Jude 1:7

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

Even as {G5613} Sodom {G4670} and {G2532} Gomorrha {G1116}, and {G2532} the cities {G4172} about {G4012} them {G846} in like {G3664}{G5125} manner {G5158}, giving themselves over to fornication {G1608}, and {G2532} going {G565} after {G3694} strange {G2087} flesh {G4561}, are set forth for {G4295} an example {G1164}, suffering {G5254} the vengeance {G1349} of eternal {G166} fire {G4442}.

Complete Jewish Bible

And S’dom, ‘Amora and the surrounding cities, following a pattern like theirs, committing sexual sins and perversions, lie exposed as a warning of the everlasting fire awaiting those who must undergo punishment.

Berean Standard Bible

In like manner, Sodom and Gomorrah and the cities around them, who indulged in sexual immorality and pursued strange flesh, are on display as an example of those who sustain the punishment of eternal fire.

American Standard Version

Even as Sodom and Gomorrah, and the cities about them, having in like manner with these given themselves over to fornication and gone after strange flesh, are set forth as an example, suffering the punishment of eternal fire.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jude 1:7 presents the catastrophic judgment of Sodom and Gomorrah, along with surrounding cities, as a stark and enduring warning against egregious sexual immorality and rebellion against God's created order. Their historical destruction by fire serves as a vivid illustration of divine justice, foreshadowing the eternal consequences awaiting those who persist in unrepentant sin, thereby underscoring the severity of God's wrath against ungodliness and perversion.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jude's epistle is a concise yet urgent call to contend for the faith against false teachers who had infiltrated early Christian communities. The author, Jude, the brother of James, employs a series of historical judgments to underscore the certainty and severity of God's wrath against apostasy and immorality. Verse 7 follows two previous examples: God's judgment on unbelieving Israel who perished in the wilderness despite being delivered from Egypt ([Jude 1:5](/jude/1-5 "Jude 1:5 - Judgment on Unbelieving Israel")), and the angels who abandoned their proper sphere of authority and are now held in chains for judgment ([Jude 1:6](/jude/1-6 "Jude 1:6 - Judgment on Fallen Angels")). The destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah serves as the third and perhaps most visceral example, highlighting God's response to specific and egregious moral corruption, particularly sexual perversion, thus reinforcing the gravity of the false teachers' own immoral conduct.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The account of Sodom and Gomorrah is found in [Genesis 18-19](/genesis/18-19 "Genesis 18-19 - The Destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah"). These cities, located in the fertile plain of the Jordan Valley (likely near the southern end of the Dead Sea), had become notorious for their wickedness. Their sin was not merely a lack of hospitality, but a profound moral depravity, culminating in the attempted gang rape of Lot's angelic visitors by the men of Sodom ([Genesis 19:4-9](/genesis/19-4-9 "Genesis 19:4-9 - Sodom's Attempted Assault")). This act epitomized their "giving themselves over to fornication" and "going after strange flesh," indicating a pervasive culture of sexual perversion that defied natural order and divine law. The destruction by "brimstone and fire from the Lord out of heaven" ([Genesis 19:24](/genesis/19-24 "Genesis 19:24 - God Destroys Sodom")) was a unique, catastrophic event, serving as a powerful historical precedent for divine judgment against such sin.
* **Key Themes:** Jude 1:7 contributes significantly to several key themes within Jude's epistle and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates **Severe Divine Judgment**, demonstrating God's unwavering justice against flagrant sin and rebellion. The complete annihilation of these cities underscores that God will not tolerate persistent ungodliness, a warning Jude applies directly to the false teachers. Secondly, it highlights the theme of **Sexual Immorality and Perversion**, specifically identifying "fornication" and "going after strange flesh" as central to their condemnation. This points to the particular abhorrence God has for sexual acts that defy His created order, a theme echoed throughout Scripture (e.g., [Romans 1:26-27](/romans/1-26-27 "Romans 1:26-27 - God's Judgment on Sexual Immorality")). Thirdly, the phrase "are set forth for an example" emphasizes the **Enduring Warning** that their fate provides. Their destruction is not merely a historical event but a perpetual prototype for future judgment, reminding all generations of God's unchanging moral standards and the certainty of His wrath against similar sins. Finally, the mention of "eternal fire" introduces the theme of **Eternal Consequences**, suggesting that the temporal destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah foreshadows the ultimate, everlasting punishment awaiting the unrepentant in the eschatological judgment ([Matthew 25:41](/matthew/25-41 "Matthew 25:41 - Eternal Punishment")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **ekporneúō (Greek, _ekporneúō'_):** This verb, translated "giving themselves over to fornication," is a compound of *ek* (out, thoroughly) and *porneúō* (to commit fornication). It signifies an intense, unrestrained, or utter commitment to sexual immorality. It implies not just isolated acts, but a pervasive and habitual indulgence in illicit sexual practices, indicating a deep moral corruption that characterized the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah.
* **héteros (Greek, _héteros'_):** Appearing in the phrase "strange flesh" (*héteros sárx*), *héteros* means "other of a different kind" or "another of a dissimilar sort." This is crucial as it distinguishes the sexual sin of Sodom from general fornication (*porneia*). It points to sexual desires and acts that are fundamentally unnatural, abnormal, and contrary to God's created design for human sexuality, specifically referring to homosexual acts as depicted in the Genesis narrative.
* **aiṓnios (Greek, _aiṓnios'_):** This adjective, translated "eternal" in "eternal fire," derives from *aiṓn* (age, eternity). It denotes a quality of endless duration, or belonging to the age to come. When applied to "fire," it emphasizes that the "vengeance" or punishment is not temporary or merely historical, but everlasting and final, confirming the severity and unending nature of God's judgment against persistent ungodliness.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Even as Sodom and Gomorrha, and the cities about them in like manner":** Jude begins by drawing a direct comparison, linking the fate of these ancient cities to the judgment awaiting the false teachers. The phrase "in like manner" (Greek: *hómoios toútois trópos*) emphasizes that the surrounding cities shared in the same pervasive sin and thus shared in the same devastating judgment, reinforcing the widespread nature of the moral corruption.
* **"giving themselves over to fornication, and going after strange flesh":** This clause explicitly identifies the specific nature of their sin. "Giving themselves over to fornication" indicates a deliberate and unrestrained indulgence in illicit sexual activity. The subsequent phrase, "going after strange flesh," clarifies and intensifies the description, pointing to sexual desires and practices that are unnatural and contrary to God's design, specifically acts of homosexuality as depicted in [Genesis 19](/genesis/19 "Genesis 19 - Sodom's Destruction").
* **"are set forth for an example":** The phrase "are set forth for an example" (Greek: *prókeimai deîgma*) signifies that the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah serves as a public display, a visible and permanent warning. Their fate is a prototype or precedent, a concrete demonstration of God's righteous judgment that stands as a timeless lesson for all who would contemplate similar sins or deny God's authority.
* **"suffering the vengeance of eternal fire":** This final clause describes the nature of their punishment. "Suffering the vengeance" (Greek: *hypéchō díkē*) implies enduring a just penalty or retribution. The "eternal fire" (Greek: *pȳr aiṓnios*) is a profound theological statement. While the physical destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah was a historical event, the "eternal fire" points beyond a temporal catastrophe to the ultimate, unending, eschatological judgment that awaits those who persist in such ungodliness, serving as a terrifying foreshadowing of hell.

