Old Testament
Genesis 18:20
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In this passage, God is expressing His awareness of the deep wrongdoing happening in the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah.
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Moses
- Written
- Around 1400 BC
- Genre
- Law (Pentateuch)
- Original Audience
- The Israelites in the wilderness
Then the LORD said, "The outcry against Sodom and Gomorrah is enormous, and their sin is extremely severe."
And the LORD said, Because the cry of Sodom and Gomorrah is great, and because their sin is very grievous;
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this passage, God is expressing His awareness of the deep wrongdoing happening in the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah. The 'outcry' refers to the cries of those suffering from injustice and sin. God acknowledges that the level of sin in these cities is not just significant; it is extreme. This indicates that the moral decay has reached a point where it can no longer be ignored. God is not indifferent to the pain and suffering caused by the actions of the people. Instead, He is preparing to take action in response to the overwhelming evidence of their wrongdoing. This moment highlights God's justice and His commitment to addressing evil. It serves as a reminder that actions have consequences, and that God sees and hears the cries of those who are wronged. The severity of the situation in Sodom and Gomorrah illustrates the importance of living righteously and treating others with respect and kindness, as God is aware of all that happens in our lives and communities. His justice is both a warning and a call to accountability.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Genesis 18:20 to your life
This passage encourages us to reflect on our own actions and their impact on others. It reminds us that our choices matter and that we should strive to live justly and compassionately. By being aware of the needs around us, we can contribute to a more just and caring community. Let’s be proactive in addressing wrongs we see in our world today. Our voices can make a difference against injustice and suffering, just as God
Curated for this public verse page. Genesis Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Genesis 18:20 mean?
Genesis 18:20 reveals God's awareness of the severe sin and injustice in Sodom and Gomorrah. It highlights that the outcry from those suffering due to this wrongdoing has reached God, prompting Him to take action.
What is the significance of the outcry in Genesis 18:20?
The outcry in Genesis 18:20 represents the cries of those who are suffering from the injustices and sins committed in Sodom and Gomorrah. It signifies that God hears the pain of the oppressed and is concerned about moral decay.
What does the term 'grievous' mean in Genesis 18:20?
In Genesis 18:20, 'grievous' refers to the extreme severity and seriousness of the sins committed in Sodom and Gomorrah. It indicates that the level of wrongdoing is so high that it cannot be overlooked.
How does Genesis 18:20 relate to accountability?
Genesis 18:20 emphasizes accountability by showing that God is aware of human actions and their impact on others. It serves as a reminder that individuals and communities are responsible for their choices and the treatment of others.
The Book of Genesis
Genesis 1: Creation
God creates the heaven and the earth, and the earth is without form and void, covered in darkness as His Spirit moves upon the waters. He speaks light into existence, separates it from darkness, and names them Day and Night. He divides the waters with a firmament called Heaven, gathers the lower waters to reveal dry land called Earth, and commands the earth to bring forth grass, herbs, and fruit trees yielding seed after their kind. He sets the sun, moon, and stars in the firmament to divide day from night, to give light, and to mark seasons, days, and years. He fills the waters with living creatures and the air with fowl, blessing them to multiply, then creates cattle, creeping things, and beasts of the earth. Finally, He creates man in His own image, male and female, gives them dominion over all living things, and appoints every herb and tree for food, and He sees that all He has made is very good.
Unlock the full Genesis summary
Continue reading every chapter — themes, structure, and turning points.
The complete summary of Genesis — a chapter-by-chapter breakdown covering all 50 chapters.
What you get
Every chapter of Genesis summarized in clear, modern English
How each section connects — narrative flow, key themes, and turning points
Permanent access — read anytime, on any device
Best value • Save over 90%
One-time purchase • Access anytime
ClearBible summaries are proprietary content and may not be copied, republished, or resold.
Checkout works as a guest. After payment, you create an account to claim your unlock.