor and needy. They were haughty and did an abomination before me. So I removed them, when I saw it.”
Explanation: Ezekiel explains the specific sins that led to the destruction of Sodom: pride, excess, neglect of the poor, and sexual immorality. This verse teaches us about the gravity of social injustice, selfishness, and arrogance, as well as the need for repentance.
14. Luke 17:28-29
“Likewise, just as it was in the days of Lot—they were eating and drinking, buying and selling, planting and building, but on the day when Lot went out from Sodom, fire and sulfur rained from heaven and destroyed them all.”
Explanation: Jesus refers to the destruction of Sodom as a warning of the suddenness and finality of judgment. The people of Sodom were living their lives unaware of the impending destruction, just as many today live unaware of the return of Christ and the judgment to come.
15. 2 Peter 2:6-7
“if by turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah to ashes he condemned them to extinction, making them an example of what is going to happen to the ungodly; and if he rescued righteous Lot, greatly distressed by the sensual conduct of the wicked…”
Explanation: Peter uses the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah as an example of God’s judgment on the ungodly. Lot is mentioned as a righteous man who was distressed by the immorality around him. This passage encourages believers to live righteously, knowing that judgment is certain for those who reject God.
Conclusion
The Bible offers a powerful and sobering account of the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. These cities are examples of the consequences of sin—particularly when it involves pride, injustice, and immorality. Yet, the story also emphasizes God’s mercy and His willingness to save the righteous, as seen in Lot’s escape.
As you reflect on these verses, consider how you can apply the lessons of Sodom and Gomorrah to your own life. Are there areas where you need to repent and turn to God? Let us remember that while God is just and righteous in His judgments, He is also merciful and gracious to those who seek Him.
We invite you to share your thoughts, favorite verses, or experiences in the comments below. How has the story of Sodom and Gomorrah influenced your understanding of sin and God’s justice?