Luke 17:29

KJV

But the same day that Lot went out of Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from heaven, and destroyed [them] all.

KJV (with Strong's)

But {G3739}{G1161} the same day {G2250} that Lot {G3091} went {G1831} out of {G575} Sodom {G4670} it rained {G1026} fire {G4442} and {G2532} brimstone {G2303} from {G575} heaven {G3772}, and {G2532} destroyed {G622} them all {G537}.

Complete Jewish Bible

but the day Lot left S’dom, fire and sulfur rained down from heaven and destroyed them all.

Berean Standard Bible

But on the day Lot left Sodom, fire and sulfur rained down from heaven and destroyed them all.

American Standard Version

but in the day that Lot went out from Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from heaven, and destroyed them all:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 17:29 vividly recounts the catastrophic destruction of Sodom, emphasizing the sudden and comprehensive nature of divine judgment. Jesus employs this historical event as a stark illustration for His disciples, paralleling it with the days of Noah and foreshadowing the unexpected arrival of the Son of Man. The verse underscores God's righteous wrath against profound wickedness, highlighting the immediacy of retribution once the moment of divine intervention arrives, and serving as a timeless warning for all generations to live in spiritual readiness.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Luke 17:29 is embedded within Jesus' extended discourse to His disciples concerning the coming of the Son of Man, often referred to as His second advent. Beginning in [Luke 17:20](/luke/17-20 "Luke 17:20 - The Kingdom of God Is Within You"), Jesus corrects misconceptions about the Kingdom's visible arrival, then transitions to a prophetic warning about the "days of the Son of Man." He first draws a parallel to [the days of Noah](/luke/17-26-27 "Luke 17:26-27 - The Days of Noah and the Son of Man"), where people were engrossed in ordinary life until the flood suddenly swept them away. Immediately following, Jesus introduces the example of Sodom, reinforcing the theme of sudden, cataclysmic judgment. This historical account serves as a direct precursor to His warning in [Luke 17:30](/luke/17-30 "Luke 17:30 - The Day the Son of Man is Revealed") about the unexpected revelation of the Son of Man, urging vigilance and readiness. The narrative flow stresses the contrast between mundane human activity and the abrupt, decisive intervention of God.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, as recorded in [Genesis 19](/genesis/19 "Genesis 19 - The Destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah"), was a foundational narrative within ancient Israelite and Jewish culture, serving as a quintessential example of divine judgment against extreme moral depravity, particularly sexual perversion and inhospitality (cf. [Ezekiel 16:49-50](/ezekiel/16-49-50 "Ezekiel 16:49-50 - The Sins of Sodom")). The imagery of "fire and brimstone from heaven" was a powerful, culturally understood symbol of God's direct, supernatural intervention and righteous wrath. The Dead Sea region, where Sodom was traditionally located, bore geological evidence that could be interpreted as the aftermath of such a cataclysm, reinforcing the historical reality of the event in the minds of Jesus' audience. The story also carried the implicit understanding of Lot's miraculous deliverance, highlighting God's ability to rescue the righteous even amidst widespread destruction, a theme Jesus would further explore.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes within Luke's Gospel and biblical theology. Firstly, it underscores the **Suddenness and Unexpectedness of Divine Judgment**, emphasizing that judgment often arrives when life appears normal and people are unprepared, as seen in [Luke 17:26-30](/luke/17-26-30 "Luke 17:26-30 - The Suddenness of the Son of Man's Coming"). Secondly, it highlights **God's Righteous Justice and Intolerance for Sin**, demonstrating His ultimate authority and willingness to intervene decisively against profound wickedness. The "fire and brimstone" imagery is a potent symbol of this divine retribution. Thirdly, the implied deliverance of Lot (though not explicitly stated in this verse, it is foundational to the Sodom narrative in [Genesis 19](/genesis/19 "Genesis 19 - The Destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah")) subtly introduces the theme of **Divine Deliverance Amidst Judgment**, a crucial aspect of God's character. Finally, the entire discourse, including this verse, serves as a **Prophetic Warning for the End Times**, urging spiritual vigilance and readiness for the ultimate revelation of the Son of Man.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **day (Greek, _hēméra'_):** This word refers to a specific time space, either between dawn and dark, or a whole 24 hours. Figuratively, it denotes a period, always defined by context. In [Luke 17:29](/luke/17-29 "Luke 17:29 - The Day Lot Left Sodom"), its use in "the same day" emphasizes the immediate, precise timing of the judgment, highlighting its abrupt and unannounced nature following Lot's departure.
* **rained (Greek, _bréchō'_):** A primary verb meaning "to moisten," especially by a shower, or to "send rain." Here, it describes the divine act of causing fire and brimstone to fall from heaven, indicating a supernatural, orchestrated downpour of destructive elements, not a natural meteorological phenomenon.
* **destroyed (Greek, _apóllymi'_):** Derived from "apo" (off, away) and "olethros" (ruin), this verb means "to destroy fully," "to perish," or "to lose." In the context of [Luke 17:29](/luke/17-29 "Luke 17:29 - The Destruction of Sodom"), it signifies the complete and utter annihilation of the inhabitants of Sodom, underscoring the finality and totality of God's judgment upon them.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But the same day that Lot went out of Sodom":** This opening clause immediately establishes the critical timing of the event. The conjunction "But" (G1161, _dé_) introduces a contrast or continuation from the preceding example of Noah's day, maintaining the theme of suddenness. The phrase "the same day" (G2250, _hēméra_) highlights the immediacy of the judgment following a specific trigger event—Lot's (G3091, _Lṓt_) departure (G1831, _exérchomai_). This emphasizes that divine patience has a limit, and once the righteous are removed, judgment is swift and without delay.
* **"it rained fire and brimstone from heaven":** This describes the nature and origin of the judgment. "Rained" (G1026, _bréchō_) indicates a supernatural downpour, not a natural occurrence. The "fire" (G4442, _pŷr_) and "brimstone" (G2303, _theîon_, meaning sulfur) are ancient, potent symbols of divine wrath and utter destruction. Their origin "from heaven" (G3772, _ouranós_) underscores that this was a direct act of God, a divinely orchestrated catastrophe, not a human or natural disaster.
* **"and destroyed them all":** This final clause states the devastating outcome of the divine judgment. The conjunction "and" (G2532, _kaí_) links the raining of fire and brimstone to its consequence. "Destroyed" (G622, _apóllymi_) signifies complete annihilation, and "them all" (G537, _hápas_) emphasizes the comprehensive nature of the judgment, leaving no one in Sodom untouched by the devastation, apart from those whom God specifically delivered.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 17:29 employs several literary devices to convey its powerful message. Central to its impact is **Allusion**, specifically to the well-known Old Testament narrative of Sodom's destruction in [Genesis 19](/genesis/19 "Genesis 19 - The Destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah"). By merely referencing this event, Jesus evokes a rich tapestry of associations for His Jewish audience: profound wickedness, divine patience, the intervention of angels, the deliverance of the righteous, and cataclysmic judgment. This allows Him to draw on pre-existing cultural and theological understanding without needing to recount the full story. **Symbolism** is also prominent, particularly with "fire and brimstone." These elements are not merely descriptive but serve as potent symbols of God's consuming wrath, purification, and the finality of judgment. The imagery is visceral, conveying the severity and totality of the divine response to sin. Furthermore, the abruptness implied by "the same day" and the comprehensive "destroyed them all" contributes to the device of **Foreshadowing**, preparing the disciples for the equally sudden and decisive nature of the Son of Man's return and the judgment that will accompany it.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 17:29 powerfully articulates the biblical truth of God's active involvement in human history, specifically His righteous judgment against sin. The narrative of Sodom serves as a timeless paradigm of divine intolerance for profound wickedness, demonstrating that God's patience is not endless and that His justice is certain and decisive. This verse underscores the concept of a "day of the Lord," a divinely appointed time when God intervenes directly to execute judgment or salvation. It highlights the principle that while life may seem to continue normally, there is an appointed moment when divine reckoning will occur, often unexpectedly, necessitating constant spiritual vigilance and a departure from ungodliness.

