Sodom in the Bible
The wicked city destroyed by God's fire and brimstone as a warning to all generations.
Sodom, along with Gomorrah, is one of the Bible's most famous examples of divine judgment. Located near the Dead Sea, these cities became synonymous with wickedness and were destroyed by fire from heaven. The story also showcases Abraham's intercessory prayer and God's mercy in rescuing Lot.
Modern Location
Exact location debated; traditionally placed near the southern Dead Sea
Key Biblical Events
- 1Abraham intercedes for Sodom (Genesis 18:22-33)
- 2Angels visit Lot in Sodom (Genesis 19:1-3)
- 3God destroys Sodom and Gomorrah with fire and brimstone (Genesis 19:24-25)
- 4Lot's wife looks back and becomes a pillar of salt (Genesis 19:26)
Key KJV Scriptures
"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."
"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."
"And turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrha into ashes condemned them with an overthrow, making them an ensample unto those that after should live ungodly."
Spiritual Significance
Sodom serves as Scripture's clearest warning that persistent sin invites judgment. Yet Abraham's intercession shows that God is willing to spare the many for the sake of the righteous few.
Why Sodom Matters
Sodom holds a unique place in Scripture because it stands at the crossroads of God's covenant promises to His chosen people. With 4 major biblical events connected to this site — and key figures like Abraham, Lot linked to its story — Sodom is far more than a point on an ancient map. It is a place where God acted decisively in human history.
What makes Sodom especially significant is that its story spans both Testaments. The 3 key scriptures connected to this location trace a thread from the Old Testament promises through to their New Testament fulfillment. Sodom serves as Scripture's clearest warning that persistent sin invites judgment. Yet Abraham's intercession shows that God is willing to spare the many for the sake of the righteous few.
For today's believer, studying Sodom is more than a geography lesson — it is an invitation to see God's faithfulness written across real places and real people. Every mountain, city, and river in Scripture reminds us that God works within history, not apart from it. When you read about Sodom, you are standing on the same spiritual ground where Abraham encountered the living God.
Related Bible Characters
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did God destroy Sodom?
Genesis 18:20 describes the sin of Sodom as 'very grievous.' Ezekiel 16:49 adds that Sodom had 'pride, fulness of bread, and abundance of idleness' and did not help the poor and needy.
Explore Related Content
Related Bible Locations
Miracles at Sodom
Every miracle in Scripture tied to Sodom.
The Destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah
The LORD rains fire and brimstone from heaven upon the cities of the plain, sparing only Lot.
Read the miracleLot's Wife Becomes a Pillar of Salt
Lot's wife looks back at burning Sodom and is turned into a pillar of salt.
Read the miracleWhere to go next
Finished reading about Sodom? Keep exploring the places and people of Scripture.
- Explore the full Bible locations mapEvery place in Scripture, by region.Continue
- See where this fits on the Bible timelineFrom creation to the early church.Continue
- Meet the people of the BibleProfiles with verses for every major figure.Continue
- Test yourself with a Bible quizFree quizzes — every answer cites a verse.Continue
Related Reading
Continue your study with related content from across our library:
Genesis 12:1-3 Commentary
In-depth study • The Abrahamic Covenant
Genesis 22 Quiz — Abraham & Isaac on Mount Moriah
The supreme test of Abraham's faith and the LORD's provision.
The Destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah
Genesis 18:16–19:29 • Divine Judgment and Mercy
Which Tribe of Israel Are You?
Free KJV quiz — Judah, Levi, Issachar or Benjamin? Discover which of the twelve
Genesis 12:1 — Meaning & Devotional
Faith
Genesis 15:6 — Meaning & Devotional
Faith