The Greek word Sódoma, represented by G4670, refers to the historic city of Sodom. It is of Hebrew origin and appears 10 times in 10 unique verses in the Bible. In scripture, it consistently serves as a powerful symbol of profound wickedness and the resulting divine judgment.
In biblical narrative, G4670 is invoked primarily as a warning and a benchmark for sin. The city's destruction is detailed as a rain of fire G4442 and brimstone G2303 from heaven Luke 17:29. This event is set forth as a permanent "ensample unto those that after should live ungodly" 2 Peter 2:6. Jesus uses the city for comparison, stating that on the day of judgment, it will be more tolerable for the land of Sodom than for cities that rejected His mighty works (Matthew 10:15, Matthew 11:24). The name is also used symbolically in Revelation to describe a great city of spiritual corruption, "which spiritually is called Sodom and Egypt" Revelation 11:8.
Several related words help to frame the context of Sodom's significance:
- G1116 Gómorrha: Meaning Gomorrha, this city is almost always mentioned alongside G4670 as a co-recipient of divine judgment, condemned and turned to ashes as an example (2 Peter 2:6, Jude 1:7).
- G1608 ekporneúō (to be utterly unchaste): This term is used to describe the sin of Sodom and its neighboring cities, which were "giving themselves over to fornication" and set forth as an example Jude 1:7.
- G764 asebéō (to be impious or wicked): This word defines the lifestyle for which Sodom serves as a warning. Its destruction was an example for all who would "live ungodly" 2 Peter 2:6.
- G86 háidēs (unseen, i.e. "Hades"): When warning Capernaum, Jesus contrasts its exalted status with its impending fate, saying it will be brought down to hell, and noting that if the same works had been done in Sodom, Sodom would have remained Matthew 11:23.
The theological weight of G4670 is immense, serving as a foundational example of divine justice.
- An Archetype of Judgment: Sodom's fate is presented as a clear and terrifying example of God's wrath against sin. The city's inhabitants suffered "the vengeance of eternal fire" G4442, a warning for all future generations Jude 1:7.
- A Standard for Guilt: The city becomes a standard for measuring guilt. Jesus's declaration that it will be "more tolerable" for Sodom than for unrepentant cities like Capernaum underscores that rejecting greater light brings greater condemnation (Matthew 11:24, Luke 10:12).
- A Prophetic Warning: The destruction of Sodom is not merely a past event but a lasting "ensample" 2 Peter 2:6. Its story warns of the consequences for those who live ungodly G764 and give themselves to sexual impurity.
- A Symbol of Spiritual Rebellion: The name Sodom transcends its geographical location to represent any place of extreme moral and spiritual corruption that stands in opposition to God Revelation 11:8.
In summary, G4670 is far more than a name for an ancient city. It functions throughout scripture as a principal symbol of sinfulness that provokes divine judgment. Its historical destruction by fire and brimstone provides a permanent "ensample" of the consequences of living an ungodly life. The use of its name to describe both the fate of unrepentant towns and a spiritually corrupt city in Revelation establishes Sódoma as a timeless biblical emblem of wickedness and its ultimate destruction.
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