Genesis 19:13

KJV

For we will destroy this place, because the cry of them is waxen great before the face of the LORD; and the LORD hath sent us to destroy it.

KJV (with Strong's)

For we {H587} will destroy {H7843}{H853} this place {H4725}, because the cry of them {H6818} is waxen great {H1431} before {H854} the face {H6440} of the LORD {H3068}; and the LORD {H3068} hath sent {H7971} us to destroy {H7843} it.

Complete Jewish Bible

because we are going to destroy it. ADONAI has become aware of the great outcry against them, and ADONAI has sent us to destroy it."

Berean Standard Bible

because we are about to destroy this place. For the outcry to the LORD against its people is so great that He has sent us to destroy it.”

American Standard Version

for we will destroy this place, because the cry of them is waxed great before Jehovah; and Jehovah hath sent us to destroy it.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 19:13 marks the climactic declaration by two angelic messengers of God's unyielding and imminent judgment upon the city of Sodom. This pronouncement reveals that the pervasive and egregious wickedness of its inhabitants had reached an intolerable threshold, prompting a divine commission for the city's complete and irreversible destruction, thereby sealing its fate after Abraham's fervent but ultimately unfulfilled intercession.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a direct and definitive statement delivered by the two angels who have just arrived in Sodom, immediately following their harrowing experience at Lot's house. Having been graciously hosted and protected by Lot from the depraved and violent men of the city who sought to sexually assault them, the angels now reveal the true, terrifying purpose of their visit. Their declaration of impending destruction serves as the culmination of the narrative established in [Genesis 18](/genesis/18 "Genesis 18 - The Lord Visits Abraham"), where the Lord revealed His intent to investigate the "great cry" against Sodom and Gomorrah. Abraham's subsequent intercession, moving from fifty righteous down to ten, underscores the divine principle that even a small remnant of righteousness could avert judgment. The angels' pronouncement in [Genesis 19:13](/genesis/19-13 "Genesis 19:13 - Angels Declare Sodom's Destruction") confirms that not even ten righteous individuals were found, validating God's righteous decision to execute judgment due to Sodom's profound and unrepentant moral decay, setting the stage for the dramatic events of the following verses.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Sodom, alongside Gomorrah and other cities of the plain, was situated in the fertile Jordan Valley, a region known for its prosperity, which often led to complacency and moral corruption. Ancient Near Eastern cultures often viewed prosperity as a sign of divine favor, but the narrative here highlights how such blessings, when coupled with a lack of justice and righteousness, could lead to severe moral decay. The specific sin that "cried out" against Sodom is often understood to encompass not only the attempted homosexual rape described in [Genesis 19:4-9](/genesis/19-4-9 "Genesis 19:4-9 - Sodomites Demand the Angels") but also a broader spectrum of social injustice, arrogance, and lack of compassion, as later described in [Ezekiel 16:49-50](/ezekiel/16-49-50 "Ezekiel 16:49-50 - The Sins of Sodom"). The concept of a "cry" reaching God's ears is a common biblical motif, signifying that the iniquity had accumulated to such an extent that it demanded divine intervention and judgment, a reflection of God's active involvement in human affairs and His ultimate commitment to justice.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Genesis and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Justice and Judgment**, demonstrating God's unwavering commitment to righteousness and His ultimate intolerance for unrepentant sin. The destruction of Sodom serves as a stark example of the consequences of profound moral depravity and rebellion against God's standards, a theme echoed in later prophetic warnings and New Testament teachings on judgment, such as those found in [2 Peter 2:6](/2_peter/2-6 "2 Peter 2:6 - God Condemned Sodom and Gomorrah"). Secondly, the passage highlights **God's Omniscience and Active Involvement** in human affairs; the "cry" reaching "before the face of the LORD" emphasizes that no sin, however hidden, escapes His notice, and He is intimately aware of the moral state of humanity. Lastly, it reinforces the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Commission**, as the angels explicitly state they were "sent" by the LORD to execute His will, illustrating that God uses agents to carry out His purposes and that His judgments are deliberate acts of His sovereign power, not arbitrary outbursts.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **destroy (Hebrew, _shâchath'_):** This primitive root signifies to "decay" or, causatively, to "ruin" (literally or figuratively). In [Genesis 19:13](/genesis/19-13 "Genesis 19:13 - Angels Declare Sodom's Destruction"), it denotes a complete and utter ruination, a total annihilation. The angels are not merely damaging or punishing; they are bringing about a final, irreversible end to the city and its inhabitants, consistent with the Strong's definition's emphasis on "destroyer," "destruction," and "utterly waste."
* **cry (Hebrew, _tsaʻăqâh'_):** From the root meaning "to shriek," this word denotes a "cry" or "crying." While it can refer to a cry of distress or injustice from the oppressed, in this context, it represents the overwhelming, accumulated weight of Sodom's wickedness and moral offense. It is not an audible sound from victims but a metaphorical "cry" of the city's depravity itself, ascending to God as an accusation that demands a response, signifying an intolerable level of iniquity.
* **face (Hebrew, _pânîym'_):** This plural noun, always used as singular, refers to "the face" as the part that turns. Figuratively, "before the face of the LORD" (לִפְנֵי יְהוָה - _lifnei Yahweh_) indicates direct presence, personal attention, and intimate awareness. It emphasizes that Sodom's sin was not merely observed from afar but was a direct, personal affront to God's holy presence and character, demanding His immediate and direct intervention.
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** This is the self-existent or eternal name of God, Jehovah, the Jewish national name of God. Its use here underscores the absolute sovereignty and covenant faithfulness of the God who is executing judgment. It is not a lesser deity or an impersonal force, but the personal, holy, and all-powerful God of Abraham who is bringing about this destruction, highlighting His authority and unchangeable nature.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For we will destroy this place,"**: The angels, acting as direct emissaries and agents of God's will, declare the absolute and irreversible doom of Sodom. This is not a warning or a conditional threat, but a statement of immediate and certain execution of judgment. The "we" signifies their active participation in carrying out the divine decree, demonstrating God's use of heavenly agents to fulfill His purposes on earth.
* **"because the cry of them is waxen great before the face of the LORD;"**: This clause provides the divine justification for the impending destruction. The "cry" (tsaʻăqâh) refers to the overwhelming moral offense and spiritual corruption of Sodom, which has accumulated to such an egregious degree that it has metaphorically "waxen great" (gâdal – grown large, magnified) and ascended directly "before the face of the LORD." This emphasizes God's omniscient awareness of the city's profound wickedness and the direct affront its sin posed to His holy presence and character, indicating that the iniquity had reached its full measure, demanding a divine response.
* **"and the LORD hath sent us to destroy it."**: This final segment explicitly states the divine commission and authority behind the angels' actions. The destruction is not an arbitrary act of violence but a deliberate, sovereign act of God's justice, initiated and commanded by "the LORD" (Yᵉhôvâh) Himself. This highlights God's active and direct role in upholding righteousness and His willingness to intervene decisively when sin reaches an intolerable level, underscoring His absolute sovereignty over all creation and His commitment to moral order.

