The term "Sodomites" is derived from the ancient city of Sodom, which, along with Gomorrah, is famously known for its destruction due to the grievous sins of its inhabitants. The narrative of Sodom is primarily found in the Book of Genesis, where the city's wickedness is depicted as exceedingly grave.

Biblical Account of Sodom's Wickedness

The city of Sodom is first mentioned in Genesis 13:13, where it is stated, "Now the men of Sodom were wicked, sinning greatly against the LORD." This characterization sets the stage for the events that follow, highlighting the moral depravity that had taken hold of the city.

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). This divine assessment underscores the severity of the city's transgressions.

The most detailed account of Sodom's wickedness is found in Genesis 19. When two angels visit Lot in Sodom, the men of the city, both young and old, surround Lot's house and demand to have relations with the visitors. Lot pleads with them, saying, "Please, my brothers, do not do this wicked thing" (Genesis 19:7). This incident illustrates the pervasive and aggressive immorality that characterized the city's inhabitants.

Judgment and Destruction

The culmination of Sodom's wickedness is met with divine judgment. In Genesis 19:24-25, it is recorded, "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" . This cataclysmic event serves as a stark warning against the consequences of unchecked sin and rebellion against God.

New Testament References

The New Testament also references the wickedness of Sodom as a symbol of extreme moral corruption and divine judgment. In 2 Peter 2:6, it is stated, "He condemned the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah to destruction, reducing them to ashes as an example of what is coming on the ungodly" . Similarly, Jude 1:7 notes, "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" .

Moral and Theological Implications

The narrative of Sodom serves as a profound moral and theological lesson within the biblical canon. It highlights the seriousness with which God views sin, particularly sins of a sexual nature and those that violate the sanctity of hospitality and righteousness. The destruction of Sodom is often cited as a divine response to the complete moral decay and the refusal of its inhabitants to repent.

Throughout Scripture, the term "Sodomites" has been used to denote individuals or groups who engage in practices considered abhorrent and contrary to God's commandments. The account of Sodom remains a powerful reminder of the need for righteousness and the consequences of turning away from divine law.Genesis 19:4-14
But before they lay down, the men of the city, even the men of Sodom, compassed the house round, both old and young, all the people from every quarter:
Nave's Topical Index

Some Man Will Say, "So Then any Thief Whatever is to be Accounted ...
... Do we not so abhor the wickedness which the Sodomites were attempting to do to the
guests of the just man, that, whatever were done so this were not done, he ...
//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/against lying/section 19 some man will.htm

Those Persons who do not Believe in God, but who are Disobedient ...
... and reasoning with Israel, termed them "rulers of Sodom" and "people of Gomorrah;"
[4446] intimating that they were like the Sodomites in wickedness, and that ...
/.../irenaeus/against heresies/chapter xli those persons who do.htm

And to Holy David Indeed it Might More Justly be Said...
... drive thee to do a thing which if thy daughters be willing that it be done unto
them, they will through thee do wickedness with the Sodomites, if unwilling ...
//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/against lying/section 22 and to holy.htm

The Holy Ghost, Throughout the Old Testament Scriptures, Made ...
... of heaven." [3330] For it here points out that the Son, who had also been talking
with Abraham, had received power to judge the Sodomites for their wickedness. ...
/.../irenaeus/against heresies/chapter vithe holy ghost throughout.htm

vincentius of Thibari Said: "We Know that Heretics are Worse than ...
... the good men of that time, and in those bad men who were worse than are the heathens,
seeing that they were ranked before the Sodomites for wickedness, and yet ...
/.../chapter 44 85 vincentius.htm

Similitudes and Examples a Most Important Part of Right ...
... others He brought to a foundation of patience; others He stopped from wickedness;
and others ... The fate of the Sodomites was judgment to those who had done wrong ...
/.../clement/the instructor paedagogus/chapter viii similitudes and examples a.htm

How the Bishop is to Treat the Innocent, the Guilty, and the ...
... for "the righteousness of the righteous shall be upon him, and the wickedness of
the ... for the world, nor was Lot destroyed by fire for the Sodomites, nor was ...
/.../various/constitutions of the holy apostles/sec iii how the bishop is.htm

A Caution against Bigotry
... filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness ...
whoremongers, adulterers, thieves, robbers, sodomites, murderers, are ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 38 a caution against.htm

Letter x. --For 338. Coss. Ursus and Polemius; Pr??f. The Same ...
... Esau too persecuted Jacob, while Jacob overcame his wickedness by meekness. ... of Gomorrah;
having exceeded in this even the iniquity of the Sodomites, as the ...
/.../select works and letters or athanasius/letter x for 338 coss ursus.htm

Matt. x. 7, 8, 9
... Yea, for it is a very great proof of wickedness, when not only of ... intense, by saying,
that they should suffer things more grievous than Sodomites and Tyrians ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on the gospel of saint matthew/homily xxxvii matt x 7.htm

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