* [Genesis 19:24-25](/genesis/19-24-25 "Genesis 19:24-25 - The Lord Rains Fire on Sodom")
* [2 Peter 2:6-9](/2_peter/2-6-9 "2 Peter 2:6-9 - Sodom and Gomorrah as an Example")
* [Revelation 14:10-11](/revelation/14-10-11 "Revelation 14:10-11 - Torment with Fire and Brimstone")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 17:29 serves as a profound call to spiritual readiness and discernment for every believer. The abrupt and comprehensive nature of Sodom's destruction, immediately following Lot's departure, is a chilling reminder that divine judgment, whether at the end of an age or at the end of an individual life, can arrive without prolonged warning. This verse challenges us to critically examine our priorities, ensuring that our lives are not consumed by worldly pursuits to the neglect of spiritual vigilance and obedience to God's commands. It compels us to live in a state of constant repentance and faith, recognizing the seriousness of sin and the certainty of God's justice. Just as Lot was called to "go out" from Sodom, so too are believers called to separate themselves from the corrupting influences of the world, living in anticipation of Christ's return, prepared to meet Him at any moment.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be living as if the "day of the Son of Man" will never come, or is far off?**
* **How does the suddenness of Sodom's judgment impact my understanding of God's justice and my urgency to share the Gospel?**
* **What "Sodoms" (patterns of ungodliness or worldly attachments) might I need to "go out of" in my own life, in light of this warning?**
* **How can I cultivate a greater sense of spiritual readiness and vigilance in my daily walk with Christ?**

