Luke 10:12
But I say unto you, that it shall be more tolerable in that day for Sodom, than for that city.
Original Language Analysis
λέγω
I say
G3004
λέγω
I say
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
1 of 15
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
ὅτι
that
G3754
ὅτι
that
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
4 of 15
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
τῇ
G3588
τῇ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἡμέρᾳ
day
G2250
ἡμέρᾳ
day
Strong's:
G2250
Word #:
8 of 15
day, i.e., (literally) the time space between dawn and dark, or the whole 24 hours (but several days were usually reckoned by the jews as inclusive of
ἐκείνῃ
for that
G1565
ἐκείνῃ
for that
Strong's:
G1565
Word #:
9 of 15
that one (or (neuter) thing); often intensified by the article prefixed
τῇ
G3588
τῇ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
13 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Historical Context
Sodom's destruction was proverbial in Jewish thought, representing ultimate divine judgment. Genesis 19 records God raining fire and brimstone on Sodom and Gomorrah for their wickedness. Ezekiel 16:49-50 details Sodom's sins: pride, excess, indifference to the poor, and abominations. Yet Jesus declares that Galilean cities like Chorazin, Bethsaida, and Capernaum—which witnessed His teaching and miracles but refused to repent—face worse judgment. This reveals how seriously God regards rejection of the gospel and despising of grace.
Questions for Reflection
- What does the comparison to Sodom teach about degrees of punishment in final judgment?
- How does greater revelation of gospel truth increase accountability and potential condemnation?
- Why is rejecting Jesus' messengers worse than Sodom's gross immorality, and what does this reveal about the seriousness of unbelief?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
But I say unto you, that it shall be more tolerable in that day for Sodom, than for that city. The phrase legō hymin (λέγω ὑμῖν, "I say unto you") introduces Jesus' authoritative declaration. The comparison to Sodom (Sodomois, Σοδόμοις) is shocking—Sodom epitomized wickedness and experienced fiery judgment from heaven (Genesis 19). Yet Jesus declares rejecting His messengers brings greater condemnation than Sodom's sexual immorality and violent sin.
The phrase more tolerable in that day (anektoteron estai en tē hēmera ekeinē, ἀνεκτότερον ἔσται ἐν τῇ ἡμέρᾳ ἐκεινῃ) refers to the day of judgment—the final reckoning when Christ returns. The comparative adjective anektoteron (ἀνεκτότερον, "more tolerable") indicates degrees of punishment. This contradicts universalist theology claiming all judgment is identical or that all eventually saved.
The principle is clear: greater revelation brings greater responsibility. Sodom never heard the gospel or witnessed Christ's power. Cities that reject Jesus after seeing miracles and hearing the kingdom proclaimed face severer judgment. This echoes Hebrews 10:29: those who spurn the Son of God and treat covenant blood as common deserve worse punishment than Law-breakers. Knowledge increases accountability (Luke 12:47-48; James 3:1).