2 Peter 2:6

KJV

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;

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} turning {G5077} the cities {G4172} of Sodom {G4670} and {G2532} Gomorrha {G1116} into ashes {G5077} condemned {G2632} them with an overthrow {G2692}, making {G5087} them an ensample {G5262} unto those that after should {G3195} live ungodly {G764};

Complete Jewish Bible

And he condemned the cities of S’dom and ‘Amora, reducing them to ashes and ruin, as a warning to those in the future who would live ungodly lives;

Berean Standard Bible

if He condemned the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah to destruction, reducing them to ashes as an example of what is coming on the ungodly;

American Standard Version

and turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah into ashes condemned them with an overthrow, having made them an example unto those that should live ungodly;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In the Apostle Peter powerfully illustrates the certainty of divine judgment by recalling God's cataclysmic destruction of the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah. This historical event, where these cities were reduced to ashes through a complete overthrow, serves as a stark and enduring warning, established by God Himself, for all who would subsequently live lives characterized by ungodliness and rebellion against His righteous standards.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a crucial section of 2 Peter (specifically [2 Peter 2:4-9](/2_peter/2-4-9 "2 Peter 2:4-9 - God's Judgment on the Ungodly")), where Peter is vehemently refuting and condemning false teachers who had infiltrated the early Christian communities. To underscore the absolute certainty of the judgment awaiting these deceivers, Peter systematically presents three historical precedents from the Old Testament, each demonstrating God's unwavering justice against profound wickedness. He first references the angels who sinned and were cast into Tartarus ([2 Peter 2:4](/2_peter/2-4 "2 Peter 2:4 - The Judgment of Fallen Angels")), then the ungodly world of Noah's time that was utterly destroyed by a global flood, with only Noah and his family preserved ([2 Peter 2:5](/2_peter/2-5 "2 Peter 2:5 - The Flood and Noah's Deliverance")). The obliteration of Sodom and Gomorrah in [2 Peter 2:6](/2_peter/2-6 "2 Peter 2:6 - The Destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah") stands as the third and perhaps most vivid example, serving as a powerful, tangible guarantee of God's future righteous judgment on those who persist in ungodliness, while simultaneously affirming His ability to deliver the righteous, as seen in the rescue of Lot ([2 Peter 2:7-8](/2_peter/2-7-8 "2 Peter 2:7-8 - Lot's Deliverance from Sodom")).

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The account of Sodom and Gomorrah, detailed in [Genesis 18-19](/genesis/18-19 "Genesis 18-19 - The Destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah"), describes two prominent cities located in the Jordan Plain, near what is now the Dead Sea. These cities were infamous for their extreme wickedness, which had reached such a degree that their "outcry" had come before the Lord ([Genesis 18:20](/genesis/18-20 "Genesis 18:20 - The Outcry of Sodom")). While often primarily associated with severe sexual perversion (homosexuality, as indicated in [Genesis 19:4-5](/genesis/19-4-5 "Genesis 19:4-5 - The Sin of Sodom")), other prophetic texts expand on their comprehensive moral depravity, including pride, gluttony, idleness, and a callous disregard for the poor and needy ([Ezekiel 16:49-50](/ezekiel/16-49-50 "Ezekiel 16:49-50 - Sodom's Sins Beyond Sexual Immorality")). The cultural context was one where such egregious sins were not merely tolerated but openly practiced, demonstrating a complete rejection of divine and natural law. God's judgment, therefore, was a direct response to this pervasive and unrepentant rebellion, serving as a clear demonstration of His holiness and justice to both the ancient world and subsequent generations.

