Sin: The Sodomites
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The term "Sodomites" refers to the inhabitants of the ancient city of Sodom, which, along with Gomorrah, was destroyed by divine judgment due to its grievous sins. The narrative of Sodom is primarily found in Genesis 18-19, where the city's moral depravity is highlighted as a significant reason for its destruction.

Biblical Account:

In Genesis 18, the LORD reveals to Abraham His intention to investigate the outcry against Sodom and Gomorrah. The LORD says, "The outcry against Sodom and Gomorrah is great. Their sin is so grievous" (Genesis 18:20). Abraham intercedes for the cities, and the LORD agrees to spare them if ten righteous people can be found.

Genesis 19 details the visit of two angels to Sodom, where they are met by Lot, Abraham's nephew. Lot insists on providing them hospitality, but the men of Sodom surround his house, demanding to have relations with the visitors. Lot pleads with them, saying, "Please, my brothers, do not do such a wicked thing" (Genesis 19:7). The angels then strike the men with blindness and warn Lot to flee the city with his family.

The destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah is described in Genesis 19:24-25: "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, including all the inhabitants of the cities and everything that grew on the ground" .

Sins of Sodom:

The sins of Sodom are often associated with sexual immorality, particularly homosexual acts, as indicated by the men's demand to know the visitors carnally. This interpretation is supported by Jude 1:7, which states, "In like manner, Sodom and Gomorrah and the cities around them, who indulged in sexual immorality and pursued strange flesh, are on display as an example of those who sustain the punishment of eternal fire" .

However, the sins of Sodom are not limited to sexual immorality. Ezekiel 16:49-50 provides a broader perspective: "Now this was the iniquity of your sister Sodom: She and her daughters had arrogance, abundant food, and careless ease, but she did not help the poor and needy. Thus they were haughty and committed abominations before Me. Therefore I removed them, as you have seen" . This passage highlights pride, gluttony, and neglect of the needy as additional sins contributing to Sodom's downfall.

Theological Implications:

The account of Sodom serves as a powerful warning against sin and the consequences of turning away from God's commandments. It underscores the seriousness with which God views sin, particularly when it involves the corruption of societal norms and the mistreatment of others. The destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah is often cited in Scripture as a symbol of divine judgment and a call to repentance.

In the New Testament, Jesus references Sodom in the context of judgment, stating that it will be more bearable for Sodom on the day of judgment than for towns that reject His message (Matthew 10:15). This comparison emphasizes the gravity of rejecting divine truth and the opportunity for salvation.

Cultural and Historical Context:

The cities of Sodom and Gomorrah were located in the region of the Jordan Valley, near the Dead Sea. Archaeological evidence and historical records suggest that these cities were part of a prosperous and fertile area, which may have contributed to their inhabitants' complacency and moral decline.

The term "Sodomite" has historically been used to describe individuals who engage in homosexual acts, drawing from the narrative of Sodom. However, it is essential to consider the broader context of Sodom's sins, which included various forms of social injustice and moral corruption.

Conclusion:

The account of the Sodomites serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of sin and the importance of living in accordance with God's will. It calls believers to examine their own lives, seek righteousness, and extend compassion to those in need, avoiding the pitfalls of pride and moral decay that led to Sodom's destruction.
Nave's Topical Index
Genesis 18:20
And the LORD said, Because the cry of Sodom and Gomorrah is great, and because their sin is very grievous;
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Some Man Will Say, "So Then any Thief Whatever is to be Accounted ...
... For who can doubt it to be a great sin, if a father prostitute his own ... in which a
just man thought it his duty to do this, when the Sodomites with nefarious ...
//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/against lying/section 19 some man will.htm

And to Holy David Indeed it Might More Justly be Said...
... wickedness with the Sodomites, if unwilling, will through thee from the Sodomites
suffer violence. ... daughters' lord; and he knew that it would be no sin in them ...
//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/against lying/section 22 and to holy.htm

If Then to Sin, that Others May not Commit a Worse Sin...
... so horrible an evil from the most flagitious impiety of the Sodomites was impending ...
and will command rather that we be so cautious not to sin ourselves, that ...
//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/against lying/section 21 if then to.htm

Sin in the Heart the Source of Error in the Head
... human mind is precisely the same that it was when the Sodomites held down ... is still
a rational intelligence; and though he should continue to sin on indefinitely ...
/.../shedd/sermons to the natural man/sin in the heart the.htm

In Christ and in Ephesus
... conduct of the Sodomites. But he kept himself clear; he had no part with them; he
hated their sins. When we reach a place where we do not hate sin, where we ...
//christianbookshelf.org/naylor/heart talks/talk thirty-four in christ and.htm

The Pelagians Argue that Cohabitation Rightly Used is a Good, and ...
... he goes on to say, "you think that fault must be found with the strength of the
generative organs, because the Sodomites were steeped in sin thereby, you will ...
/.../augustine/anti-pelagian writings/chapter 34 xix the pelagians argue.htm

