Genesis 18:20
Genesis 18:20 in Multiple Translations
Then the LORD said, “The outcry against Sodom and Gomorrah is great. Because their sin is so grievous,
And the LORD said, Because the cry of Sodom and Gomorrah is great, and because their sin is very grievous;
And Jehovah said, Because the cry of Sodom and Gomorrah is great, and because their sin is very grievous;
And the Lord said, Because the outcry against Sodom and Gomorrah is very great, and their sin is very evil,
Then the Lord said, “There are many complaints made against Sodom and Gomorrah because they sin so blatantly.
Then the Lord saide, Because the crie of Sodom and Gomorah is great, and because their sinne is exceeding grieuous,
And Jehovah saith, 'The cry of Sodom and Gomorrah — because great; and their sin — because exceeding grievous:
The LORD said, “Because the cry of Sodom and Gomorrah is great, and because their sin is very grievous,
And the LORD said, Because the cry of Sodom and Gomorrah is great, and because their sin is very grievous;
And the Lord said: The cry of Sodom and Gomorrha is multiplied, and their sin is become exceedingly grievous.
So Yahweh said to Abraham, “I have heard the terrible things that have been said about the people of [MTY] Sodom and Gomorrah. Their sins are very great.
So God said, “Abraham, I heard about all the really bad things that people do in those 2 towns down there, called Sodom and Gomorrah. A lot of people are telling me that those people are always doing bad things.
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 18:20
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
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Genesis 18:20 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יֹּ֣אמֶר
יְהוָ֔ה
זַעֲקַ֛ת
סְדֹ֥ם
וַ/עֲמֹרָ֖ה
כִּי
רָ֑בָּה
וְ/חַ֨טָּאתָ֔/ם
כִּ֥י
כָבְדָ֖ה
מְאֹֽד
וַ/יֹּ֣אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
יְהוָ֔ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
זַעֲקַ֛ת
zaʻaq
H2201
outcry
N-fs
סְדֹ֥ם
Çᵉdôm
H5467
Sodom
N-proper
וַ/עֲמֹרָ֖ה
ʻĂmôrâh
H6017
Gomorrah
Conj | N-proper
כִּי
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
רָ֑בָּה
rab
H7227
many
V-Qal-Perf-3fs
וְ/חַ֨טָּאתָ֔/ם
chaṭṭâʼâh
H2403
sin
Conj | N-fs | Suff
כִּ֥י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
כָבְדָ֖ה
kâbad
H3513
to honor
V-Qal-Perf-3fs
מְאֹֽד
mᵉʼôd
H3966
much
Adv
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 18:20
וַ/יֹּ֣אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
יְהוָ֔ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
זַעֲקַ֛ת
zaʻaq
H2201
"outcry"
N-fs
This Hebrew word means a loud cry or shriek, often expressing distress, like the outcry in Exodus 2:23. It can also describe a clamor or cry for help. In the Bible, it appears in various forms, such as crying out to God.
Definition: 1) cry, outcry 1a) outcry 1b) cry of distress 1c) outcry, clamour
Usage: Occurs in 19 OT verses. KJV: cry(-ing). See also: Genesis 18:20; Isaiah 15:8; Proverbs 21:13.
סְדֹ֥ם
Çᵉdôm
H5467
"Sodom"
N-proper
Sodom was a city near the Dead Sea, known for its wickedness and corruption. According to the book of Genesis, God destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah as a judgment for their sins. The city has become a symbol of evil and immorality.
Definition: Sodom = "burning" a Canaanite city, usually paired with Gomorrah, located in the area of the Dead Sea and the Jordan river; both cities destroyed by God in judgment Also named: Sodoma (Σόδομα "Sodom" G4670)
Usage: Occurs in 38 OT verses. KJV: Sodom. See also: Genesis 10:19; Genesis 19:28; Isaiah 1:9.
וַ/עֲמֹרָ֖ה
ʻĂmôrâh
H6017
"Gomorrah"
Conj | N-proper
Gomorrah was a city in ancient Palestine, mentioned in Genesis 18:20, known for its wickedness and ultimately destroyed by God, as described in Genesis 19:24-25, serving as a cautionary tale about the consequences of sin.