#### Literary Devices
Jude 1:7 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its urgent message. The primary device is **Analogy** or **Comparison**, as Jude explicitly links the fate of Sodom and Gomorrah to the judgment awaiting the false teachers. This creates a strong rhetorical effect, leveraging a well-known historical event to underscore the certainty and severity of future divine wrath. **Symbolism** is evident in the "eternal fire," which, while rooted in the literal destruction of the cities by fire, transcends a mere physical event to symbolize unending divine judgment and punishment. This fire is not just a destructive force but a representation of God's consuming holiness and righteous anger against sin. Furthermore, the verse uses **Foreshadowing**, as the temporal destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah serves as a prefigurement of the ultimate, eternal judgment that awaits the ungodly. The historical event becomes a prophetic type, pointing to a future spiritual reality. The language used, particularly "giving themselves over" and "strange flesh," also employs **Emotive Language** to evoke a sense of moral revulsion and highlight the extreme nature of their sin.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jude 1:7 serves as a profound theological anchor, reinforcing the unchangeable reality of God's holy character and His unwavering justice. It underscores that God is not merely a loving Father but also a righteous Judge who will not tolerate persistent and egregious rebellion, particularly when it involves a perversion of His created order. The specific mention of "strange flesh" highlights the biblical emphasis on the sanctity of human sexuality as designed by God, revealing His abhorrence for deviations from this design. The "eternal fire" points to the terrifying reality of eschatological judgment, reminding humanity that the consequences of unrepentant sin extend beyond this temporal life into an eternal state of divine retribution. This verse thus stands as a stark warning, calling all to repentance and adherence to God's moral standards, lest they face a similar, but eternal, fate.

