Genesis 19:25

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

And he overthrew {H2015} those {H411} cities {H5892}, and all the plain {H3603}, and all the inhabitants {H3427} of the cities {H5892}, and that which grew {H6780} upon the ground {H127}.

Complete Jewish Bible

He overthrew those cities, the entire plain, all the inhabitants of the cities and everything growing in the ground.

Berean Standard Bible

Thus He destroyed these cities and the entire plain, including all the inhabitants of the cities and everything that grew on the ground.

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 19:25 vividly recounts the catastrophic and comprehensive divine judgment unleashed upon the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah, along with the entire surrounding plain. This act of total overthrow, encompassing all inhabitants, structures, and even the vegetation, stands as an immutable testament to God's absolute justice and His decisive, unwavering response to pervasive and unrepentant wickedness that had reached its full, unbearable measure.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Genesis 19:25 serves as the climactic moment of divine retribution following a prolonged narrative of escalating sin and God's patient, yet ultimately decisive, response. The preceding chapters meticulously detail the moral decay of Sodom and Gomorrah, culminating in the egregious acts of attempted sexual assault and profound inhospitality against the angelic visitors in [Genesis 19:4-9](/genesis/19-4-9 "The depravity of Sodom"). This verse fulfills the divine declaration of judgment first announced in [Genesis 18:20-21](/genesis/18-20-21 "The cry of Sodom and Gomorrah reaches God"), where the "outcry" against the cities had grown so great that God determined to investigate and act. It also immediately follows the miraculous rescue of Lot and his two daughters, a demonstration of God's mercy and selective salvation amidst widespread condemnation, as seen in [Genesis 19:15-22](/genesis/19-15-22 "Lot's escape from Sodom and Zoar"). The complete destruction described in this verse underscores the finality and totality of God's judgment once His patience is exhausted.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The cities of the plain, including Sodom and Gomorrah, were situated in a fertile region, likely near the southern end of the Dead Sea, making their prosperity a stark contrast to their moral corruption. Ancient Near Eastern cultures placed a high value on hospitality, especially towards strangers, viewing its violation as a grave offense. The attempted gang rape of Lot's guests by the men of Sodom ([Genesis 19:4-9](/genesis/19-4-9 "The men of Sodom demand Lot's guests")) was not merely a sexual sin but a profound violation of sacred societal norms, a heinous act of violence, and a brazen defiance of divine law. This cultural backdrop highlights the extreme nature of their depravity, which went beyond mere individual transgressions to a pervasive, communal wickedness that corrupted the very fabric of their society. The destruction by fire and brimstone, while miraculous, also resonates with the region's geological volatility, possibly involving natural phenomena supernaturally directed by God to execute His judgment.
* **Key Themes:** Genesis 19:25 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Genesis and biblical theology. Foremost among these is the theme of **Divine Judgment and Justice**, illustrating God's absolute holiness and His unwavering commitment to righteousness, even to the point of executing severe punishment on unrepentant sin. This event serves as a stark warning about the **Consequences of Human Depravity and Rebellion**, demonstrating that unchecked wickedness inevitably leads to ruin and devastation. It also highlights the theme of **God's Sovereignty over Creation and History**, as He directly intervenes to bring about His purposes. Furthermore, the narrative of Sodom and Gomorrah, culminating in this verse, foreshadows the concept of **Selective Salvation and Deliverance**, as seen in Lot's escape, contrasting God's wrath with His mercy towards the righteous (or those associated with them), a theme that finds its ultimate expression in the deliverance offered through Christ, as referenced in [Luke 17:28-30](/luke/17-28-30 "Jesus' warning about the days of Lot"). The destruction also establishes a **Precedent for Future Judgment**, often cited in later biblical texts as a type or example of God's ultimate judgment against the wicked, as seen in [2 Peter 2:6](/2_peter/2-6 "Sodom and Gomorrah as an example of judgment").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Overthrew (Hebrew, _hâphak'_):** From H2015, this primitive root means "to turn about or over; by implication, to change, overturn, return, pervert." In the context of Genesis 19:25, _hâphak_ vividly conveys a complete and violent reversal, a turning upside down. It implies a total, catastrophic upheaval, not merely a destruction but a fundamental alteration of the landscape and its inhabitants. This word emphasizes the direct, powerful, and transformative nature of God's intervention, signifying a divine act of judgment that left nothing as it was.
* **Plain (Hebrew, _kikkâr'_):** From H3603, meaning "a circle, i.e. (by implication) a circumjacent tract or region, especially the Ghor or valley of the Jordan; also a (round) loaf; also a talent." Here, _kikkâr_ refers to the entire circumjacent region, the fertile valley where Sodom and Gomorrah were located. Its inclusion alongside the cities underscores the pervasive nature of the judgment, extending beyond the urban centers to encompass the entire geographical area, indicating that the corruption was not confined but had permeated the whole region.
* **Grew (Hebrew, _tsemach'_):** From H6780, meaning "a sprout (usually concrete), literal or figurative; branch, bud, that which (where) grew (upon), spring(-ing)." This word refers to all vegetation, every living plant that sprouted from the ground. Its inclusion in the list of what was destroyed emphasizes the absolute totality of the judgment. Not only human and animal life, but even the very flora of the land was eradicated, leaving behind a barren, desolate testament to the severity of divine wrath and the complete reversal of life.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he overthrew those cities,"**: This clause immediately establishes the divine agent ("he," referring to the Lord) and the primary targets of His wrath. The verb "overthrew" (Hebrew _hâphak_) signifies a violent, complete, and irreversible overturning, suggesting a cataclysmic event that fundamentally altered the existence of these urban centers. The reference to "those cities" primarily includes Sodom and Gomorrah, but contextually also encompasses the other cities of the plain (Admah and Zeboiim, as mentioned in [Deuteronomy 29:23](/deuteronomy/29-23 "The destruction of Admah and Zeboiim")).
* **"and all the plain,"**: This phrase expands the scope of the destruction beyond the urban confines. "The plain" (Hebrew _kikkâr_) refers to the entire surrounding geographical region, indicating that the judgment was not limited to the population centers but engulfed the entire fertile valley. This signifies the pervasive nature of the sin that had corrupted the land itself, necessitating a comprehensive cleansing.
* **"and all the inhabitants of the cities,"**: This part specifies the human cost of the judgment. "All the inhabitants" (Hebrew _yâshab_, referring to those who dwell) underscores the complete loss of human life within the condemned areas, with the sole exception of Lot and his daughters. This detail highlights the severity of God's righteous judgment against unrepentant humanity, leaving no one untouched by the divine decree.
* **"and that which grew upon the ground."**: This final clause details the most comprehensive aspect of the destruction, extending even to the natural world. "That which grew upon the ground" (Hebrew _tsemach_) refers to all vegetation and plant life. Its eradication signifies a total desolation, leaving the land barren and inhospitable. This detail emphasizes the profound and lasting impact of the judgment, transforming a once-fertile region into a stark monument of divine wrath, a complete reversal of the life and fruitfulness that God originally intended for creation.

