Genesis 13:13

KJV

But the men of Sodom [were] wicked and sinners before the LORD exceedingly.

KJV (with Strong's)

But the men {H582} of Sodom {H5467} were wicked {H7451} and sinners {H2400} before the LORD {H3068} exceedingly {H3966}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Now the men of S'dom were evil, committing great sins against ADONAI.

Berean Standard Bible

But the men of Sodom were wicked, sinning greatly against the LORD.

American Standard Version

Now the men of Sodom were wicked and sinners against Jehovah exceedingly.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 13:13 serves as a stark and crucial narrative interjection, immediately following Lot's choice to settle in the fertile plains of the Jordan. This verse functions as a divine commentary, revealing the profound and pervasive moral corruption of Sodom by explicitly stating that its inhabitants "were wicked and sinners before the LORD exceedingly." This declaration provides a critical warning to the reader, foreshadowing the inevitable divine judgment that would later befall the city and contrasting Lot's worldly ambition with the spiritual reality of his chosen environment.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed immediately after the amicable separation of Abram and Lot, a necessary division due to the increasing size of their herds and the resulting conflict between their herdsmen. Lot, given the first choice of land, surveyed the well-watered Jordan plain and chose it as his dwelling, moving his tents as far as Sodom. The preceding verses ([Genesis 13:10-12](/genesis/13-10-12 "Lot's Choice and Separation from Abram")) describe the land's lushness, comparing it to "the garden of the LORD" and "the land of Egypt." Genesis 13:13 then acts as a jarring and immediate counterpoint to this seemingly idyllic description, injecting a crucial piece of theological information that recontextualizes Lot's choice. It transforms what appeared to be a shrewd economic decision into a perilous spiritual compromise, setting the narrative stage for the dramatic events of judgment in [Genesis 18-19](/genesis/18-19 "The Lord's Visit to Abraham and the Destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Near Eastern societies, cities were often centers of trade, culture, and power, but also potential hubs of moral decay. The Jordan plain, being well-watered, was agriculturally rich and thus likely prosperous. Sodom, as a prominent city in this region, would have enjoyed significant material wealth. The phrase "before the LORD" is not merely a statement of God's omnipresence but also carries a judicial connotation, implying that their wickedness was not hidden but openly and brazenly committed in the sight of divine justice. This reflects a cultural understanding of a deity's active involvement in human affairs and moral oversight, where public transgressions were deemed particularly offensive to divine order. The extreme nature of their sin, as described, suggests a society that had completely abandoned the moral standards expected by God, leading to a state of profound moral depravity that would have been recognizable as such in the broader ancient world.

* **Key Themes:** Genesis 13:13 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within Genesis and the broader biblical narrative. It highlights the theme of **Divine Omniscience and Justice**, emphasizing that God sees and knows all human actions, even those committed in private, and that His justice will ultimately prevail against pervasive wickedness. It underscores the theme of **Human Depravity**, showcasing the extreme depths to which human sinfulness can descend, particularly when unchecked by divine law or moral conscience, contrasting sharply with the righteousness of Abram, who chose to dwell in the land of Canaan, trusting in God's provision (see [Genesis 13:14-18](/genesis/13-14-18 "God's Promise to Abram after Lot's Departure")). The verse also introduces the theme of **Consequences of Association**, serving as a cautionary tale about the spiritual dangers of aligning oneself, even geographically, with unrighteousness, a warning echoed throughout wisdom literature (e.g., [Proverbs 13:20](/proverbs/13-20 "Walk with the wise and become wise")). Finally, it lays the groundwork for the theme of **Divine Judgment**, foreshadowing the severe and just retribution that awaits unrepentant sin, a pattern seen repeatedly in God's dealings with humanity.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Genesis 13:13 is a concise yet profoundly impactful statement, designed to immediately inform the reader of the true spiritual danger inherent in Lot's seemingly advantageous choice. The verse's deliberate placement after Lot's decision to settle near Sodom underscores the principle that material prosperity can often mask profound spiritual decay. The description of Sodom's inhabitants is intensified through specific Hebrew terms, painting a picture of pervasive and extreme moral depravity.

