Genesis 19:24

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

Then the LORD {H3068} rained {H4305} upon Sodom {H5467} and upon Gomorrah {H6017} brimstone {H1614} and fire {H784} from the LORD {H3068} out of heaven {H8064};

Complete Jewish Bible

Then ADONAI caused sulfur and fire to rain down upon S'dom and 'Amora from ADONAI out of the sky.

Berean Standard Bible

Then the LORD rained down sulfur and fire on Sodom and Gomorrah—from the LORD out of the heavens.

American Standard Version

Then Jehovah rained upon Sodom and upon Gomorrah brimstone and fire from Jehovah out of heaven;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 19:24 records the climactic and devastating divine judgment upon the notoriously wicked cities of Sodom and Gomorrah. In a direct and supernatural act, the LORD Himself rained down brimstone and fire from heaven, utterly consuming the cities and their inhabitants. This verse serves as a powerful testament to God's absolute holiness, His unwavering justice against profound and unrepentant sin, and the severe consequences that inevitably follow moral rebellion against His divine standards.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Genesis 19:24 marks the dramatic culmination of a narrative arc that begins in [Genesis 18](/genesis/18 "Genesis 18 - Abraham's Intercession and God's Judgment"). Following the LORD's revelation to Abraham concerning His intent to destroy Sodom and Gomorrah due to their grievous sin, Abraham intercedes for the cities, testing God's willingness to spare them for the sake of the righteous. This intercession, detailed in [Genesis 18:23-33](/genesis/18-23-33 "Abraham's Intercession for Sodom"), underscores God's patience and desire for righteousness. Chapter 19 then opens with two angels arriving in Sodom, where they are welcomed by Lot, Abraham's nephew. The subsequent demand by the men of Sodom to sexually assault the angelic visitors, as recorded in [Genesis 19:4-9](/genesis/19-4-9 "The Sin of Sodom"), confirms the extreme depravity that had "cried out" to the LORD ([Genesis 18:20](/genesis/18-20 "Genesis 18:20 - The Cry of Sodom and Gomorrah")). The angels then urgently lead Lot and his family out of the city, warning them not to look back, culminating in Lot's desperate escape to Zoar just moments before the cataclysmic event described in this verse.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The cities of Sodom and Gomorrah were located in the fertile plain of the Jordan Valley, likely near the southern end of what is now the Dead Sea. This region was historically prosperous, but its inhabitants became infamous for their moral corruption, particularly their egregious violations of hospitality and widespread sexual immorality. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, hospitality was a sacred duty, and its egregious abuse, as demonstrated by the men of Sodom, was considered a profound offense against both human and divine order. The "cry" of their sin reaching God's ears signifies not merely a sound, but the accumulation of their iniquity demanding divine intervention and judgment. The destruction by "brimstone and fire" may have incorporated natural phenomena (such as the ignition of subterranean petroleum or sulfur deposits common in the region) but is explicitly presented as a supernatural act of divine judgment, distinct from a mere natural disaster.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Genesis and the broader biblical narrative. It highlights the theme of **Divine Justice**, demonstrating God's active involvement in judging human sin and His intolerance for unrepentant wickedness. It underscores the **Consequences of Human Depravity**, serving as a stark warning against widespread moral corruption and the ultimate futility of rebellion against God's standards. Furthermore, it reinforces God's **Sovereignty and Authority** over creation and human affairs, as the judgment is explicitly "from the LORD out of heaven," emphasizing His direct and intentional action. The preceding narrative also subtly introduces the theme of **Divine Preservation of the Righteous**, as Lot and his daughters are delivered from the destruction, albeit imperfectly, echoing God's faithfulness to those who, however flawed, seek to obey Him, as seen in the broader narrative of [God's covenant with Abraham](/genesis/12-1-3 "Genesis 12:1-3 - The Abrahamic Covenant").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** From H3068, meaning "the self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God; Jehovah, the Lord." The repetition of "the LORD" in this verse (first as the subject, then as the source "from the LORD") powerfully emphasizes the singular, sovereign, and eternal nature of God as the initiator and executor of this cataclysmic judgment. It underscores that this was not a random event but a direct, intentional act of the covenant-keeping God.
* **rained (Hebrew, _mâṭar'_):** From H4305, a primitive root meaning "to rain; (cause to) rain (upon)." This word describes the specific mechanism of the judgment, portraying it as a precipitation of destructive elements from above. The active verb implies a deliberate, controlled action by God, not a passive or natural occurrence, highlighting His direct involvement and power over the elements.
* **brimstone (Hebrew, _gophrîyth'_):** From H1614, meaning "probably feminine of גֹּפֶר; properly, cypress-resin; by analogy, sulphur (as equally inflammable); brimstone." This term refers to sulfur, a highly flammable mineral that burns with an acrid, suffocating odor and leaves behind a desolate, barren residue. Its combination with "fire" signifies a complete, purifying, and utterly destructive judgment, leaving nothing viable in its wake.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then the LORD rained upon Sodom and upon Gomorrah":** This opening clause immediately establishes the divine agency and the specific targets of the judgment. The "LORD" (Yahweh) is the active subject, initiating the "raining" of destruction. The direct naming of "Sodom and Gomorrah" underscores the precise and intentional nature of this judgment, directed at these cities because of their specific and egregious wickedness.
* **"brimstone and fire":** This phrase describes the destructive agents. "Brimstone" (sulfur) and "fire" combine to form an image of total incineration and desolation. This is not merely a natural disaster but a supernaturally intensified act of judgment, designed to utterly consume and purify the land of its pervasive evil.
* **"from the LORD out of heaven;":** This final phrase reiterates and reinforces the divine origin of the judgment, leaving no doubt that this was a direct, deliberate, and supernatural act of God. The judgment emanated "out of heaven," signifying its divine source and absolute authority, distinguishing it from any earthly or random event. The repetition of "the LORD" serves as an emphatic declaration of His sole authorship of this devastating event.