Definition: Gomorrah = "submersion" the twin-city in evil with Sodom, both destroyed in judgment by God with fire from heaven Also named: Gomorra (Γόμορρα "Gomorrah" G1116)
Usage: Occurs in 19 OT verses. KJV: Gomorrah. See also: Genesis 10:19; Deuteronomy 29:22; Isaiah 1:9.
כִּי
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
רָ֑בָּה
rab
H7227
"many"
V-Qal-Perf-3fs
This Hebrew word means a chief or captain, someone in charge. It is used in 2 Samuel 23:19 to describe a great and powerful man. The idea is one of leadership and authority.
Definition: adj 1) much, many, great 1a) much 1b) many 1c) abounding in 1d) more numerous than 1e) abundant, enough 1f) great 1g) strong 1h) greater than adv 1i) much, exceedingly
Usage: Occurs in 443 OT verses. KJV: (in) abound(-undance, -ant, -antly), captain, elder, enough, exceedingly, full, great(-ly, man, one), increase, long (enough, (time)), (do, have) many(-ifold, things, a time), (ship-)master, mighty, more, (too, very) much, multiply(-tude), officer, often(-times), plenteous, populous, prince, process (of time), suffice(-lent). See also: Genesis 6:5; 1 Kings 11:1; Psalms 3:2.
וְ/חַ֨טָּאתָ֔/ם
chaṭṭâʼâh
H2403
"sin"
Conj | N-fs | Suff
This word describes sin, guilt, or punishment for sin, and also the sacrifice or purification made to atone for it. It is used in the Bible to describe the consequences and solutions for sin. The KJV translates it as 'punishment' or 'sin'.
Definition: sin, sinful thing
Usage: Occurs in 270 OT verses. KJV: punishment (of sin), purifying(-fication for sin), sin(-ner, offering). See also: Genesis 4:7; Numbers 12:11; Psalms 25:7.
כִּ֥י
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
כָבְדָ֖ה
kâbad
H3513
"to honor"
V-Qal-Perf-3fs
This word can mean to honor or make something weighty, like when God is glorified in Psalm 138, or to be heavy with burdens, as the Israelites were in Exodus 18.
Definition: : honour/glory 1) to be heavy, be weighty, be grievous, be hard, be rich, be honourable, be glorious, be burdensome, be honoured 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be heavy 1a2) to be heavy, be insensible, be dull 1a3) to be honoured 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be made heavy, be honoured, enjoy honour, be made abundant 1b2) to get oneself glory or honour, gain glory 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to make heavy, make dull, make insensible 1c2) to make honourable, honour, glorify 1d) (Pual) to be made honourable, be honoured 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to make heavy 1e2) to make heavy, make dull, make unresponsive 1e3) to cause to be honoured 1f) (Hithpael) 1f1) to make oneself heavy, make oneself dense, make oneself numerous 1f2) to honour oneself
Usage: Occurs in 108 OT verses. KJV: abounding with, more grievously afflict, boast, be chargeable, [idiom] be dim, glorify, be (make) glorious (things), glory, (very) great, be grievous, harden, be (make) heavy, be heavier, lay heavily, (bring to, come to, do, get, be had in) honour (self), (be) honourable (man), lade, [idiom] more be laid, make self many, nobles, prevail, promote (to honour), be rich, be (go) sore, stop. See also: Genesis 13:2; Job 6:3; Psalms 15:4.
מְאֹֽד
mᵉʼôd
H3966
"much"
Adv
Meod means 'much' or 'very' and is used to emphasize something. It can mean 'exceedingly' or 'greatly' and is often used to show strong feelings or actions.
Definition: adv 1) exceedingly, much subst 2) might, force, abundance n m 3) muchness, force, abundance, exceedingly 3a) force, might 3b) exceedingly, greatly, very (idioms showing magnitude or degree) 3b1) exceedingly 3b2) up to abundance, to a great degree, exceedingly 3b3) with muchness, muchness
Usage: Occurs in 278 OT verses. KJV: diligently, especially, exceeding(-ly), far, fast, good, great(-ly), [idiom] louder and louder, might(-ily, -y), (so) much, quickly, (so) sore, utterly, very ([phrase] much, sore), well. See also: Genesis 1:31; 1 Samuel 11:6; Psalms 6:4.