* **Key Themes:** The destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah in [2 Peter 2:6](/2_peter/2-6 "2 Peter 2:6 - The Destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah") contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Peter's epistle and broader biblical theology. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Judgment**, emphasizing God's active and decisive intervention in human history to punish egregious and unrepentant sin. The "overthrow" and reduction to "ashes" signify a complete, irreversible, and severe judgment, highlighting God's absolute justice and holiness. Secondly, the verse underscores the theme of **Warning and Exemplar**. The term "ensample" is crucial, indicating that the fate of these cities is not merely a historical anecdote but a didactic lesson, a pattern, or a warning for all generations, particularly for "those that after should live ungodly." This serves as a clear indicator of the inevitable consequences of persistent wickedness, a theme also powerfully echoed in [Jude 1:7](/jude/1-7 "Jude 1:7 - Sodom and Gomorrah as an Example"). Finally, the verse speaks to the nature of **Ungodliness**. Peter uses this broad term to encompass a lifestyle devoid of reverence for God, characterized by rebellion against His moral standards, and marked by a lack of piety and righteousness. This comprehensive definition of ungodliness is precisely what the false teachers Peter condemns were promoting through their licentious doctrines and practices ([2 Peter 2:10-14](/2_peter/2-10-14 "2 Peter 2:10-14 - The Depravity of False Teachers")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **turning...into ashes (Greek, _tephróō_):** Derived from the Greek word for "ashes," this verb signifies to incinerate or consume by fire, reducing something to ash. In the context of [2 Peter 2:6](/2_peter/2-6 "2 Peter 2:6 - The Destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah"), it vividly describes the complete and utter destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, emphasizing the finality and severity of God's fiery judgment. It is not merely damage but total annihilation.
* **condemned (Greek, _katakrínō_):** This verb means to judge against, to pronounce a sentence upon, or to condemn. It highlights God's judicial act against the cities, indicating that their destruction was not an arbitrary event but a righteous verdict passed by the divine Judge. The condemnation was a formal and just pronouncement of guilt and the subsequent execution of punishment.
* **overthrow (Greek, _katastrophḗ_):** From which we derive the English word "catastrophe," this noun denotes an overturn, demolition, or complete ruin. In the biblical context, it refers to the complete and violent subversion or destruction of the cities. It implies a total reversal of their state, from existing cities to a desolate wasteland, signifying the comprehensive nature of God's judgment that left nothing intact.
* **ensample (Greek, _hypódeigma_):** This term refers to an exhibit for imitation or, more pertinently here, for warning. It can mean a pattern, a model, or a specimen, often used in a didactic sense to illustrate a point. Peter uses it to convey that the fate of Sodom and Gomorrah is a clear, visible, and enduring demonstration of the consequences of ungodliness, intended to serve as a perpetual warning to all who might follow a similar path of rebellion.
* **live ungodly (Greek, _asebéō_):** This verb means to be impious or wicked, to act in an ungodly manner. It describes a lifestyle characterized by a lack of reverence for God, a disregard for His laws, and a general moral depravity that stands in opposition to divine righteousness. Peter applies this term to the false teachers and, by extension, to anyone whose life is marked by such a rebellious disposition.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrha into ashes":** This clause describes the method and outcome of God's judgment. It emphasizes the fiery nature of the destruction, reducing these once-thriving urban centers to mere dust and ash. The active participle "turning" underscores God's direct agency in this devastating act, making it clear that this was a divinely orchestrated catastrophe, not a natural disaster. The mention of "cities" highlights the scale of the judgment, encompassing entire populations and their established ways of life.
* **"condemned [them] with an overthrow":** This phrase further elaborates on the nature of the judgment. "Condemned" signifies a judicial verdict, indicating that the destruction was a just and deserved punishment for their profound wickedness. The "overthrow" implies a complete and violent demolition, a subversion of their very existence. It suggests that God not only judged them but utterly annihilated their societal structure and physical presence, leaving no remnant of their former glory or sin.
* **"making [them] an ensample unto those that after should live ungodly;":** This final clause reveals the profound purpose behind God's judgment. The destruction was not merely punitive but also didactic. By making Sodom and Gomorrah an "ensample" (a warning pattern), God established a timeless precedent. Their fate serves as a clear, visible object lesson for all future generations, particularly for those who would choose to live lives characterized by impiety and moral rebellion. It is a perpetual reminder of the certainty and severity of divine retribution for ungodliness.