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Wicked (Hebrew, _raʻ'_):** This term, derived from the root meaning "to break" or "to be evil," denotes a comprehensive state of moral badness. It encompasses actions that are harmful, malicious, and fundamentally contrary to God's character and law. In this context, it describes a pervasive evil that permeated the very fabric of Sodomite society, indicating not just isolated acts but a deep-seated moral corruption.
* **Sinners (Hebrew, _chaṭṭâʼ'_):** This word, from a root meaning "to miss the mark," refers to those who transgress God's commands or deviate from His righteous path. When used intensively, as here, it signifies a criminal or one accounted guilty. The plural form emphasizes that this was not an individual failing but a characteristic of the entire populace, indicating a habitual and widespread practice of rebellion against divine standards.
* **Exceedingly (Hebrew, _mᵉʼôd'_):** This adverb serves as a powerful intensifier, stressing the extreme degree of their wickedness. It signifies "vehemence," "wholly," or "very much." Its inclusion here highlights that Sodom's sin was not casual or occasional but an overwhelming, pervasive, and deeply entrenched state of evil that permeated every aspect of their society, leaving no room for doubt about the severity of their moral condition.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But the men of Sodom":** This phrase immediately shifts the focus from the pleasantness of the land to the character of its inhabitants. The contrast is stark and intentional, highlighting the spiritual danger lurking beneath the surface of material prosperity. It specifies that the problem was with the people themselves, not merely their environment.
* **"were wicked and sinners":** These two terms are used in conjunction to emphasize the comprehensive and pervasive nature of Sodom's corruption. "Wicked" (raʻ) points to their inherent moral depravity and evil character, while "sinners" (chaṭṭâʼ) highlights their active transgression of divine commands. Together, they paint a picture of a populace characterized by both a corrupt nature and a pattern of sinful behavior.
* **"before the LORD exceedingly":** This crucial phrase underscores several vital points. "Before the LORD" emphasizes God's omnipresence and perfect knowledge; their sins were not hidden but committed openly and brazenly in His sight, demonstrating a profound lack of fear or respect for divine authority. The addition of "exceedingly" (mᵉʼôd) intensifies the description, indicating that their wickedness was not merely present but extreme, overwhelming, and without measure. This phrase establishes the divine justification for the severe judgment that God would later bring upon the city, confirming that their depravity had reached its zenith.

#### Literary Devices
Genesis 13:13 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its powerful message. **Juxtaposition** is immediately evident, as the verse sharply contrasts the lush, "garden-like" description of the Jordan plain in [Genesis 13:10](/genesis/13-10 "Lot's Choice of the Jordan Plain") with the profound moral corruption of its inhabitants. This creates a jarring effect, highlighting the deceptive nature of outward appearances and the spiritual danger inherent in Lot's choice. The verse also functions as powerful **Foreshadowing**, serving as an explicit narrative warning to the reader about the impending divine judgment on Sodom and Gomorrah, which culminates dramatically in [Genesis 19](/genesis/19 "The Destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah"). The use of the intensifying adverb "exceedingly" (מְאֹד, _me'od_) is a form of **Hyperbole** or **Emphasis**, stressing the extreme and pervasive nature of Sodom's sin beyond mere casual transgression, ensuring the reader fully grasps the depth of their depravity. Finally, the phrase "before the LORD" employs **Anthropomorphism** by attributing a human-like perception (seeing) to God, thereby underscoring His active awareness and judicial oversight of human actions.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Genesis 13:13 is a pivotal verse that profoundly shapes our understanding of divine justice, human depravity, and the consequences of moral compromise. It establishes early in the biblical narrative that God is not a distant observer but an active, righteous judge who sees all human actions, even those committed in the darkest corners of society. The extreme wickedness of Sodom serves as a stark illustration of the depth of human sinfulness and the potential for societal moral decay when unchecked by divine law or conscience. This verse, therefore, is a foundational statement about the nature of sin as a deliberate, open, and pervasive transgression against God's character and commands, inevitably leading to divine reckoning. It underscores that while God is merciful and long-suffering, there are limits to His patience, and unrepentant, extreme wickedness will ultimately incur His just wrath.