### FAQ
**Why does Jesus use the destruction of Sodom as an example for His disciples?**

Answer: Jesus uses the destruction of Sodom as a vivid and well-known historical example to illustrate several critical points about the "day of the Son of Man," or His second coming. First, it emphasizes the **suddenness and unexpectedness** of divine judgment. Just as the people of Sodom were engaged in daily life until judgment fell "the same day that Lot went out," so too will the return of the Son of Man be abrupt and catch many off guard (cf. [Luke 17:26-30](/luke/17-26-30 "Luke 17:26-30 - The Suddenness of the Son of Man's Coming")). Second, it highlights the **comprehensiveness and finality** of God's judgment against profound wickedness. The "fire and brimstone" signify a complete and irreversible destruction. Third, it implicitly points to the **principle of divine deliverance** for the righteous (Lot and his family), even amidst widespread destruction, serving as a comfort and a warning: those who heed God's call to depart from sin will be spared, while those who remain will face the consequences.

**Does "destroyed them all" mean absolutely everyone in Sodom, including Lot's family?**

Answer: In the immediate context of [Luke 17:29](/luke/17-29 "Luke 17:29 - The Destruction of Sodom"), "destroyed them all" refers to the inhabitants of Sodom who remained in the city and were subject to God's judgment. It emphasizes the totality of the destruction upon the wicked population. However, the preceding phrase, "the same day that Lot went out of Sodom," implicitly acknowledges the deliverance of Lot and his two daughters, as detailed in the original account in [Genesis 19](/genesis/19 "Genesis 19 - The Destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah"). Lot's wife, though she "went out," looked back and was turned into a pillar of salt, indicating that even among those delivered, disobedience could lead to a different fate (cf. [Luke 17:32](/luke/17-32 "Luke 17:32 - Remember Lot's Wife")). Therefore, "them all" refers to the general population of Sodom, excluding those miraculously delivered by God.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The catastrophic judgment of Sodom, vividly recounted by Jesus in [Luke 17:29](/luke/17-29 "Luke 17:29 - The Destruction of Sodom"), finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in several ways. While the "fire and brimstone" from heaven symbolize God's righteous wrath against sin, Christ Himself embodies both the ultimate subject and agent of this divine judgment and deliverance. He is the one who warns humanity of the coming judgment, just as He warned of Sodom's fate, urging repentance and faith (cf. [Matthew 11:23-24](/matthew/11-23-24 "Matthew 11:23-24 - Woe to Capernaum")). More significantly, Christ is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world, thereby delivering those who believe from the wrath to come (cf. [John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God") and [Romans 5:9](/romans/5-9 "Romans 5:9 - Saved from Wrath Through Christ")). The "fire and brimstone" that fell on Sodom foreshadow the ultimate judgment of sin, a judgment that was fully borne by Christ on the cross, allowing for the salvation of all who trust in Him. Thus, believers are "rescued from the coming wrath" (cf. [1 Thessalonians 1:10](/1_thessalonians/1-10 "1 Thessalonians 1:10 - Jesus Delivers from Wrath")) not by physically escaping a city, but by being spiritually united with the One who bore the full weight of God's righteous judgment against sin. Ultimately, Christ is also the returning Judge, who will execute final judgment, separating the righteous from the unrighteous, much like Lot was separated from Sodom (cf. [Matthew 25:31-46](/matthew/25-31-46 "Matthew 25:31-46 - The Judgment of the Nations")).

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 2:6

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;

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.

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 11:8

And their dead bodies [shall lie] in the street of the great city, which spiritually is called Sodom and Egypt, where also our Lord was crucified.

Isaiah 13:19

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

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.

Matthew 11:23

And thou, Capernaum, which art exalted unto heaven, shalt be brought down to hell: for if the mighty works, which have been done in thee, had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day.