Matthew 10:15

KJV

Verily I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrha in the day of judgment, than for that city.

KJV (with Strong's)

Verily {G281} I say {G3004} unto you {G5213}, It shall be {G2071} more tolerable {G414} for the land {G1093} of Sodom {G4670} and {G2532} Gomorrha {G1116} in {G1722} the day {G2250} of judgment {G2920}, than {G2228} for that {G1565} city {G4172}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Yes, I tell you, it will be more tolerable on the Day of Judgment for the people of S'dom and `Amora than for that town!

Berean Standard Bible

Truly I tell you, it will be more bearable for Sodom and Gomorrah on the day of judgment than for that town.

American Standard Version

Verily I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah in the day of judgment, than for that city.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 10:15 is a solemn declaration by Jesus, underscoring the profound gravity of rejecting the message of the Kingdom of God. It asserts that cities or households that refuse to welcome His commissioned apostles and their divine message will face a more severe judgment in the eschatological "day of judgment" than even the notoriously wicked cities of Sodom and Gomorrah, which were utterly destroyed by divine wrath in antiquity. This statement highlights the principle that increased revelation brings increased accountability.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within Jesus' extensive commission of the twelve apostles, detailed in [Matthew 10](/matthew/10 "Matthew 10 - Jesus Commissions the Twelve Apostles"). Prior to this verse, Jesus grants His disciples authority over unclean spirits and diseases ([Matthew 10:1](/matthew/10-1 "Matthew 10:1 - Authority Given to Disciples")), instructs them on their mission to the lost sheep of Israel ([Matthew 10:5-6](/matthew/10-5-6 "Matthew 10:5-6 - Mission to Israel")), and provides practical guidelines for their travel, including relying on hospitality and proclaiming the nearness of the Kingdom of Heaven ([Matthew 10:7-13](/matthew/10-7-13 "Matthew 10:7-13 - Instructions for Ministry")). Immediately preceding verse 15, Jesus instructs His disciples that if any city or house does not receive them or listen to their words, they are to "shake off the dust from your feet" as a testimony against that place ([Matthew 10:14](/matthew/10-14 "Matthew 10:14 - Shaking Off Dust")). Verse 15 then provides the dire theological consequence and justification for this symbolic act, emphasizing the unparalleled severity of rejecting God's authorized messengers and their message.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The reference to "the land of Sodom and Gomorrha" would have resonated deeply with Jesus' Jewish audience. These cities, located in the Jordan Plain, were infamous for their extreme wickedness and moral depravity, culminating in their cataclysmic destruction by fire and brimstone from God, as vividly recounted in [Genesis 19:24-25](/genesis/19-24-25 "Genesis 19:24-25 - Destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah"). The destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah served as a paradigmatic example of divine judgment against profound sin throughout Jewish tradition (e.g., [Deuteronomy 29:23](/deuteronomy/29-23 "Deuteronomy 29:23 - The Desolation of Sodom and Gomorrah"), [Isaiah 1:9-10](/isaiah/1-9-10 "Isaiah 1:9-10 - Sodom and Gomorrah as a Warning")). By comparing the fate of a rejecting city to that of Sodom and Gomorrah, Jesus was invoking the most severe historical precedent for divine wrath known to His hearers, yet paradoxically declaring that the judgment for rejecting His gospel would be even *more* tolerable for those ancient cities. This stark comparison highlights the unparalleled significance of the gospel message and the unique responsibility of those who hear it.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes within Matthew's Gospel and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Judgment and Accountability**, asserting the certainty and severity of God's future reckoning, especially for those who reject His truth when clearly presented. Secondly, it articulates the principle of **Greater Light, Greater Responsibility**, implying a hierarchy of culpability where those who have received more revelation—in this case, the direct proclamation of the Kingdom by Jesus' apostles—are held to a higher standard of accountability. This concept is echoed elsewhere in Scripture, such as in [Luke 12:48](/luke/12-48 "Luke 12:48 - To Whom Much Is Given, Much Is Required"), which states that "unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required." Lastly, the verse emphasizes the **Gravity of Rejecting the Gospel**, demonstrating that the message carried by the disciples is not merely human words but the very authoritative proclamation of God's Kingdom, and its rejection carries eternal consequences far exceeding even the most notorious historical acts of sin.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Verily (Greek, _amḗn_):** From Hebrew origin, meaning "firm" or "trustworthy." As an adverb, it signifies "surely" or "so be it." Jesus' frequent use of "Amen, I say to you" (often translated "Verily I say unto you") introduces a solemn, authoritative declaration, emphasizing the absolute truth and certainty of His statement. It demands attention and belief from the hearers.
* **more tolerable (Greek, _anektóteros_):** This is the comparative form of a word meaning "endurable" or "bearable." Its use here indicates a comparative degree of suffering or punishment. Jesus states that the judgment for Sodom and Gomorrah, while severe, will be *more endurable* or *more bearable* than the judgment awaiting the city that rejects His apostles' message, implying an even greater, less bearable condemnation for the latter.
* **judgment (Greek, _krísis_):** This term refers to a process of distinguishing, separating, or deciding, leading to a verdict or condemnation. In a theological context, it denotes God's definitive act of evaluating humanity's deeds and responses to His truth, culminating in a just and final sentence. The "day of judgment" is the specific time of this ultimate divine reckoning.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Verily I say unto you":** This solemn introductory phrase, characteristic of Jesus' teaching, signals a profound and authoritative truth that demands serious consideration. It emphasizes the absolute certainty and divine origin of the statement that follows.
* **"It shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrha":** This clause sets up a shocking comparison. The fate of Sodom and Gomorrah, cities synonymous with extreme wickedness and catastrophic divine judgment (as recorded in [Genesis 19](/genesis/19 "Genesis 19 - The Destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah")), is presented as a benchmark. The phrase "more tolerable" indicates that their historical judgment, while devastating, will be *less severe* than the future judgment awaiting the rejecting city.
* **"in the day of judgment":** This specifies the timing of the comparison. Jesus is not speaking of earthly consequences but of the ultimate, eschatological reckoning when God will judge all humanity. This future "day" signifies a definitive moment of divine justice and accountability for all actions and responses to truth.
* **"than for that city":** This concluding phrase identifies the object of the more severe judgment: any city or household that refuses to receive Jesus' messengers and their proclamation of the Kingdom. The implication is that having heard the gospel directly from Christ's authorized representatives, and yet rejecting it, constitutes a sin of such magnitude that it merits a condemnation even greater than that of the infamously depraved cities of Sodom and Gomorrah.

