Genesis 18:20

Arabic SVD 1865 Version (Smith and Van Dyke)

وقال الرب ان صراخ سدوم وعمورة قد كثر وخطيتهم قد عظمت جدا.

What Does This Mean?

In this verse, the LORD is speaking and says that the cries of Sodom and Gomorrah are loud, and their sins are very serious. This means their wrongdoings are so bad that they have reached the attention of God.

Explained for Children

Imagine a playground where kids are always mean to each other and break the rules. One day, the principal hears about all the fighting and decides it's time to step in because it's too loud and too bad. That's kind of like what's happening in this story with God and the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah.

Historical Background

This verse is part of the Book of Genesis, which is believed to have been written by Moses around 1446-1406 BC. The audience was primarily the Israelites, and it reflects the cultural setting of the ancient Near East, where moral behavior and the consequences of sin were central themes.

Living It Out Today

Today, we can apply this verse to situations where the community is suffering due to persistent wrongdoings. For example, if a neighborhood is plagued by crime and the community is suffering, it's a call for action to address these issues before they get worse.

Topics

• judgment
• sin
• consequences
• divine intervention
• moral accountability
• community impact

Related Verses

• Leviticus 18:24-25
• Deuteronomy 29:18-21
• Jeremiah 23:14
• Matthew 10:14-15
• Revelation 18:4-5

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did God decide to take action against Sodom and Gomorrah?

God decided to take action because the sins of these cities had become too great and were causing significant harm to the people living there.

What does this verse teach us about the consequences of sin?

This verse teaches us that there are serious consequences for continuous wrongdoing. God's justice and righteousness demand that sin be addressed.

How can we apply the lessons of Sodom and Gomorrah to our modern world?

We can apply these lessons by recognizing the impact of our actions on our communities and taking steps to prevent wrongdoing and address harmful behaviors.

What does it mean when the LORD says the 'cry' of Sodom and Gomorrah is great?

It means that the suffering and cries for help from the people due to the wickedness in Sodom and Gomorrah had reached a point where God could no longer ignore it.