#### Literary Devices
Genesis 19:25 employs several powerful **Literary Devices** to convey the magnitude and finality of God's judgment. **Hyperbole** is evident in the repeated use of "all" ("all the plain," "all the inhabitants," "all that which grew"), emphasizing the absolute and total nature of the destruction, leaving no aspect of life or landscape untouched. This serves to underscore the extreme measure of the cities' wickedness and the thoroughness of God's response. The verse also utilizes vivid **Imagery** of complete devastation, painting a picture of a once-thriving region utterly obliterated, from its cities to its very vegetation. This imagery evokes a sense of awe and terror at the power of divine wrath. Furthermore, the listing of distinct elements—cities, plain, inhabitants, and vegetation—functions as a form of **Merism**, where two or more contrasting parts are used to represent the whole. By enumerating these diverse components, the text powerfully conveys that the judgment was comprehensive, affecting every conceivable aspect of existence within the condemned region. The entire passage, therefore, serves as a powerful **Symbol** of God's righteous judgment against unrepentant sin, a timeless warning etched into the very landscape.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Genesis 19:25 stands as a profound theological statement, powerfully illustrating God's absolute sovereignty and His unwavering commitment to righteous judgment against pervasive sin. It serves as a stark reminder that while God is merciful and long-suffering, His holiness demands that He cannot indefinitely tolerate unbridled wickedness. This cataclysmic event underscores the dire and widespread consequences that inevitably result from widespread moral corruption and rebellion against God's standards, demonstrating that sin, when left unchecked, ultimately leads to destruction and ruin. The comprehensive nature of the judgment highlights the depth of the cities' depravity and God's just response to it, establishing a precedent for divine reckoning.