#### Literary Devices
Genesis 19:13 employs several potent **Literary Devices** to convey its message. The most prominent is **Anthropomorphism**, seen in the phrase "the cry of them is waxen great before the face of the LORD." While God does not literally have a "face" or "ears" to hear a "cry," this imagery vividly conveys His intimate awareness and direct attention to the profound wickedness of Sodom. It emphasizes that the city's sin was not merely observed but was a direct and personal affront to His holy presence, demanding a response. Furthermore, the "cry" itself functions as a form of **Personification**, where the collective sin and injustice of Sodom are given a voice, metaphorically crying out for judgment. The angels' declaration, "we will destroy this place," also demonstrates **Divine Commission**, highlighting that they are not acting on their own accord but as direct agents of God's sovereign will, emphasizing the divine origin and authority behind the impending destruction. The entire verse serves as a powerful instance of **Foreshadowing**, setting the stage for the dramatic and devastating judgment that immediately follows, reinforcing the theme of divine retribution for unrepentant sin.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Genesis 19:13 stands as a profound theological statement, powerfully conveying God's unyielding commitment to justice and His active opposition to pervasive evil. It reveals that while God is infinitely patient and merciful, there is a limit to His tolerance for unrepentant sin, beyond which His righteous judgment is inevitable. The "cry" of Sodom's iniquity reaching "before the face of the LORD" underscores God's perfect omniscience and His intimate awareness of all human actions, whether public or hidden. This verse also highlights God's absolute sovereignty, demonstrating that He is not a passive observer but an active participant in human history, willing and able to intervene decisively to uphold His moral order. The destruction of Sodom serves as a timeless warning, illustrating the severe consequences that await individuals and societies that persist in grave sin, emphasizing the necessity of repentance and alignment with divine standards.

