The term "Sodomites" originates from 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. The term has since been used to describe individuals engaging in practices considered sinful, particularly those related to sexual immorality.

Biblical Account and Context

The account of Sodom is introduced in Genesis 13:13, which states, "But the men of Sodom were wicked, sinning greatly against the LORD." The city's reputation for wickedness sets the stage for its eventual destruction. In Genesis 18, God reveals to Abraham His intention to investigate the outcry against Sodom and Gomorrah. Abraham intercedes, and God agrees to spare the city if ten righteous people can be found (Genesis 18:32).

In Genesis 19, two angels visit Sodom and are met by Lot, Abraham's nephew. The men of Sodom surround Lot's house, demanding to engage in immoral acts with the visitors. Lot's attempt to protect his guests underscores the city's pervasive wickedness. The angels subsequently warn Lot to flee with his family, as the city's destruction is imminent. Genesis 19:24-25 records the event: "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, destroying all the inhabitants of the cities and everything that grew on the ground."

Judgment According to Opportunity

The destruction of Sodom serves as a profound example of divine judgment. The Bible indicates that judgment is proportional to the opportunity given to repent and turn from sin. In Matthew 11:23-24 , Jesus compares the cities of Chorazin and Bethsaida to Sodom, stating, "And you, Capernaum, will you be lifted up to heaven? No, you will be brought down to Hades. For if the miracles that were performed in you had been performed in Sodom, it would have remained to this day. But I tell you that it will be more bearable for Sodom on the day of judgment than for you."

This passage suggests that Sodom's judgment, while severe, is measured against the revelation and opportunities they had. The cities of Jesus' time, having witnessed His miracles and teachings, were held to a higher standard of accountability. The principle of being judged according to opportunity is further emphasized in Luke 12:47-48 , where Jesus teaches that those who know their master's will and fail to act accordingly will receive a harsher punishment.

Moral and Theological Implications

The narrative of Sodom and its subsequent use in Scripture underscores the seriousness with which God views sin, particularly sexual immorality and the rejection of divine revelation. The destruction of Sodom serves as a warning and a call to repentance, highlighting the importance of responding to God's grace and truth. The principle of judgment according to opportunity challenges individuals and communities to consider the light they have received and to live in accordance with God's standards.

Throughout the Bible, the account of Sodom is referenced as a symbol of ultimate divine judgment against sin. In Jude 1:7 , the fate of Sodom and Gomorrah is cited as an example of those who suffer "the punishment of eternal fire" due to their immorality and defiance of God's order. This serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of sin and the necessity of seeking righteousness.Matthew 11:24
But I say to you, That it shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom in the day of judgment, than for you.
Nave's Topical Index

Luke 10:12
But I say to you, that it shall be more tolerable in that day for Sodom, than for that city.
Nave's Topical Index

Against those who Fancy that in the Judgment of God all the ...
... devil, by whom they are held captive according to his ... life so wickedly that they
can be judged unworthy of ... in two ways,"either, like the Sodomites, the men ...
/.../augustine/city of god/chapter 24 against those who fancy.htm

Mr. Bunyan's Last Sermon:
... do not look like him, therefore they are called Sodomites. ... mayest do as seemeth thee
good, even according to the ... came out, I might have had opportunity to have ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/mr bunyans last sermon .htm

An Examination of the Treatise of William Perkins Concerning the ...
... God willed that the Sodomites and their neighbours should be ... and sinfulness of an
action is to be judged from the ... The state of the case, according to those who ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 3/an examination of the treatise.htm

Come and Welcome to Jesus Christ;
... Now, the desire of his mind is not to be judged of by the slow pace of ... and heaven
lie at stake.10 But be of good comfort, Christ judgeth not according to the ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/come and welcome to jesus.htm

The Doctrine
... the Seventh Commandment was punished in the Sodomites, etc., with ... to live as holy
as ever they can according to the ... the first come in and say, Why am I judged? ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the doctrine.htm

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