* [Genesis 19:24-25](/genesis/19-24-25 "Genesis 19:24-25 - God's Judgment on Sodom and Gomorrah")
* [2 Peter 2:6-9](/2_peter/2-6-9 "2 Peter 2:6-9 - Sodom and Gomorrah as an Example of Judgment")
* [Romans 1:24-27](/romans/1-24-27 "Romans 1:24-27 - God's Wrath Against Immorality")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jude 1:7 is a sobering reminder that God's justice is not an abstract concept but a terrifying reality for those who defiantly reject His ways. For believers, this verse serves as a powerful call to holiness and discernment. In a world increasingly normalizing sexual immorality and redefining moral boundaries, the example of Sodom and Gomorrah compels us to stand firm on biblical truth, to pursue purity in our own lives, and to guard against the subtle influences of apostasy and perversion within the church. It reminds us that God's standards are immutable, and His judgment is certain. Furthermore, this passage should ignite within us a deep compassion for the lost, compelling us to share the Gospel with urgency, knowing that the "vengeance of eternal fire" is a real and terrifying prospect for those who do not find refuge in Christ. It challenges us to examine our own lives, ensuring that we are not "giving ourselves over" to any form of sin, but rather living lives that honor God and reflect His righteousness.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the historical judgment of Sodom and Gomorrah inform your understanding of God's character and His justice?**
* **In what ways might contemporary society be "giving themselves over to fornication" or "going after strange flesh," and how should believers respond?**
* **What specific actions can you take to "contend for the faith" in light of the warnings in Jude's epistle?**
* **How does the concept of "eternal fire" impact your sense of urgency regarding evangelism and personal holiness?**

### FAQ
**What does "strange flesh" specifically refer to in Jude 1:7?**

Answer: In Jude 1:7, "strange flesh" (Greek: *héteros sárx*) refers specifically to sexual desires and acts that are unnatural and contrary to God's created design for human sexuality. While "fornication" is a broader term for illicit sexual activity, "strange flesh" points to a distinct kind of sexual perversion. In the context of the Sodom and Gomorrah narrative in [Genesis 19](/genesis/19 "Genesis 19 - The Sin of Sodom"), it clearly refers to homosexual acts, as the men of Sodom sought to engage in sexual relations with Lot's male angelic visitors. This phrase emphasizes that their sin was not merely illicit but profoundly abnormal and a violation of the natural order established by God for sexual relations between male and female within marriage.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Jude 1:7 starkly portrays God's judgment against sin, particularly sexual perversion and rebellion, its ultimate fulfillment and resolution are found in Jesus Christ. The "vengeance of eternal fire" that Sodom and Gomorrah suffered foreshadows the final, eternal judgment that awaits all who reject God's authority and persist in unrepentant sin. However, Christ Himself is the one who bears this judgment on behalf of humanity. On the cross, Jesus became the ultimate sacrifice, enduring the wrath and "vengeance" of God that we deserved for our own sins, including sexual immorality and rebellion ([Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - Christ Died for Us")). He is 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 an escape from the "eternal fire" through faith in His atoning work. For those who turn from their "strange flesh" and "fornication" and embrace Christ, there is no condemnation ([Romans 8:1](/romans/8-1 "Romans 8:1 - No Condemnation in Christ Jesus")). Instead, they receive forgiveness, new life, and the promise of eternal life, not eternal fire. Thus, the terrifying warning of Sodom and Gomorrah serves to magnify the glorious grace and salvation offered uniquely through Jesus, who delivers us from the coming wrath ([1_thessalonians/1-10](/1_thessalonians/1-10 "1 Thessalonians 1:10 - Jesus Delivers from Wrath")).

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:

Romans 1:26

For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature:

Romans 1:27

And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet.

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;

Genesis 19:24

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

Genesis 19:26

¶ But his wife looked back from behind him, and she became a pillar of salt.

Genesis 18:20

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