Concerning Our Lord, and Concerning Death and Satan
... Sin again said, It must be, that I forsake, therefore, and change from that which
I am; for this Son ... By fire He gave me the Sodomites, and by flood the Giants. ...
/.../hymns and homilies of ephraim the syrian/hymn xxxv concerning our lord.htm

Clement of Alexandria.
... Socrates, on future rewards, 436, 442. Sodomites, sin and punishment of, 282. Son
of God, Saviour and Lord of all, 524. order of His government, 525. ...
/.../clement/who is the rich man that shall be saved/clement of alexandria.htm

Matt. xxiv. 33, 34
... but as compassing objects such as became Him: in the case of Adam, that He might
drive him to make an excuse for his sin: in that of the Sodomites, that He ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of saint matthew/homily lxxvii matt xxiv 33.htm

On Proverbs. From the Commentary of St. Hippolytus on Proverbs.
... The shaking (of the earth) signifies the change of things upon earth."Sin, then,
which in ... time of the flood; and again in the time of the Sodomites, who, not ...
/.../on proverbs from the commentary.htm

Resources
What is the definition of sin? | GotQuestions.org

The Study of Sin ' Article Index | GotQuestions.org

If Jesus paid the price for our sin, why do we still suffer the consequences of our sin? | GotQuestions.org

Sin: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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Sin Against the Holy Spirit

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Sin is of the Devil

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Sin Money: General Scriptures Concerning

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Sin: Desert of, a Wilderness Between Elim and Sinai: The People of Israel Journey Through

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Sin: The Sodomites

Sin: The Sting of Death

Sin: The Thought of Foolishness Is

Sin: The Unpardonable

Sin: The Wicked: Boast of

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Sin: The Wicked: Excuse

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Sin: The Wicked: Guilty of, in Everything They Do

Sin: The Wicked: Heap Up

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Sin: The Wicked: Make a Mock At

Sin: The Wicked: Plead Necessity For

Sin: The Wicked: Servants To

Sin: The Wicked: Shall Bear the Shame of

Sin: The Wicked: Tempt Others To

Sin: The Wicked: Throw the Blame of, on God

Sin: The Wicked: Throw the Blame of, on Others

Sin: The Wicked: Try to Conceal, from God

Sin: The Word of God Keeps From

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Sin: we should Pray to God: To Search For, in Our Hearts

Sin: Whatever is not of Faith Is

Sin: when Finished Brings Forth Death

Sin: Works of Darkness

Related Terms

Sin-offerings (8 Occurrences)

Sin's (3 Occurrences)

Sin-money (1 Occurrence)

Sin-offering (115 Occurrences)

Sinlessness

Committing (30 Occurrences)

Kid (42 Occurrences)

Sinoffering

Commits (39 Occurrences)

Confessed (19 Occurrences)

Cord (47 Occurrences)

Committeth (22 Occurrences)

Sinneth (25 Occurrences)

Afford (12 Occurrences)

Suffice (22 Occurrences)

Sinning (59 Occurrences)

Acknowledge (61 Occurrences)

Covetousness (22 Occurrences)

Continual (55 Occurrences)

Sinful (61 Occurrences)

Blot (23 Occurrences)

Convict (12 Occurrences)

Atone (8 Occurrences)

Sting (5 Occurrences)

Slaughtereth (13 Occurrences)

Confession (22 Occurrences)

Azazel (3 Occurrences)

Slaves (119 Occurrences)

Conception (6 Occurrences)

Year-old (6 Occurrences)

Contrite (5 Occurrences)

Contrition (1 Occurrence)

Covet (14 Occurrences)

Coveting (3 Occurrences)

Advocate (7 Occurrences)

Atoned (8 Occurrences)

Sinfulness (3 Occurrences)

Slaughtered (72 Occurrences)

Apostate (5 Occurrences)

Sinner (88 Occurrences)

Yearling (48 Occurrences)

Commit (142 Occurrences)

Adultery (49 Occurrences)

Salvation (386 Occurrences)

Agony (20 Occurrences)

Burnt-offering (205 Occurrences)

Slaughter (121 Occurrences)

Committed (201 Occurrences)

Bullock (95 Occurrences)

Confess (65 Occurrences)

Conscious (93 Occurrences)

Shown (131 Occurrences)

Community (77 Occurrences)

Blemish (71 Occurrences)

Covetous (11 Occurrences)

Convicted (4 Occurrences)

Carnal (11 Occurrences)

Charging (27 Occurrences)

Cloke (7 Occurrences)

Concupiscence (3 Occurrences)

Afforded (2 Occurrences)

Acquittal (7 Occurrences)

Abound (36 Occurrences)

Advantage (44 Occurrences)

Abides (37 Occurrences)

Sennacherib (13 Occurrences)

Serving (85 Occurrences)

Sincere (18 Occurrences)

Stands (111 Occurrences)

Seizing (7 Occurrences)

Can't (180 Occurrences)

Sentence (53 Occurrences)

Claim (30 Occurrences)

Attack (221 Occurrences)

Sincerity (17 Occurrences)

Sacrificed (112 Occurrences)

Kinds (110 Occurrences)

Astray (116 Occurrences)

Sin: The Law: Shows Exceeding Sinfulness of
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