Then the LORD rained upon Sodom and upon Gomorrah brimstone and fire from the LORD out of heaven;

GENESIS 19:24KJV
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Genesis 19:24 (KJV)

What does Genesis 19:24 mean?

Genesis 19:24 describes how the LORD brought judgment on the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah by sending down burning sulfur and fire from heaven. This verse shows a dramatic and destructive act, where both cities are punished directly by God’s intervention.

In the story, God is the one acting, and the event takes place just after Lot and his family are led out of Sodom by angels. The verse is part of a larger account where Abraham had pleaded for the cities, but their wickedness led to this outcome. The language emphasizes that the destruction came unmistakably from the LORD, highlighting the seriousness of the situation and the divine source of the judgment.

The Hebrew behind Genesis 19:24

  • LORD (יְהוָה, Yahweh): The personal name for God is used twice in this verse, stressing that the action is unmistakably from Israel’s God, not a natural disaster or another deity.
  • rained (מָטַר, matar): This word is often used for rain, but here it is used for “raining” fire and brimstone, making the destruction seem as certain and overwhelming as a heavy storm.
  • brimstone (גָּפְרִית, gofrit): This refers to burning sulfur, a substance associated with intense fire and destruction, underlining the severity of the punishment.
  • fire (אֵשׁ, esh): The word for fire, paired with brimstone, paints a picture of complete devastation, not just a simple burning but an all-consuming event.

Why Genesis 19:24 matters

  • This verse makes it clear that the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah was not a random disaster but a direct act of judgment from the LORD, which is important for understanding the seriousness of the cities’ actions in the wider story.
  • The repeated use of God’s name and the vivid description of fire and brimstone highlight the totality and certainty of the judgment, leaving no doubt about its source or purpose.
  • Genesis 19:24 connects to earlier parts of the story where Abraham pleads for mercy, showing that the judgment comes only after opportunities for repentance and warning.

Where else these words appear

“brimstone” Hebrew H1614 · used in 7 verses

  • Deuteronomy 29:23 And that the whole land thereof is brimstone, and salt, and burning, that it is not sown, nor beareth, nor any grass groweth therein, like the overthrow of Sodom, and Gomorrah, Admah, and Zeboim, which the LORD overthrew in his anger, and in his wrath:
  • Psalms 11:6 Upon the wicked he shall rain snares, fire and brimstone, and an horrible tempest: this shall be the portion of their cup.
  • Isaiah 34:9 And the streams thereof shall be turned into pitch, and the dust thereof into brimstone, and the land thereof shall become burning pitch.

“rained” Hebrew H4305 · used in 14 verses

  • Genesis 2:5 And every plant of the field before it was in the earth, and every herb of the field before it grew: for the LORD God had not caused it to rain upon the earth, and there was not a man to till the ground.
  • Exodus 16:4 Then said the LORD unto Moses, Behold, I will rain bread from heaven for you; and the people shall go out and gather a certain rate every day, that I may prove them, whether they will walk in my law, or no.
  • Psalms 78:24 And had rained down manna upon them to eat, and had given them of the corn of heaven.

“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 18:20 And the LORD said, Because the cry of Sodom and Gomorrah is great, and because their sin is very grievous;
  • 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.