Luke 17:29
But the same day that Lot went out of Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from heaven, and destroyed them all.
Original Language Analysis
Cross References
Historical Context
Genesis 19:23-29 describes Sodom's destruction in vivid detail. Angels physically removed Lot, his wife, and daughters from Sodom as the sun rose (Genesis 19:15-17, 23). Immediately, 'the LORD rained upon Sodom and upon Gomorrah brimstone and fire from the LORD out of heaven' (Genesis 19:24). The cities were utterly overthrown; even the valley's vegetation perished (Genesis 19:25). Abraham witnessed the smoke 'as the smoke of a furnace' (Genesis 19:28).
The destruction was comprehensive and permanent. Archaeological evidence suggests the Dead Sea region experienced catastrophic burning. The cities have never been rebuilt—to this day, the area remains desolate. Peter references this event as warning of future judgment: 'turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrha into ashes condemned them with an overthrow, making them an ensample unto those that after should live ungodly' (2 Peter 2:6). Jude 7 identifies eternal fire as punishment for their sexual immorality. Jesus uses this history as eschatological warning: as fire from heaven destroyed Sodom when Lot left, so cosmic judgment will fall when Christ returns. The lesson: judgment delayed is not judgment denied—God will settle accounts.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the 'same day' timing of Lot's departure and Sodom's destruction demonstrate God's precise control over judgment timing?
- What comfort does God's pattern of evacuating the righteous before destroying the wicked provide for believers facing tribulation?
- How should the totality and suddenness of Sodom's destruction motivate urgency in calling others to repentance?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
But the same day that Lot went out of Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from heaven, and destroyed them all. The conjunction But (δὲ, de) marks the dramatic shift from normalcy to catastrophe. The same day that Lot went out (ᾗ ἡμέρᾳ ἐξῆλθεν Λὼτ ἀπὸ Σοδόμων, hē hēmera exēlthen Lōt apo Sodōmōn)—judgment fell immediately after God's people were removed to safety. It rained fire and brimstone from heaven (πῦρ καὶ θεῖον ἔβρεξεν ἀπ' οὐρανοῦ, pyr kai theion ebrexen ap' ouranou)—supernatural destruction, not natural disaster. Theion (θεῖον, brimstone/sulfur) intensifies burning, making fire inescapable.
And destroyed them all (καὶ ἀπώλεσεν πάντας, kai apōlesen pantas)—identical language to the flood account (v. 27). Total destruction, no survivors outside Lot's family. The timing is critical: judgment came the same day (ᾗ ἡμέρᾳ, hē hēmera) Lot departed. This establishes the pattern: God removes the righteous before pouring out wrath. Genesis 18:23-32 records Abraham's intercession—God wouldn't destroy Sodom if even ten righteous were found. None existed (except Lot's family), so God evacuated the righteous before executing judgment.
This prefigures end-times sequence: believers will be separated from the wicked at Christ's return (Matthew 24:40-41). The separation isn't secret pre-tribulation rapture but visible judgment-day division. Like Lot's same-day sequence (exit Sodom, destruction falls), Christ's return brings simultaneous salvation and judgment—the righteous gathered, the wicked destroyed (2 Thessalonians 1:7-10). The application: don't assume gradual decline gives time for later repentance. Judgment comes suddenly, like fire from heaven, catching the unprepared.