#### Literary Devices
Peter effectively employs several literary devices in [2 Peter 2:6](/2_peter/2-6 "2 Peter 2:6 - The Destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah") to enhance his argument. The most prominent is **Allusion**, as the verse directly references the well-known Old Testament narrative of Sodom and Gomorrah found in [Genesis 19](/genesis/19 "Genesis 19 - The Destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah"). This allusion leverages the shared knowledge and theological understanding of his audience, immediately conjuring images of overwhelming divine wrath against extreme sin. Closely related is the device of **Exemplum**, where the historical event serves as a moral or didactic example. Peter explicitly states that God made them "an ensample," highlighting that their destruction is not just a historical fact but a pattern or warning for future generations. The vivid imagery of "turning...into ashes" and "condemned...with an overthrow" employs **Graphic Description**, painting a stark picture of complete devastation to emphasize the severity and finality of God's judgment. This imagery also carries **Symbolism**, where fire and destruction symbolize divine wrath and purification, underscoring God's absolute holiness and intolerance for sin.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The judgment on Sodom and Gomorrah, as presented in [2 Peter 2:6](/2_peter/2-6 "2 Peter 2:6 - The Destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah"), is a foundational theological statement about God's character and His interaction with humanity. It unequivocally affirms God's perfect justice and holiness, demonstrating that He is not indifferent to sin but actively intervenes to uphold His righteous standards. This event serves as a timeless testament to the principle that unrepentant wickedness incurs divine wrath. Furthermore, it highlights God's patience, which, while vast, is not infinite, and His ultimate judgment is certain and comprehensive. The preservation of Lot, mentioned in the subsequent verses ([2 Peter 2:7-8](/2_peter/2-7-8 "2 Peter 2:7-8 - Lot's Deliverance from Sodom")), simultaneously underscores God's ability and commitment to deliver the righteous from judgment, providing a glimmer of hope amidst the severity of His justice. This dual aspect—judgment for the ungodly and deliverance for the righteous—is a recurring theme throughout Scripture, culminating in the person and work of Jesus Christ.

* [Jude 1:7](/jude/1-7 "Jude 1:7 - Sodom and Gomorrah as an Example")
* [Luke 17:28-30](/luke/17-28-30 "Luke 17:28-30 - Jesus' Warning about Sodom")
* [Genesis 19:24-25](/genesis/19-24-25 "Genesis 19:24-25 - The Fiery Destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The enduring message of [2 Peter 2:6](/2_peter/2-6 "2 Peter 2:6 - The Destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah") is a profound call to sober reflection and earnest application for all people. For those who might be tempted to dismiss the reality of divine judgment or to minimize the gravity of sin, the fate of Sodom and Gomorrah stands as an unshakeable historical precedent. It reminds us that God is not merely a God of love but also a God of justice and holiness, whose patience has limits and whose righteous indignation against ungodliness is real and devastating. This verse serves as a potent warning against spiritual complacency, moral relativism, and the allure of false teachings that promise license rather than truth. For believers, it reinforces the urgency of living lives of genuine holiness, discernment, and obedience, recognizing that our God is the same God who judged Sodom. It encourages us to flee from every appearance of evil and to pursue righteousness, knowing that while judgment awaits the ungodly, salvation and deliverance are assured for those who walk in His ways. The "ensample" of Sodom and Gomorrah compels us to heed God's warnings, repent of our sins, and live in reverent fear of Him, trusting in His grace for salvation and His power for righteous living.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might contemporary society exhibit forms of "ungodliness" similar to those that led to the judgment of Sodom and Gomorrah?**
* **How does the certainty of God's judgment, as demonstrated in this verse, shape your understanding of His character and your motivation for holy living?**
* **What specific steps can you take to ensure you are not living "ungodly" but rather in a way that honors God's righteousness?**

### FAQ
**What were the specific sins of Sodom and Gomorrah that led to their destruction?**

Answer: While [Genesis 19](/genesis/19 "Genesis 19 - The Destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah") primarily highlights the egregious sexual perversion, specifically attempted gang rape and homosexual acts, as the immediate catalyst for judgment, other biblical texts expand on the comprehensive nature of their wickedness. [Ezekiel 16:49-50](/ezekiel/16-49-50 "Ezekiel 16:49-50 - Sodom's Sins Beyond Sexual Immorality") reveals that Sodom's sins also included "pride, fullness of food, and abundance of idleness," coupled with a failure to "strengthen the hand of the poor and needy." This indicates a pervasive moral corruption encompassing social injustice, arrogance, and a complete disregard for both divine law and human compassion, leading to their being characterized as "ungodly" in [2 Peter 2:6](/2_peter/2-6 "2 Peter 2:6 - The Destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah").