#### Literary Devices
Jesus employs several potent literary devices in Matthew 10:15 to convey the gravity of His message. **Hyperbole** is evident in the shocking comparison between the judgment of Sodom and Gomorrah and that of the rejecting cities. While the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah was a historical benchmark for divine wrath, Jesus uses hyperbole to emphasize that the spiritual offense of rejecting the gospel, despite receiving such clear revelation, is of an even greater magnitude in God's eyes. This creates a powerful, unforgettable image. Furthermore, there is clear **Juxtaposition**, as Jesus contrasts the historical, well-known judgment of ancient cities with the future, yet-to-be-experienced judgment of contemporary towns. This contrast highlights the new, higher standard of accountability brought by the presence and proclamation of the Kingdom of God. Finally, the verse contains an element of **Foreshadowing**, pointing to a future "day of judgment" where ultimate divine justice will be meted out, reminding both the disciples and their hearers of the eternal stakes involved in their mission and response.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 10:15 profoundly articulates the biblical principle that increased revelation brings increased responsibility and, consequently, increased accountability in judgment. The message delivered by Jesus' apostles was not merely human advice but the authoritative proclamation of God's Kingdom, an embodiment of divine truth and grace. To reject such a message, particularly when delivered by those commissioned by Christ Himself, is to reject God's overture of salvation and His sovereign authority. This rejection demonstrates a hardness of heart and a willful turning away from the light, making the sin far more grievous than the sins committed in relative ignorance, even those as heinous as those of Sodom and Gomorrah. God's justice is always proportionate to the light received, and those who spurn the clearest manifestation of His truth face the most severe condemnation.