* [Psalm 7:11](/psalm/7-11 "God is a righteous judge")
* [Romans 6:23](/romans/6-23 "The wages of sin is death")
* [2 Peter 3:9-10](/2_peter/3-9-10 "God's patience and the coming Day of the Lord")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The sobering account of Genesis 19:25 offers timeless lessons for humanity, serving as a powerful reminder that God takes sin profoundly seriously, and that unrepentant rebellion against His holy standards carries ultimate and eternal consequences. This narrative calls believers to a life of vigilant righteousness and moral discernment, understanding that while God is infinitely patient and desires all to come to repentance, His justice will ultimately prevail. It encourages us to be a transformative influence and a moral compass within our own communities and societies, remembering that followers of Christ are called to be "salt and light," preserving and illuminating society with God's truth and grace ([Matthew 5:13-16](/matthew/5-13-16 "Believers as salt and light")). This passage compels us to critically examine our own lives and the moral trajectory of our cultures, ensuring that we do not grow complacent in the face of sin, but rather actively pursue holiness, advocate for justice, and earnestly share the redemptive message of the Gospel. It challenges us to consider: What aspects of our lives or society might be provoking God's righteous indignation?

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the completeness of God's judgment in Genesis 19:25 challenge my understanding of His character?**
* **In what ways might I be complacent about sin in my own life or in my community, and how can I respond more actively to God's call for righteousness?**
* **What does this passage teach me about the importance of intercession, as demonstrated by Abraham, even when judgment is inevitable?**
* **How can the lessons from Sodom and Gomorrah inform my prayers and actions regarding the moral condition of the world today?**

### FAQ
**Why was the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah so complete?**

Answer: The completeness of the destruction, encompassing the cities, the entire plain, all inhabitants, and even the vegetation, signifies the extreme measure of the cities' pervasive wickedness and God's absolute, righteous judgment against it. Their sin was not isolated but had become deeply ingrained and unrepentant, reaching a point where divine intervention was necessary to demonstrate God's justice and to serve as a perpetual, stark warning against such profound depravity. It was a demonstration of the full, devastating consequences of unrepentant rebellion against a holy God, leaving no doubt about the severity of their transgressions and the certainty of divine retribution.

**Does God still judge cities or nations in this manner today?**

Answer: While God is eternally sovereign and can act in any way He chooses, the specific, cataclysmic, and geographically localized judgment seen in Sodom and Gomorrah is presented in Scripture as a unique historical event and a prophetic type for the final judgment. The New Testament emphasizes that God's primary mode of judgment in the present age is often through the natural consequences of sin, the conviction of the Holy Spirit, and ultimately, the final judgment at the return of Christ, as described in [Revelation 20:11-15](/revelation/20-11-15 "The Great White Throne Judgment"). However, the principle that nations and societies face consequences for widespread unrighteousness remains, though the form of judgment may differ. History is replete with examples of nations rising and falling due to moral decay, illustrating that God's moral order is always at play, even if His direct intervention is not always as overtly dramatic as in Genesis 19.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The terrifying judgment of Sodom and Gomorrah, while a stark display of God's righteous wrath against sin, ultimately points to Christ in several profound and essential ways. First, it underscores the absolute necessity of a Savior, for if such devastating judgment is the consequence of pervasive sin, then humanity desperately needs a means of escape from divine condemnation. Christ is the one who perfectly bears this wrath on the cross, offering redemption and deliverance from the condemnation that sin brings, as [Romans 5:9](/romans/5-9 "Saved from wrath through Christ") declares, "Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him." Second, Jesus Himself references Sodom and Gomorrah as a solemn warning, stating that it will be more tolerable for them on the day of judgment than for cities that reject His message, thereby establishing Himself as the ultimate standard of truth and the final Judge of all humanity ([Matthew 10:15](/matthew/10-15 "Judgment on cities rejecting Christ's messengers")). Finally, the selective salvation of Lot, though imperfect and fraught with his own moral failings, foreshadows the perfect and complete salvation offered in Christ, where believers are delivered from the coming wrath not by their own merit or righteousness, but by grace through faith in Him, as beautifully articulated in [1 Thessalonians 1:10](/1_thessalonians/1-10 "Waiting for Jesus who delivers us from the wrath to come"). Thus, the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah serves as a stark and sobering backdrop against which the glorious mercy, saving power, and ultimate authority of Christ shine even brighter, revealing Him as the only true refuge from divine judgment.

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

Psalms 107:34

A fruitful land into barrenness, for the wickedness of them that dwell therein.

Genesis 14:3

All these were joined together in the vale of Siddim, which is the salt sea.

Genesis 13:10

¶ And Lot lifted up his eyes, and beheld all the plain of Jordan, that it [was] well watered every where, before the LORD destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah, [even] as the garden of the LORD, like the land of Egypt, as thou comest unto Zoar.