* [Genesis 18:20-21](/genesis/18-20-21 "The Cry of Sodom and Gomorrah")
* [Ezekiel 16:49-50](/ezekiel/16-49-50 "Sins of Sodom and Samaria")
* [Jude 1:7](/jude/1-7 "Sodom and Gomorrah as an Example of Eternal Fire")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 13:13 offers timeless lessons for believers today, reminding us that God sees and knows all things, including the hidden thoughts and actions of humanity, reinforcing the concept of divine accountability. Lot's choice to dwell near Sodom, despite its known wickedness, serves as a profound cautionary tale, underscoring the critical importance of discerning our environments and associations. The company we keep and the places we choose to inhabit can profoundly influence our spiritual and moral well-being, as the Bible often warns about the corrupting influence of bad company (e.g., [1 Corinthians 15:33](/1_corinthians/15-33 "Bad Company Corrupts Good Morals")). This verse challenges us to prioritize spiritual integrity over worldly gain or convenience, to be vigilant against the subtle allure of environments that may appear prosperous but harbor deep moral decay. Ultimately, the eventual fate of Sodom illustrates the severe consequences of unrepentant and pervasive sin, highlighting that while God is merciful, He is also perfectly just, and His justice will ultimately prevail against wickedness, pointing to the universal need for repentance and seeking God's righteousness in our lives and communities.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How might the allure of material prosperity blind us to the spiritual dangers of our choices, as it did for Lot?**
* **In what ways might our current cultural or social environments subtly encourage "wickedness and sin" in our lives, and how can we guard against this influence?**
* **What does the phrase "before the LORD exceedingly" teach us about God's character and His view of human sin?**
* **How does the story of Sodom inform our understanding of God's justice and the ultimate consequences of unrepentant sin?**

### FAQ
**What specific sins were the men of Sodom committing?**

Answer: While [Genesis 13:13](/genesis/13-13 "The Wickedness of Sodom") generally describes them as "wicked and sinners exceedingly," later biblical passages provide more specific details. [Ezekiel 16:49-50](/ezekiel/16-49-50 "Sins of Sodom and Samaria") lists their sins as pride, fullness of bread (gluttony), abundance of idleness, and a failure to strengthen the hand of the poor and needy, in addition to committing abominations. This suggests a comprehensive moral decay, encompassing social injustice, arrogance, lack of compassion, and sexual perversion (as strongly implied by [Genesis 19](/genesis/19 "The Destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah"), particularly the attempted gang rape of Lot's angelic visitors).

**Why is this verse placed immediately after Lot's choice?**

Answer: The immediate placement of this verse serves a crucial narrative and theological purpose. It acts as a divine commentary on Lot's seemingly advantageous choice, warning the reader of the inherent danger and moral compromise involved in settling near such a depraved city. It immediately establishes the spiritual reality of Sodom, contrasting it with the perceived material benefits Lot sought. This foreshadows the coming judgment and fully justifies God's later actions, highlighting the stark contrast between Lot's worldly ambition and the profound spiritual peril of his chosen environment. It also serves as a literary device to build tension and explain the future divine intervention.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The profound wickedness of Sodom, judged "before the LORD exceedingly," finds its ultimate contrast and fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While Sodom represents the epitome of human depravity and the just wrath of God against sin, Christ embodies perfect righteousness and offers the ultimate solution to sin. He is the one who, though utterly sinless, bore the full weight of God's judgment against humanity's wickedness, including the kind of pervasive sinfulness seen in Sodom, when He was crucified (as prophesied in [Isaiah 53:5-6](/isaiah/53-5-6 "The Suffering Servant")). Through His atoning sacrifice on the cross, Christ offers deliverance from the wrath to come, providing a path to righteousness and reconciliation with God that was utterly absent in Sodom (see [Romans 5:8-9](/romans/5-8-9 "God's Love and Deliverance from Wrath")). Furthermore, Christ will return as the righteous Judge, fulfilling the ultimate justice of God that was partially demonstrated in Sodom's destruction (as described in [Matthew 25:31-33](/matthew/25-31-33 "The Judgment of the Nations")), calling all people to repentance and faith in Him as the only escape from eternal condemnation and the only means to inherit eternal life (as proclaimed in [John 3:16-18](/john/3-16-18 "God So Loved the World")).

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

2 Peter 2:10

¶ But chiefly them that walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness, and despise government. Presumptuous [are they], selfwilled, they are not afraid to speak evil of dignities.

2 Peter 2:6

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;

2 Peter 2:8

(For that righteous man dwelling among them, in seeing and hearing, vexed [his] righteous soul from day to day with [their] unlawful deeds;)

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.

Isaiah 3:8

For Jerusalem is ruined, and Judah is fallen: because their tongue and their doings [are] against the LORD, to provoke the eyes of his glory.

Isaiah 3:9

¶ The shew of their countenance doth witness against them; and they declare their sin as Sodom, they hide [it] not. Woe unto their soul! for they have rewarded evil unto themselves.

Jeremiah 23:24

Can any hide himself in secret places that I shall not see him? saith the LORD. Do not I fill heaven and earth? saith the LORD.