Study Notes — Genesis 18:20
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Genesis 18:20 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Genesis 18:20
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 18:20
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 18:20
- Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 18:20
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 18:20
- Cambridge Bible on Genesis 18:20
- Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 18:20
- Sermons on Genesis 18:20
Context — Abraham Intercedes for Sodom
18Abraham will surely become a great and powerful nation, and through him all the nations of the earth will be blessed.
19For I have chosen him, so that he will command his children and his household after him to keep the way of the LORD by doing what is right and just, in order that the LORD may bring upon Abraham what He has promised.”
20Then the LORD said, “The outcry against Sodom and Gomorrah is great. Because their sin is so grievous,
21I will go down to see if their actions fully justify the outcry that has reached Me. If not, I will find out.” 22And the two men turned away and went toward Sodom, but Abraham remained standing before the LORD.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Genesis 19:13 | because we are about to destroy this place. For the outcry to the LORD against its people is so great that He has sent us to destroy it.” |
| 2 | Ezekiel 16:49–50 | Now this was the iniquity of your sister Sodom: She and her daughters were arrogant, overfed, and complacent; they did not help the poor and needy. Thus they were haughty and committed abominations before Me. Therefore I removed them, as you have seen. |
| 3 | Isaiah 3:9 | The expression on their faces testifies against them, and like Sodom they flaunt their sin; they do not conceal it. Woe to them, for they have brought disaster upon themselves. |
| 4 | Genesis 13:13 | But the men of Sodom were wicked, sinning greatly against the LORD. |
| 5 | Genesis 4:10 | “What have you done?” replied the LORD. “The voice of your brother’s blood cries out to Me from the ground. |
| 6 | James 5:4 | Look, the wages you withheld from the workmen who mowed your fields are crying out against you. The cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord of Hosts. |
| 7 | Jeremiah 14:7 | Although our iniquities testify against us, O LORD, act for the sake of Your name. Indeed, our rebellions are many; we have sinned against You. |
| 8 | Isaiah 5:7 | For the vineyard of the LORD of Hosts is the house of Israel, and the men of Judah are the plant of His delight. He looked for justice, but saw bloodshed; for righteousness, but heard a cry of distress. |
Genesis 18:20 Summary
Genesis 18:20 tells us that the sin of Sodom and Gomorrah was very great and had reached God's attention. This means that God is aware of and cares about the sin and wickedness in our world, and He will judge it, as seen in Genesis 18:21. Just like God was willing to investigate and potentially save Sodom and Gomorrah if there were righteous people in the city (Genesis 18:26-33), He is also willing to show mercy and grace to us when we repent and turn to Him (Psalm 103:8-12). We can learn from this verse that God is a just and holy God, but also a loving and merciful One, who desires our repentance and obedience.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the nature of the outcry against Sodom and Gomorrah in Genesis 18:20?
The outcry against Sodom and Gomorrah refers to the great sin and wickedness of these cities, which has reached the Lord, as seen in Genesis 18:20. This is reminiscent of the violence and corruption that filled the earth before the flood, as described in Genesis 6:11-13.
How does God respond to sin in Genesis 18:20?
In Genesis 18:20, God responds to the sin of Sodom and Gomorrah by acknowledging its greatness and grievousness, and in the following verse, He decides to investigate and potentially judge the cities, as seen in Genesis 18:21. This is consistent with God's character as a just and holy Judge, as described in Psalm 7:11.
What is the significance of God saying 'the outcry against Sodom and Gomorrah is great' in Genesis 18:20?
When God says 'the outcry against Sodom and Gomorrah is great' in Genesis 18:20, it emphasizes the severity of the sin and wickedness in these cities, which has risen to God's attention and requires His judgment, as seen in the destruction of the cities in Genesis 19:1-29. This serves as a warning to all people of the consequences of unrepentant sin, as stated in Romans 6:23.
How does this verse relate to God's character?
