### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
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.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
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]].
### Related Words & Concepts
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]].
### Theological Significance
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]].
### Summary
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.
TRV