* [Deuteronomy 29:23](/deuteronomy/29-23 "Deuteronomy 29:23 - Sodom and Gomorrah as a Warning")
* [Jude 1:7](/jude/1-7 "Jude 1:7 - Sodom and Gomorrah as an Example of Eternal Fire")
* [2 Peter 2:6](/2_peter/2-6 "2 Peter 2:6 - God Condemned Sodom and Gomorrah")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 19:13 offers profound and sobering lessons for believers today, primarily affirming God's unchanging character as a just, holy, and sovereign God who will ultimately judge all unrighteousness. This truth should instill both a deep reverence for God and a sober understanding of sin's gravity, reminding us that persistent and unrepentant sin, whether individual or societal, carries serious and often catastrophic consequences. While God is incredibly patient and merciful, as demonstrated by Abraham's intercession, there comes a point when His patience gives way to righteous judgment. This urges a timely response to His warnings, a turning away from evil, and a pursuit of righteousness. Furthermore, the assurance that "the cry of them is waxen great before the face of the LORD" reminds us that God is intimately aware of all injustice, oppression, and suffering in the world. This provides immense comfort for the oppressed, knowing that their cries do not go unheard, and serves as a powerful warning for those who perpetrate harm, as God will ultimately bring about perfect justice in His time. It calls us to live lives that reflect God's holiness, advocate for justice, and share the message of repentance and salvation before the day of judgment arrives.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the concept of God's "face" in this verse deepen your understanding of His awareness of sin and suffering?**
* **What does Sodom's destruction teach us about the cumulative nature of unrepentant sin, both individually and societally?**
* **In what ways should the certainty of divine judgment motivate believers to live righteously and share the Gospel?**
* **How can we, as believers, respond to the "cry" of injustice and moral decay in our own communities, reflecting God's heart for justice?**

### FAQ

**Why did God destroy Sodom?**

Answer: God destroyed Sodom because its wickedness had become exceedingly great and pervasive, reaching a point where it was an intolerable affront to His holy character and justice. The "cry" of their sin, encompassing profound moral depravity, social injustice, arrogance, and sexual perversion (as evidenced by the attempted assault on the angels in [Genesis 19:4-9](/genesis/19-4-9 "Genesis 19:4-9 - Sodomites Demand the Angels")), had "waxen great before the face of the LORD." This signifies that the city's iniquity had reached its full measure, necessitating divine intervention and judgment as a demonstration of God's righteousness and His commitment to upholding moral order.

**What does "the cry of them is waxen great" mean?**

Answer: This phrase does not refer to an audible sound of distress from the victims of Sodom, but rather to the accumulated weight and intensity of the city's moral corruption and sin. It signifies that the wickedness had reached such an extreme level that it metaphorically ascended to God, demanding His attention and righteous judgment. The Hebrew word for "cry" (tsaʻăqâh) often denotes a cry for justice or redress, and here it represents the pervasive evil that had saturated the city, becoming an offense that "magnified" itself before God. It highlights God's perfect knowledge of human sin and His active response to profound moral decay, as seen in other biblical accounts of divine judgment (e.g., [Jonah 1:2](/jonah/1-2 "Jonah 1:2 - The Wickedness of Nineveh")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Genesis 19:13 speaks of God's righteous judgment against sin, executed through angelic agents, it ultimately points to Christ as the ultimate Judge and, more profoundly, as the sole means of escape from divine wrath. Jesus Himself referenced the destruction of Sodom as a solemn warning of future judgment, comparing it to the sudden and decisive nature of His second coming, as recorded in [Luke 17:28-30](/luke/17-28-30 "Luke 17:28-30 - Days of Lot and the Son of Man"). Just as Lot and his family were offered a way of escape from Sodom's impending destruction, Christ offers salvation and refuge from the coming judgment for all who believe in Him. He is the righteous One whose perfect life and atoning sacrifice on the cross (cf. [Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - God Demonstrates His Love")) provide the only way to avoid the just consequences of wickedness that Sodom experienced. Through His shed blood, He takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), offering mercy and eternal life where only judgment was due, fulfilling God's ultimate plan for justice and redemption. The judgment upon Sodom, therefore, foreshadows the ultimate judgment to come, while simultaneously magnifying the grace and salvation offered uniquely through Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God.

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

Genesis 18:20

And the LORD said, Because the cry of Sodom and Gomorrah is great, and because their sin is very grievous;

Matthew 13:49

So shall it be at the end of the world: the angels shall come forth, and sever the wicked from among the just,

Matthew 13:50

And shall cast them into the furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth.

Acts 12:23

And immediately the angel of the Lord smote him, because he gave not God the glory: and he was eaten of worms, and gave up the ghost.

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.

Revelation 16:1

¶ And I heard a great voice out of the temple saying to the seven angels, Go your ways, and pour out the vials of the wrath of God upon the earth.

Revelation 16:12

¶ And the sixth angel poured out his vial upon the great river Euphrates; and the water thereof was dried up, that the way of the kings of the east might be prepared.