Genesis 18:20 - Yahweh said, “Because the cry of Sodom and Gomorrah is great, and because their sin is very grievous,
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What does "Genesis 18:20" mean?
This verse from Genesis 18:20 is a pivotal moment in the narrative and provides the justification for God's investigation into the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah. Let's break down the meaning:
"Yahweh said, “Because the cry of Sodom and Gomorrah is great..."
Yahweh: This is the personal name of God in the Hebrew Bible. Using this name emphasizes the seriousness and authority of the declaration.
"The cry of Sodom and Gomorrah is great...": This phrase is open to interpretation, but it suggests that the suffering and injustice in these cities had become so immense that it reached God.
The "cry" could be interpreted literally as the cries of the oppressed, victims of violence, or those suffering under the city's wickedness.
It could also be a metaphorical cry representing the overwhelming moral corruption and injustice prevalent in the cities, which offended God's sense of righteousness.
Some interpretations suggest the "cry" could also mean the consequences of their actions are far reaching, affecting surrounding regions.
"...and because their sin is very grievous,"
"Their sin is very grievous": This reinforces the previous statement, explicitly stating that the actions of the inhabitants of Sodom and Gomorrah were exceedingly wicked and offensive to God.
"Grievous" indicates a weightiness, a burden, and a severe nature to the sins committed. It's not just minor transgressions; it's a profound and deeply rooted moral corruption.
In essence, the verse means:
God is declaring that the wickedness and injustice in Sodom and Gomorrah have reached an unacceptable level. He has become aware of the suffering and the depth of their sin, and it demands His attention and action. The verse serves as the foundation for the subsequent events, where God sends messengers to investigate and determine the truth of these accusations before deciding on the cities' fate. It raises questions about divine justice, the consequences of sin, and the nature of God's intervention in human affairs.
Genesis 18:20 - Yahweh said, “Because the cry of Sodom and Gomorrah is great, and because their sin is very grievous,
What does "Genesis 18:20" mean?
This verse from Genesis 18:20 is a pivotal moment in the narrative and provides the justification for God's investigation into the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah. Let's break down the meaning:
"Yahweh said, “Because the cry of Sodom and Gomorrah is great..."
Yahweh: This is the personal name of God in the Hebrew Bible. Using this name emphasizes the seriousness and authority of the declaration.
"The cry of Sodom and Gomorrah is great...": This phrase is open to interpretation, but it suggests that the suffering and injustice in these cities had become so immense that it reached God.
The "cry" could be interpreted literally as the cries of the oppressed, victims of violence, or those suffering under the city's wickedness.
It could also be a metaphorical cry representing the overwhelming moral corruption and injustice prevalent in the cities, which offended God's sense of righteousness.
Some interpretations suggest the "cry" could also mean the consequences of their actions are far reaching, affecting surrounding regions.
"...and because their sin is very grievous,"
"Their sin is very grievous": This reinforces the previous statement, explicitly stating that the actions of the inhabitants of Sodom and Gomorrah were exceedingly wicked and offensive to God.
"Grievous" indicates a weightiness, a burden, and a severe nature to the sins committed. It's not just minor transgressions; it's a profound and deeply rooted moral corruption.
In essence, the verse means:
God is declaring that the wickedness and injustice in Sodom and Gomorrah have reached an unacceptable level. He has become aware of the suffering and the depth of their sin, and it demands His attention and action. The verse serves as the foundation for the subsequent events, where God sends messengers to investigate and determine the truth of these accusations before deciding on the cities' fate. It raises questions about divine justice, the consequences of sin, and the nature of God's intervention in human affairs.