#### Literary Devices
Genesis 19:24 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its profound message. **Repetition** is prominently used with the phrase "the LORD," appearing twice in the verse. This emphasizes God's singular, sovereign agency and underscores that the judgment was a direct, intentional act of the divine, leaving no room for attributing it to natural forces alone. **Symbolism** is central, as "brimstone and fire" are not just literal elements but powerful symbols of divine wrath, complete destruction, and purifying judgment. This imagery foreshadows later biblical descriptions of ultimate judgment, such as the "lake of fire and brimstone" in [Revelation 20:10](/revelation/20-10 "Revelation 20:10 - The Lake of Fire and Brimstone"). The verse also uses **Divine Anthropomorphism** by describing the LORD as "raining" upon the cities, portraying God's active involvement in a manner relatable to human experience, even while His actions are supernatural. The overall effect is one of overwhelming power and undeniable divine intervention.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah in Genesis 19:24 is a foundational biblical narrative demonstrating God's unyielding justice and absolute holiness in the face of pervasive human depravity. It unequivocally asserts that while God is patient and merciful, His forbearance has limits, and unrepentant sin will ultimately incur His righteous judgment. This event serves as a perpetual warning throughout Scripture, illustrating the severe consequences of moral rebellion and the necessity of repentance. It also highlights God's sovereignty, as the judgment is explicitly "from the LORD out of heaven," underscoring His ultimate authority over creation and His power to execute His divine will.

* [Deuteronomy 29:23](/deuteronomy/29-23 "Deuteronomy 29:23 - Sodom and Gomorrah as a Warning")
* [Luke 17:28-30](/luke/17-28-30 "Luke 17:28-30 - Jesus' Warning about the Last Days")
* [2 Peter 2:6](/2_peter/2-6 "2 Peter 2:6 - Sodom and Gomorrah as an Example of Judgment")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The judgment upon Sodom and Gomorrah, as vividly depicted in Genesis 19:24, stands as a timeless and solemn warning for all generations. It compels us to confront the profound gravity of sin and the unwavering reality of God's justice. While we live in an age of grace, this account reminds us that God is not indifferent to wickedness; His holiness demands a response to sin. This narrative urges us to examine our own lives and societies, asking if we are embracing or rejecting the moral standards of a holy God. It calls for genuine repentance and a commitment to righteousness, reminding us that God's patience, though vast, is not infinite. Just as Lot was called to flee the impending judgment, we are called to separate ourselves from the corrupting influences of the world and to live lives that honor God, seeking His mercy and walking in His ways.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the swift and decisive judgment in Genesis 19:24 challenge my understanding of God's character, particularly His justice and holiness?**
* **In what ways might my own life, or the culture around me, exhibit patterns of behavior that disregard God's moral standards, similar to the unrepentant sin of Sodom?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate a deeper sense of repentance and to align my life more fully with God's righteous will, in light of this severe warning?**

