סְדֹם (se.dom)
se.dom
Sodom
N:N--LQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 31 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N--L
Word Overview
The name Sodom, meaning "burning," refers to a Canaanite city situated in the Jordan valley near the Dead Sea. Its etymology points to a region rich in bitumen and volcanic activity, which likely gave rise to the association with fire and destruction. In Scripture, it is almost always mentioned alongside Gomorrah as a symbol of extreme wickedness that provoked divine judgment.
While Genesis recounts its physical destruction, later prophets use the city as a metaphor for moral corruption. Isaiah calls the leaders "judges of Sodom" to highlight their injustice, and Ezekiel describes the city’s sin as pride and neglect of the poor rather than sexual immorality alone. This usage transforms the name from a mere geographic location into a lasting image of societal decay.
Translators consistently render this proper noun as "Sodom," preserving its identity across languages. The word appears frequently in Genesis, Isaiah, and Jeremiah, serving as a stark reminder of the consequences of unrepentant sin. Its enduring legacy lies not just in its history, but in its role as a theological warning against arrogance and cruelty.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Sedom carries a weight that goes far beyond its geographical location in the Jordan Valley. Lexical sources suggest it derives from a root meaning to scorch, painting a picture of a place defined by combustible terrain and bituminous soil. This etymology aligns with the biblical narrative where the city becomes a symbol of profound moral decay and divine judgment. When we encounter this word in Scripture, we are reminded of the serious consequences of turning away from righteousness.
Yet, the story is not solely about destruction. In Genesis 18:26, God demonstrates His patience by offering to spare the city if even fifty righteous people could be found within it. This reveals a heart that seeks mercy over immediate retribution. For believers today, Sodom serves as a sobering reminder of the need for spiritual integrity and compassion, especially toward those who are vulnerable.
Understanding this word helps us see how Scripture uses historical events to teach enduring truths about justice and grace. It invites us to examine our own lives, ensuring that we do not become indifferent to the suffering around us. Instead, we are called to reflect God’s character by seeking justice and loving kindness in our daily walk.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 31 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Sodom23×
- like/ Sodom4×
- Sodom/ towards3×
- in/ Sodom2×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- סְדֹ֑ם5×
- סְדֹם֙4×
- סְדֹ֧ם3×
- סְדֹ֥ם2×
- סְדֹ֖ם2×
- סְדֹ֔ם2×
- סְדֹם֮1×
- סְדֹֽם\׃1×
- סְדֹ֧מָ/ה1×
- סְדֹ֣ם1×
- סְדֹ֜ם1×
- סְדֹ֛ם1×
Key Verses
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Genesis 18:26
Yahweh said, “If I find in Sodom fifty righteous within the city, then I will spare the whole place for their sake.”
This verse highlights God's willingness to spare an entire city for the sake of a few righteous individuals, showing His patience and desire for mercy.
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Genesis 13:13
Now the men of Sodom were exceedingly wicked and sinners against Yahweh.
This occurrence establishes the moral character of the city, describing its inhabitants as exceedingly wicked and sinning against Yahweh.
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Isaiah 1:10
Hear Yahweh’s word, you rulers of Sodom! Listen to the law of our God, you people of Gomorrah!
Here the name is used metaphorically to address corrupt leaders, linking their behavior to the historical judgment of Sodom.
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Deuteronomy 32:32
For their vine is of the vine of Sodom, of the fields of Gomorrah. Their grapes are poison grapes. Their clusters are bitter.
The 'vine of Sodom' serves as a powerful metaphor for something that appears attractive but yields poisonous results, illustrating the danger of sin.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Sodom mean?
Why is Sodom mentioned so often in the Old Testament?
What is the 'vine of Sodom'?
How does God respond to Sodom in Genesis 18?
Every Occurrence (31 verses across 7 books)
Genesis 20 verses
The border of the Canaanites was from Sidon—as you go toward Gerar—to Gaza—as you go toward Sodom, Gomorrah, Admah, and…
Genesis 13:10Lot lifted up his eyes, and saw all the plain of the Jordan, that it was well-watered everywhere, before Yahweh…
Genesis 13:12Abram lived in the land of Canaan, and Lot lived in the cities of the plain, and moved his tent as far as Sodom.
Genesis 13:13Now the men of Sodom were exceedingly wicked and sinners against Yahweh.
Genesis 14:2they made war with Bera, king of Sodom; Birsha, king of Gomorrah; Shinab, king of Admah; Shemeber, king of Zeboiim; and…
Genesis 14:8The king of Sodom, and the king of Gomorrah, the king of Admah, the king of Zeboiim, and the king of Bela (also called…
Genesis 14:10Now the valley of Siddim was full of tar pits; and the kings of Sodom and Gomorrah fled, and some fell there. Those who…
Genesis 14:11They took all the goods of Sodom and Gomorrah, and all their food, and went their way.
Genesis 14:12They took Lot, Abram’s brother’s son, who lived in Sodom, and his goods, and departed.
Genesis 14:17The king of Sodom went out to meet him after his return from the slaughter of Chedorlaomer and the kings who were with…
Genesis 14:21The king of Sodom said to Abram, “Give me the people, and take the goods for yourself.”
Genesis 14:22Abram said to the king of Sodom, “I have lifted up my hand to Yahweh, God Most High, possessor of heaven and earth,
Genesis 18:16The men rose up from there, and looked toward Sodom. Abraham went with them to see them on their way.
Genesis 18:20Yahweh said, “Because the cry of Sodom and Gomorrah is great, and because their sin is very grievous,
Genesis 18:22The men turned from there, and went toward Sodom, but Abraham stood yet before Yahweh.
Genesis 18:26Yahweh said, “If I find in Sodom fifty righteous within the city, then I will spare the whole place for their sake.”
Genesis 19:1The two angels came to Sodom at evening. Lot sat in the gate of Sodom. Lot saw them, and rose up to meet them. He bowed…
Genesis 19:4But before they lay down, the men of the city, the men of Sodom, surrounded the house, both young and old, all the…
Genesis 19:24Then Yahweh rained on Sodom and on Gomorrah sulfur and fire from Yahweh out of the sky.
Genesis 19:28He looked toward Sodom and Gomorrah, and toward all the land of the plain, and saw that the smoke of the land went up…