סְדֹם

Sodom refers to a city in the biblical narrative, infamous for its extreme moral corruption and subsequent catastrophic destruction by God. It is frequently mentioned alongside Gomorrah, another city that suffered a similar fate. The name "Sodom" itself has become synonymous with grave sin and divine retribution, serving as a cautionary tale throughout scripture.

The biblical account in Genesis highlights the profound wickedness of Sodom's inhabitants, particularly their egregious inhospitality and sexual depravity. This depravity reached its peak when the men of Sodom attempted to sexually assault the angelic visitors staying with Lot. God’s judgment upon Sodom was swift and total, illustrating the severe consequences of unrepentant sin and rebellion against divine law. This event is a foundational narrative that underscores God's justice and intolerance for pervasive evil.

The destruction of Sodom is referenced repeatedly in later biblical books as a historical example of divine wrath and a warning to other cities and nations. Prophets like Ezekiel use Sodom as a benchmark for comparison, surprisingly stating that Judah's sins surpassed even those of Sodom, re-evaluating the city's principal sin as pride, gluttony, and neglect of the poor. This broader understanding of Sodom's iniquity extends its theological significance beyond specific sexual sins to encompass social injustice and a lack of compassion. The memory of Sodom thus functions as a powerful symbol of impending judgment for those who persistently reject righteousness and embrace evil.