* [Luke 12:48](/luke/12-48 "To Whom Much Is Given")
* [Hebrews 10:26-29](/hebrews/10-26-29 "Wilful Sin and Its Consequences")
* [2 Peter 2:6-9](/2_peter/2-6-9 "God's Judgment on the Ungodly")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 10:15 serves as a profound and sobering reminder for every generation of believers and non-believers alike. For those who hear the gospel, it underscores the immense seriousness of their response. The message of Christ is not a mere suggestion or an optional philosophy; it is a divine summons that demands a decision, and that decision carries eternal weight. We are called to examine our own hearts: have we truly received the message of the Kingdom, or have we, in subtle or overt ways, shaken off the dust from our feet against it? For those who proclaim the gospel, this verse emphasizes the sacred trust placed upon them. Their message, though delivered in humility, carries the authority of Christ Himself, and its rejection is not a rejection of them personally but of the God who sent them. This should imbue gospel proclamation with both urgency and compassion, recognizing the eternal stakes for every hearer. Ultimately, this verse calls us to a deeper reverence for God's truth and a sober understanding of His righteous judgment, prompting us to embrace His grace while there is still time.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Jesus' comparison to Sodom and Gomorrah challenge my perception of the seriousness of rejecting the gospel message today?**
* **In what ways might I be subtly resisting or neglecting the truth of God that has been revealed to me?**
* **How does this verse impact my sense of urgency and responsibility in sharing the gospel with others?**

### FAQ
**Why is the judgment for rejecting the disciples' message worse than for Sodom and Gomorrah?**

Answer: The severity of judgment is directly proportional to the amount of divine light or truth received. Sodom and Gomorrah were judged for their egregious moral depravity, but they did not have the direct, embodied revelation of God's Kingdom through Jesus' apostles. The cities that rejected the disciples' message had the unique privilege of hearing the gospel proclaimed by those commissioned by Christ Himself, accompanied by demonstrations of divine power (healing, casting out demons). To reject this clear, authoritative, and gracious invitation to the Kingdom was a rejection of God's ultimate self-revelation and mercy, a sin of greater spiritual magnitude than the sins of Sodom and Gomorrah, which were committed with less direct light. Jesus implies that the opportunity to receive the gospel carries with it a greater responsibility, and thus, a greater condemnation for its rejection.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 10:15, while a warning about rejecting the messengers, ultimately points to the supreme authority and identity of Christ Himself. The gravity of rejecting the disciples' message is precisely because it is *His* message, and they are *His* representatives. This foreshadows the ultimate judgment that will fall upon those who reject Christ, the very Son of God and the embodiment of the Kingdom. The "day of judgment" mentioned here is not an abstract event but the day when God will judge the world through Jesus Christ ([Acts 17:30-31](/acts/17-30-31 "Acts 17:30-31 - God Commands All to Repent")). Jesus Himself declares that He is the light of the world, and those who reject Him remain in darkness ([John 12:46](/john/12-46 "John 12:46 - Jesus, the Light of the World")). The condemnation is not for a lack of knowledge, but for a willful refusal to believe in the one whom God has sent ([John 3:18](/john/3-18 "John 3:18 - Condemnation for Unbelief")). Thus, the "more tolerable" judgment for Sodom and Gomorrah highlights the unique and unparalleled offense of rejecting the incarnate Word, the ultimate revelation of God's saving grace and truth, making the rejection of Christ the most grievous sin of all.

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;

1 John 4:17

¶ Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world.

John 15:22

If I had not come and spoken unto them, they had not had sin: but now they have no cloke for their sin.

John 15:24

If I had not done among them the works which none other man did, they had not had sin: but now have they both seen and hated both me and my Father.

Luke 10:11

Even the very dust of your city, which cleaveth on us, we do wipe off against you: notwithstanding be ye sure of this, that the kingdom of God is come nigh unto you.

Luke 10:12

But I say unto you, that it shall be more tolerable in that day for Sodom, than for that city.

Mark 6:11

And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear you, when ye depart thence, shake off the dust under your feet for a testimony against them. Verily I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrha in the day of judgment, than for that city.