Σόδομα

Sodom

Definition

Σόδομα (Sodom) refers to the infamous city of Sodom, primarily known from the Old Testament narrative in Genesis 18-19. In the New Testament, it is used almost exclusively as a proverbial example of extreme wickedness, divine judgment, and utter destruction. Jesus invokes Sodom as a benchmark for God's wrath, stating that cities rejecting his disciples (Matthew 10:15) or his own miracles (Matthew 11:23-24) will face a fate worse than Sodom's. The word also appears in discussions of God's historical judgment (2 Peter 2:6) and his sparing of a remnant (Romans 9:29, quoting Isaiah 1:9).

Biblical Usage

The word is used 10 times in the New Testament, always as a proper noun referring to the city. Its usage is almost entirely prophetic or illustrative, serving as a stark warning. Jesus employs it in his teachings on judgment (Matthew 10:15, 11:23-24; Luke 10:12, 17:29), while apostolic writings reference it to underscore themes of divine justice and mercy (Romans 9:29; 2 Peter 2:6). The sole Synoptic parallel outside Jesus's words is Mark 6:11, which echoes the judgment warning.

Etymology

Σόδομα is a direct transliteration of the Hebrew place name סְדֹם (Səḏōm). It entered Greek through the Septuagint (the Greek translation of the Old Testament) and carried into New Testament usage without semantic change, retaining its specific association with the city and its narrative.

Semantic Range

Sodom is a theologically significant symbol of God's holy judgment against profound sin and rebellion. Its repeated mention by Jesus elevates it as a key reference point for understanding the seriousness of rejecting God's revelation. In Romans 9:29, it illustrates God's sovereign grace in preserving a remnant. Understanding this Greek term connects New Testament warnings directly to the foundational Old Testament story, emphasizing the consistency of God's character in dealing with sin across the biblical canon.

For first-century Jewish and Greco-Roman audiences familiar with the Hebrew Scriptures, 'Sodom' immediately evoked the story of its destruction by fire and brimstone (Genesis 19). It was a byword for depravity, inhospitality, and catastrophic divine punishment. This shared cultural understanding allowed New Testament authors to invoke it succinctly as a powerful metaphor without needing further explanation.

Γόμορρα (Gomorra, G1116) — The partner city of Sodom, almost always mentioned alongside it (e.g., Matthew 10:15) to represent the totality of the judged cities. Βαβυλών (Babylōn, G897) — Another city symbolizing rebellion and corruption, but with more emphasis on oppressive political power and systemic evil, whereas Sodom emphasizes moral depravity and sudden, total judgment.

Word Details

Scripture References