**Does the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah imply that God still destroys cities today for their wickedness?**

Answer: The destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah serves as a historical "ensample" ([2 Peter 2:6](/2_peter/2-6 "2 Peter 2:6 - The Destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah")) of God's capacity and willingness to judge profound ungodliness. While direct, cataclysmic, city-wide destruction like Sodom's is not a common pattern in the current age, the principle of divine judgment remains. Scripture teaches that God's justice is unwavering, and ultimate judgment awaits all unrepentant sin ([Romans 2:5-8](/romans/2-5-8 "Romans 2:5-8 - God's Righteous Judgment")). The New Testament points to a future, final judgment day when all will stand before Christ ([Revelation 20:11-15](/revelation/20-11-15 "Revelation 20:11-15 - The Great White Throne Judgment")). Thus, while the *form* of judgment may differ, the *certainty* of judgment for ungodliness is an enduring theological truth, serving as a call to repentance and faith in Christ.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, as a stark "ensample" of divine judgment against ungodliness in [2 Peter 2:6](/2_peter/2-6 "2 Peter 2:6 - The Destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah"), finds its ultimate fulfillment and most profound meaning in Jesus Christ. While the Old Testament account demonstrates God's righteous wrath against sin, it also foreshadows the ultimate Judge who is to come. Jesus Himself referenced Sodom and Gomorrah as a warning, declaring that it would be "more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah in the day of judgment than for that city" which rejects His message ([Matthew 10:15](/matthew/10-15 "Matthew 10:15 - Judgment on Unrepentant Cities")). This highlights Christ's supreme authority as the one appointed by God to judge the living and the dead ([Acts 17:31](/acts/17-31 "Acts 17:31 - God has Appointed a Day of Judgment")). Yet, in Christ, we also see the perfect balance of justice and mercy. While He is the one who will execute final judgment, He is also the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), offering salvation from the very wrath that Sodom experienced. The preservation of Lot from the fiery destruction ([2 Peter 2:7-8](/2_peter/2-7-8 "2 Peter 2:7-8 - Lot's Deliverance from Sodom")) serves as a type of the deliverance offered through Christ: all who are "in Christ" are rescued from the coming judgment, not by their own righteousness, but by His atoning sacrifice on the cross ([Romans 5:9](/romans/5-9 "Romans 5:9 - Justification by Christ's Blood")). Thus, Sodom's fate points to the terrifying reality of God's justice, compelling humanity to flee to the only refuge from wrath, Jesus Christ, who bore the condemnation we deserved ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Made Sin for Us")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Jude 1:7

Even as Sodom and Gomorrha, and the cities about them in like manner, giving themselves over to fornication, and going after strange flesh, are set forth for an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire.

Luke 17:28

Likewise also as it was in the days of Lot; they did eat, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they builded;

Luke 17:30

Even thus shall it be in the day when the Son of man is revealed.

Deuteronomy 29:23

[And that] the whole land thereof [is] brimstone, and salt, [and] burning, [that] it is not sown, nor beareth, nor any grass groweth therein, like the overthrow of Sodom, and Gomorrah, Admah, and Zeboim, which the LORD overthrew in his anger, and in his wrath:

Numbers 26:10

And the earth opened her mouth, and swallowed them up together with Korah, when that company died, what time the fire devoured two hundred and fifty men: and they became a sign.

Genesis 19:24

¶ Then the LORD rained upon Sodom and upon Gomorrah brimstone and fire from the LORD out of heaven;

Genesis 19:25

And he overthrew those cities, and all the plain, and all the inhabitants of the cities, and that which grew upon the ground.