Brief Overview of Σόδομα (Strong’s G4670: Sodoma)

Strong’s G4670: A plural neuter noun referring to Sodom, an ancient city destroyed by divine judgment (Genesis 19). From Hebrew סְדֹם (sedom). In NT usage, serves as archetypal example of divine judgment on wickedness, while also illustrating God’s mercy in preserving the righteous.

U- Unveiling the Word

Σόδομα represents more than just a geographical location; it stands as a powerful theological symbol of divine judgment against wickedness and God’s preservation of the righteous. In New Testament usage, Jesus and the apostles employ this reference both as a warning of judgment and, paradoxically, to illustrate God’s mercy – noting that even Sodom’s judgment will be more bearable than that of those who reject clear revelation. Early church fathers frequently used this term when discussing God’s justice and the reality of judgment, while also emphasizing His mercy in rescuing the righteous. Today, it continues to serve as a sobering reminder of divine justice while pointing to God’s desire to save.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: Σόδομα, Sodoma, /sod’-om-ah/
• Detailed pronunciation: ‘sod’ as in “sod,” ‘om’ as in “home,” ‘ah’ as in “father”
• Part of Speech: Noun (Neuter Plural)

Etymology:

• From Hebrew סְדֹם (sedom)
• Possibly related to root meaning “burning”
• Basic noun without Greek prefixes or suffixes
• Used as plural form though referring to single city

D – Defining Meanings

• Ancient city destroyed by divine judgment
• Symbol of divine wrath against wickedness
• Example of God’s judgment and mercy
• Archetypal wicked city

For compound words: Not a compound word, but a transliteration from Hebrew

Translation Options:

• “Sodom” – Traditional transliteration
• “City of Judgment” – Interpretive translation
• “Place of Divine Wrath” – Theological translation

E – Exploring Similar Words

• Γόμορρα (Gomorra) /gom’-or-hrah/ – Gomorrah, destroyed with Sodom See G1116
• Αἴγυπτος (Aigyptos) /ag’-oop-tos/ – Egypt, another symbol of judgment See G125
• Βαβυλών (Babylōn) /bab-oo-lone’/ – Babylon, symbol of worldly evil See G897

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As a neuter plural noun:

• Case: Nominative, Genitive, Dative, Accusative
• Number: Always Plural
• Gender: Neuter
• Declension: Second declension

Examples:

• Nominative: Σόδομα (Sodom)
• Genitive: Σοδόμων (of Sodom)
• Dative: Σοδόμοις (to/in Sodom)
• Accusative: Σόδομα (Sodom as object)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its role as paradigm of divine judgment. Thayer’s notes its use in teaching God’s justice. LSJ provides historical context. Vine’s highlights its symbolic significance. Strong’s connects it to Hebrew origins. Moulton and Milligan document its proverbial usage. LEH notes its frequent appearance in Septuagint judgment contexts.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
“Verily I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom [Σόδομα] and Gomorrah in the day of judgment, than for that city.” Matthew 10:15

Additional References:
Matthew 11:23
Luke 10:12
Luke 17:29
Romans 9:29
2 Peter 2:6
Jude 1:7
Revelation 11:8

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Σόδομα powerfully illustrates both divine justice and mercy. While serving as a warning of judgment, it promotes the Gospel by showing God’s desire to save the righteous and His patience in judgment. The story reminds us that God provides a way of escape through Christ for all who trust in Him.

D – Did You Know?

1. Archaeological evidence suggests Sodom’s destruction occurred around 2000 BC.
2. The Dead Sea area still shows evidence of massive destruction by fire.
3. Early Christian writers often contrasted Sodom’s destruction with Noah’s preservation.

Strong’s G4670: A neuter plural noun for Sodom, an ancient city whose destruction exemplifies divine judgment while demonstrating God’s mercy in preserving the righteous. In NT usage, serves both as warning of judgment and illustration of God’s grace to those who repent.

Part of speech: Noun (Neuter Plural)

Tags: sodom, judgment, divine-justice, mercy, warning, destruction, lot, preservation, righteousness, genesis, old-testament-reference, biblical-greek, new-testament​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​