Genesis 18:20 reveals God's character as a righteous and just Judge, who is aware of and responds to human sin, as also seen in Genesis 18:21 and Psalm 11:7. This is in contrast to His gracious and merciful character, which is shown towards Abraham and his descendants, as promised in Genesis 17:1-14.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I have allowed sin to become 'great' and 'grievous', and how can I repent and turn to God?
- How does the concept of God's judgment in Genesis 18:20 impact my understanding of His love and mercy?
- In what ways can I, like Abraham, intercede for others and pray for God's mercy and grace in their lives, as seen in Genesis 18:22-33?
- What are some modern-day 'Sodoms and Gomorrahs' that I can pray for, and how can I be a light for God's truth and love in those places?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 18:20
And the Lord said,.... The Targum of Jonathan adds, to the ministering angels, the two angels that were with him in the likeness of men; or to Abraham, at least in his hearing, by which he understood
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 18:20
And the LORD said, Because the cry of Sodom and Gomorrah is great, and because their sin is very grievous; Because the cry of Sodom ... is great , [Hebrew, za`ªqat (H2201) Cªdom (H5467)] - the cry concerning Sodom.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 18:20
Sins are said to cry when they are gross, and manifest, and impudent, and such as highly provoke God to anger. He names only these two cities, as being the most eminent in state, and exemplary in wickedness; but under them he includes the rest, as appears by the story.
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 18:20
Genesis 18:20 And the LORD said, Because the cry of Sodom and Gomorrah is great, and because their sin is very grievous;Ver. 20. Because their sin is very grievous.] Or, very heavy; such as the very ground groans under; the axle of the earth is ready to break under it. Sin is a burden to God. It was so to Christ; he fell to the ground when he was in his agony. It was so to the angels, who sunk into hell under it. It was so to Korah and his company; the earth could not bear them. It was so to the Sodomites; they were so clogged with this excrement of naughtiness, as St James calleth it, that God came from heaven to give their land a vomit. ηπερισσειακακιας
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 18:20
Verse 20. Because the cry of Sodom and Gomorrah] See Clarke on Genesis 13:13.
Cambridge Bible on Genesis 18:20
20. Because … because] Better, as marg., Verily … verily. the cry of Sodom and Gomorrah] See Genesis 19:13. (1) Either, this is the complaint concerning Sodom and Gomorrah going up to Heaven. The genitive “of” is then objective, like “the report of Tyre” (Isaiah 23:5), “the spoil of thine enemies” (Deuteronomy 20:14). (2) Or, it is the cry by the cities, which are personified, and which make their loud complaint against the inhabitants. The genitive then is subjective. See Genesis 4:10. their sin is very grievous] Cf. Genesis 13:13; Ezekiel 16:49-50.
Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 18:20
20. The cry of Sodom — The cry of the sins and abominations of Sodom, which went up to God, like the voice of Abel’s blood (Genesis 4:10) demanding punishment.
Sermons on Genesis 18:20
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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A Cry Against the Wicked Youth of America by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher talks about a man, a Hebrew, who is running through the streets proclaiming that there are only 40 days left before everyone will die because of their |
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The Cry of Sodom and Gomorrah by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, Pastor David Wilkerson addresses the cry of Sodom and Gomorrah and its relevance in today's society. He emphasizes the need for believers to have a deep understandi |
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The Cry of Sodom by Leonard Ravenhill | Leonard Ravenhill passionately addresses the moral decay of society, drawing parallels between the ancient cities of Sodom and Gomorrah and the present-day world. He emphasizes tha |
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A Tour of Hell by E.A. Johnston | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the urgency of accepting the Gospel and turning to Christ. He warns that sudden death can take people away without warning, just as the Bibl |
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We Must Take God at His Word by David Wilkerson | David Wilkerson emphasizes the necessity of taking God at His Word, warning that while God is merciful and gracious, He will not overlook sin indefinitely. He illustrates this thro |
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God's Heart for America by Derek Prince | In this sermon, the speaker challenges the audience to take action and not be complacent in the state of the nation. He criticizes churches that make it easy for people to attend w |
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Arrogant, Overfed, and Unconcerned by Jackie Pullinger | In this sermon, the speaker shares a story about a young girl named Karen who faces many challenges in her life. Despite her difficult circumstances, Karen takes on responsibilitie |