And the LORD said, Because the cry of Sodom and Gomorrah is great, and because their sin is very grievous;

GENESIS 18:20KJV
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Genesis 18:20 (KJV)

What does Genesis 18:20 mean?

Genesis 18:20 records the LORD saying that the outcry about Sodom and Gomorrah is very great and that their sin is extremely serious. This statement sets the stage for God’s attention to the situation in those cities, highlighting both the severity of the wrongdoing and the urgent cries that have reached Him.

In this verse, the LORD (God) is speaking, likely to Abraham, as part of a conversation before the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. The verse emphasizes that the cities’ sins are not only numerous but also deeply troubling, and that the suffering or injustice there has prompted a response from God. This moment introduces the idea that God is aware of human suffering and injustice and will investigate and respond.

The Hebrew behind Genesis 18:20

  • "cry" (זְעָקָה, ze‘aqah): This word often refers to a loud outcry or plea for help, especially from those who are suffering or oppressed. Its use here suggests that the wrongdoing in Sodom and Gomorrah has caused real harm, prompting desperate appeals that reach God.
  • "very" (מְאֹד, me’od): This word intensifies the seriousness of the sin, indicating that it is not just bad, but exceedingly so. The verse is stressing the extreme nature of what is happening in these cities.
  • "grievous" (כָּבֵד, kaved): This word can mean "heavy" or "weighty," and here it describes the sin as something burdensome or severe. It conveys the idea that the wrongdoing is not trivial but has significant moral weight.

Why Genesis 18:20 matters

  • Genesis 18:20 clarifies that God is not indifferent to human suffering or injustice; the "cry" reaching Him shows that God hears and responds to those who are wronged.
  • The verse sets up the context for the coming judgment on Sodom and Gomorrah, making it clear that the decision is not arbitrary but a response to persistent and serious wrongdoing.
  • By emphasizing both the magnitude ("great") and the seriousness ("very grievous") of the sin, the verse helps readers understand why the following events unfold as they do, connecting God’s actions to the moral reality on the ground.

Where else these words appear

“cry” Hebrew H2201 · used in 18 verses

  • Nehemiah 5:6 And I was very angry when I heard their cry and these words.
  • Proverbs 21:13 Whoso stoppeth his ears at the cry of the poor, he also shall cry himself, but shall not be heard.
  • Jeremiah 20:16 And let that man be as the cities which the LORD overthrew, and repented not: and let him hear the cry in the morning, and the shouting at noontide;

“Gomorrah” Hebrew H6017 · used in 19 verses

  • Genesis 10:19 And the border of the Canaanites was from Sidon, as thou comest to Gerar, unto Gaza; as thou goest, unto Sodom, and Gomorrah, and Admah, and Zeboim, even unto Lasha.
  • Genesis 19:24 Then the LORD rained upon Sodom and upon Gomorrah brimstone and fire from the LORD out of heaven;
  • Isaiah 13:19 And Babylon, the glory of kingdoms, the beauty of the Chaldees' excellency, shall be as when God overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah.

“Sodom” Hebrew H5467 · used in 38 verses

  • Genesis 10:19 And the border of the Canaanites was from Sidon, as thou comest to Gerar, unto Gaza; as thou goest, unto Sodom, and Gomorrah, and Admah, and Zeboim, even unto Lasha.
  • Genesis 18:16 And the men rose up from thence, and looked toward Sodom: and Abraham went with them to bring them on the way.
  • Isaiah 13:19 And Babylon, the glory of kingdoms, the beauty of the Chaldees' excellency, shall be as when God overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah.

“grievous” Hebrew H3513 · used in 109 verses

  • Genesis 13:2 And Abram was very rich in cattle, in silver, and in gold.
  • 2 Samuel 10:3 And the princes of the children of Ammon said unto Hanun their lord, Thinkest thou that David doth honour thy father, that he hath sent comforters unto thee? hath not David rather sent his servants unto thee, to search the city, and to spy it out, and to overthrow it?
  • Proverbs 12:9 He that is despised, and hath a servant, is better than he that honoureth himself, and lacketh bread.