Sodom
LocationsGeographical Setting
Sodom is a biblical city traditionally identified with the ruins of Bab edh-Dhra or Numeira in the southern Jordan Valley.
What is the meaning of Sodom in the Bible?
One of the five cities of the plain, destroyed by divine judgment during the time of Abraham and Lot, with its name becoming a proverb for extreme wickedness.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding the historical and geographical context of Sodom clarifies the narrative of divine judgment and hospitality in Genesis, illustrating the consequences of societal corruption.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Geopolitical & Terrain Context: Sodom held strategic importance. Understanding its position and trade routes explains why key biblical events unfolded here.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Sodom in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Sodom clarify?
Related Topics
Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.
How to Cite This Entry
"Sodom." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/sodom/