Matthew Chapter 10 · Verse 15
Verily I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrha in the day of judgment, than for that city.
Original Language Analysis
ἀμὴν
Verily
G281
ἀμὴν
Verily
Strong's:
G281
Word #:
1 of 16
properly, firm, i.e., (figuratively) trustworthy; adverbially, surely (often as interjection, so be it)
λέγω
I say
G3004
λέγω
I say
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
2 of 16
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
γῇ
for the land
G1093
γῇ
for the land
Strong's:
G1093
Word #:
6 of 16
soil; by extension a region, or the solid part or the whole of the terrene globe (including the occupants in each application)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
8 of 16
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Γομόῤῥων
Gomorrha
G1116
Γομόῤῥων
Gomorrha
Strong's:
G1116
Word #:
9 of 16
gomorrha (i.e., amorah), a place near the dead sea
ἡμέρᾳ
the day
G2250
ἡμέρᾳ
the day
Strong's:
G2250
Word #:
11 of 16
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
κρίσεως
of judgment
G2920
κρίσεως
of judgment
Strong's:
G2920
Word #:
12 of 16
decision (subjectively or objectively, for or against); by extension, a tribunal; by implication, justice (especially, divine law)
τῇ
G3588
τῇ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
14 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
2 Peter 2:6And 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;1 John 4:17Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world.2 Peter 3:7But the heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men.2 Peter 2:9The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished:Mark 6:11And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear you, when ye depart thence, shake off the dust under your feet for a testimony against them. Verily I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrha in the day of judgment, than for that city.Matthew 12:36But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.
Historical Context
Sodom and Gomorrah were bywords for divine judgment in Jewish thought. Their destruction (Genesis 19:24-25) illustrated God's wrath against extreme wickedness. That Jesus places Galilean cities under worse judgment than Sodom demonstrates how seriously He views rejection of the gospel. These weren't pagan cities but covenant communities with Scripture, prophets, and now Messiah's messengers. Their advantages increased accountability. Early church understood that judgment considers circumstances: Hebrews 10:29 warns that trampling the Son of God merits worse punishment than violating Mosaic law.
Questions for Reflection
- How does greater privilege create greater accountability in God's judgment?
- What does graded judgment teach about God's justice and fairness?
- How should awareness of judgment affect how we share and respond to the gospel?
Analysis & Commentary
Jesus pronounces sobering judgment: 'It shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrha in the day of judgment, than for that city' (ανεκτοτερον εσται γη Σοδομων και Γομορρων εν ημερα κρισεως η τη πολει εκεινη). Sodom and Gomorrah represent extreme wickedness, destroyed by divine fire (Genesis 19). Yet cities rejecting Jesus' apostles face worse judgment. Why? Greater privilege brings greater accountability. Sodom never heard the gospel; Israelite cities heard directly from Jesus' messengers. Rejection despite clear revelation multiplies guilt. 'Day of judgment' (ημερα κρισεως) refers to final accounting when all face God. Judgment is graduated: more tolerable for some, less for others, based on knowledge and opportunity. This demolishes universalism while establishing justice: people judged according to light received.