Genesis 18:20 Meaning and Explanation
“And the LORD said, Because the cry of Sodom and Gomorrah is great, and because their sin is very grievous;”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The LORD speaks of the grave sin of Sodom and Gomorrah and the cry it has raised.
The Context of Genesis 18:20
The LORD announces judgment on Sodom and Gomorrah.
What Does Genesis 18:20 Mean?
The 'cry' represents the suffering and injustice within these cities—the voices of the oppressed reaching heaven. The image conveys that sin against people creates an audible call for justice that God hears.
The description of their sin as 'very grievous' indicates the severity of wrongdoing in these cities. The specificity of mentioning both Sodom and Gomorrah signals they are equally implicated in the sins being judged.
Genesis 18:20 in the Original Language
tzaakah (צַעֲקָה), 'cry'—an outcry of distress or anguish, often the cry of the oppressed calling for justice.
Frequently Asked Questions About Genesis 18:20
What does Genesis 18:20 mean?
The LORD speaks of the grave sin of Sodom and Gomorrah and the cry it has raised.
What is the context of Genesis 18:20?
The LORD announces judgment on Sodom and Gomorrah.