### FAQ
**Why is the LORD mentioned twice in this single verse?**

Answer: The repetition of "the LORD" (Hebrew: _Yᵉhôvâh_) in [Genesis 19:24](/genesis/19-24 "Genesis 19:24 - The Destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah") serves as a powerful literary and theological emphasis. The first mention, "Then the LORD rained," identifies the primary subject and initiator of the action. The second mention, "from the LORD out of heaven," reinforces the divine origin and singular authority of the judgment. This repetition underscores that the cataclysm was not a natural disaster or a random event, but a direct, deliberate, and supernatural act of God Himself, highlighting His absolute sovereignty and intentionality in executing judgment upon Sodom and Gomorrah.

**Does the judgment on Sodom and Gomorrah contradict God's mercy?**

Answer: No, the judgment on Sodom and Gomorrah does not contradict God's mercy; rather, it beautifully illustrates the perfect balance between His justice and His mercy. The preceding narrative in [Genesis 18](/genesis/18 "Genesis 18 - Abraham's Intercession") vividly portrays God's immense patience and His willingness to spare the cities if even ten righteous individuals could be found. This demonstrates His desire for righteousness and His reluctance to bring judgment. The judgment only came after the cities had reached an extreme and unrepentant level of wickedness, exhausting all avenues for redemption. God's mercy was extended to Lot and his family, who were delivered, while His justice was meted out against persistent, pervasive, and unrepentant evil, thereby affirming His holy character and His commitment to moral order.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The catastrophic judgment upon Sodom and Gomorrah in [Genesis 19:24](/genesis/19-24 "Genesis 19:24 - The Destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah") serves as a profound Old Testament type and foreshadowing of ultimate divine judgment, which finds its most complete and redemptive fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While God's righteous wrath was poured out on these ancient cities for their unrepentant sin, the New Testament reveals that the ultimate "brimstone and fire" of divine judgment for humanity's sin was borne by Christ Himself on the cross. He became the propitiation for our sins ([1_john/2-2](/1_john/2-2 "1 John 2:2 - Christ, the Propitiation for Our Sins")), absorbing the full weight of God's righteous wrath so that those who believe might be spared. Furthermore, Jesus is presented as the ultimate Judge who will return to execute final judgment on all unrighteousness, as foretold in passages like [Matthew 25:31-46](/matthew/25-31-46 "Matthew 25:31-46 - The Judgment of the Nations") and [Revelation 20:11-15](/revelation/20-11-15 "Revelation 20:11-15 - The Great White Throne Judgment"). Thus, the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah not only warns of the consequences of sin but also powerfully points to the urgent need for salvation found exclusively in Christ, who delivers us from the wrath to come and offers eternal life to all who turn from sin and trust in Him ([Romans 5:9](/romans/5-9 "Romans 5:9 - Delivered from Wrath Through Christ")).

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

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:

Isaiah 13:19

¶ And Babylon, the glory of kingdoms, the beauty of the Chaldees' excellency, shall be as when God overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah.

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.

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;

Amos 4:11

I have overthrown [some] of you, as God overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah, and ye were as a firebrand plucked out of the burning: yet have ye not returned unto me, saith the LORD.

Jeremiah 50:40

As God overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah and the neighbour [cities] thereof, saith the LORD; [so] shall no man abide there, neither shall any son of man dwell therein.

Zephaniah 2:9

Therefore [as] I live, saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel, Surely Moab shall be as Sodom, and the children of Ammon as Gomorrah, [even] the breeding of nettles, and saltpits, and a perpetual desolation: the residue of my people shall spoil them, and the remnant of my people shall possess them.