What Happened to Sodom and Gomorrah?
What Happened to Sodom and Gomorrah? God destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah with fire and brimstone because of their extreme wickedness, sparing only Lot and his two daughters.
Key verse: Genesis 19:24-25 (KJV)
God destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah with fire and brimstone because of their extreme wickedness, sparing only Lot and his two daughters.
God destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah with fire and brimstone because of their extreme wickedness, sparing only Lot and his two daughters.
"Then the LORD rained upon Sodom and upon Gomorrah brimstone and fire from the LORD out of heaven; And he overthrew those cities, and all the plain." — Genesis 19:24-25 (KJV)
Meaning
Plain-language explanation
In Context
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The Biblical Answer
Sodom and Gomorrah were cities in the Jordan plain known for extreme sinfulness. When Abraham's nephew Lot lived there, God sent two angels to investigate. The men of Sodom surrounded Lot's house demanding the visitors, demonstrating the city's depravity. God rained fire and brimstone on both cities, completely destroying them (Genesis 19:24-25). Lot and his daughters escaped, but Lot's wife looked back and became a pillar of salt. Throughout Scripture, Sodom serves as the ultimate example of divine judgment against unrepentant sin (Jude 1:7). Abraham had earlier interceded for the city, but not even ten righteous people could be found there.
Key Scripture References
"Then the LORD rained upon Sodom and upon Gomorrah brimstone and fire from the LORD out of heaven; And he overthrew those cities, and all the plain."
"Even as Sodom and Gomorrha, and the cities about them in like manner, giving themselves over to fornication, are set forth for an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire."
"And he said, Oh let not the Lord be angry, and I will speak yet but this once: Peradventure ten shall be found there. And he said, I will not destroy it for ten's sake."
Frequently asked questions
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Related Questions
What Is Repentance?
Repentance is a genuine change of mind and heart about sin, turning away from it and toward God.
Who Wrote the Bible?
The Bible was written by approximately 40 human authors over 1,500 years, but ultimately inspired by God through the Holy Spirit.
Is the Bible True and Reliable?
Yes — the Bible's historical accuracy, fulfilled prophecy, internal consistency, and transformative power confirm its divine reliability.
How Many Books Are in the Bible?
The Bible contains 66 books — 39 in the Old Testament and 27 in the New Testament.
What Is the Oldest Book in the Bible?
Most scholars believe the Book of Job is the oldest book in the Bible, predating even Genesis in composition.
Deep Dive Commentary
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The Destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah
Genesis 18:16–19:29 • Divine Judgment and Mercy
The Destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah
The LORD rains fire and brimstone from heaven upon the cities of the plain, spar
Gomorrah in the Bible
The twin city of Sodom destroyed by fire and brimstone as judgment for extreme w
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The answer above sits inside Genesis. The 365-day chronological plan reads it in the order the events happened.
Read Genesis on day 11 of the chronological Bible reading planKeep the verses to hand
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