Sodomites
Culture & SocietyWhat is the meaning of Sodomites in the Bible?
The term 'sodomites' historically denoted individuals accused of sexual acts considered illicit by ancient Near Eastern and early Christian legal frameworks, specifically those associated with the biblical city of Sodom.
SIGNIFICANCE
Recognizing this terminology helps readers distinguish between the biblical emphasis on violating hospitality norms and the later theological interpretation that framed these acts primarily as sexual sins, thereby clarifying the original social and legal context of the narrative.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Ancient Cultural Lens: Avoid applying 21st-century Western assumptions to Sodomites. Examine how first-century or Near Eastern listeners understood this practice within their daily social dynamics.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Sodomites in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Sodomites clarify?
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
"Sodomites." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/sodomites/