What does the Bible say about fire and brimstone?

Definition and Terminology

“Fire and brimstone” is a phrase referring to divine judgment, destruction, or cleansing through literal or metaphorical flames and sulfur. The term “brimstone” (often identified with sulfur) appears throughout Scripture. In the original languages, the Hebrew word for brimstone can indicate sulfurous material used in burning (e.g., גָּפְרִית / gōp̄rîṯ), and the Greek word (θειον / theion) likewise denotes sulfur. References consistently depict God’s power in judging wickedness or purifying His people.

Earliest Scriptural References

One of the most memorable instances is the account of Sodom and Gomorrah:

“Then the LORD rained down sulfur and fire on Sodom and Gomorrah—from the LORD out of the heavens. Thus He overthrew those cities and the entire plain…” (Genesis 19:24–25).

This narrative describes a judgment so total that the land itself was devastated. Archaeological explorations near the southern region of the Dead Sea have uncovered high concentrations of sulfur embedded in ash layers, lending support to the biblical description of a catastrophic event involving sulfurous fire.

Symbol of Judgment and Warning

Fire and brimstone frequently symbolize God’s righteous judgment on persistent rebellion (Psalm 11:6). Prophets such as Isaiah used similar language to foretell the downfall of nations opposed to God’s authority: “For the LORD has a day of vengeance… Her streams will be turned to tar, and her soil to sulfur” (Isaiah 34:8–9). This terminology conveys an ultimate warning: no earthly power can stand against divine holiness.

Foreshadowing in the Law and Prophets

The Pentateuch and the Prophets point to fire and brimstone not merely as destructive forces but as solemn reminders. Deuteronomy 29:23 mentions that the land of those who turn away from God “will be a burning waste of salt and sulfur,” connecting physical devastation to spiritual unfaithfulness. Ezekiel 38:22 similarly depicts God’s judgment on hostile nations as involving “plagues and bloodshed… torrential rain, hailstones, fire, and sulfur.”

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, the phrase appears especially in eschatological passages. Jesus spoke of the judgment that befell Sodom to illustrate the suddenness of divine intervention: “It was the same in the days of Lot: People were eating and drinking, buying and selling, planting and building. But on the day Lot left Sodom, fire and sulfur rained down from heaven and destroyed them all” (Luke 17:28–29). This account underscores the teaching that final judgment will be swift.

The Book of Revelation conveys the ultimate picture of divine justice involving fire and brimstone:

• “He too will drink the wine of God’s anger… and will be tormented in fire and sulfur in the presence of the holy angels and of the Lamb” (Revelation 14:10).

• “…the cowardly, the unbelieving… their place will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur. This is the second death.” (Revelation 21:8).

These passages describe a final judgment that is certain and comprehensive, indicating that evil will be decisively dealt with.

Purification and Holiness

Beyond the element of judgment, fire in Scripture also symbolizes purification and the holy presence of God. While brimstone is more exclusively linked to destruction, fire can refine, as in Malachi 3:2–3 (referencing God’s refining work like a silversmith). Though the phrase “fire and brimstone” rarely denotes purification in itself, the broader biblical motif of fire constantly underscores God’s desire to purge sin and restore holiness to His people.

Archaeological and Geological Insights

Numerous geological surveys in the area of the Dead Sea have identified sealed deposits of nearly pure sulfur, matching descriptions of brimstone. Archaeologists affiliated with various research groups have noted regions with ashen remains and charred formations consistent with intense combustion. These findings provide tangible support for scriptural narratives describing cataclysmic fire and sulfur-related events.

Connection to Divine Authority

Fire and brimstone, in all its references, testifies to an omnipotent Creator who governs both natural and supernatural realms. Accounts of miraculous events—such as the decimation of Sodom and Gomorrah—cohere with the Bible’s unified message: moral rebellion yields severe consequences, yet redemption remains available through God’s intervention. The resurrection of Christ signifies that even the most sobering imagery of judgment holds a counterpart in the offer of salvation for those who trust the One who has power over life and death.

Relevance for Today

Scriptural descriptions of fire and brimstone echo themes of accountability, righteousness, and salvation. They remind readers of the seriousness with which God views sin and reinforce the urgency of seeking reconciliation with Him. Passages in both Old and New Testaments show that judgment is never arbitrary; it arises from divine justice and holiness.

For those considering the Bible’s historicity, the archaeological data surrounding the events at Sodom and Gomorrah, coupled with the internally consistent message about God’s character, underscores the reliability of Scripture. The references to sulfur in the biblical text align with known geological phenomena, illustrating once again the meaningful interplay between the biblical account and the physical evidence in the region.

Conclusion

Fire and brimstone in Scripture serve as powerful symbols of divine judgment, signaling the just response to persistent evil. They also point to God’s ultimate authority over creation. While the imagery is sobering, it carries a dual witness: God judges unrighteousness, yet offers a pathway to redemption through Christ. Biblical references to fire and brimstone highlight both the reality of God’s holy wrath and the profound hope extended to those who seek refuge in the grace woven throughout the entirety of Scripture.