New Testament
Luke 10:12
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I'm telling you, on judgment day it will be more bearable for Sodom than for that town.
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But I say unto you, that it shall be more tolerable in that day for Sodom, than for that city.
What Luke 10:12 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jesus is warning the towns that reject His message and the messengers He sends. He compares their fate to that of Sodom, a city known for its wickedness that was destroyed. Jesus emphasizes that the judgment for those who refuse to listen to Him will be harsher than what Sodom faced. This highlights the seriousness of rejecting the gospel and the consequences that come with it. The towns that had the opportunity to hear His teachings and still chose to ignore them will face a more severe judgment than Sodom, which had less revelation. This serves as a stark reminder of the responsibility that comes with knowledge of God's truth and the urgency to respond positively to His message.
How to apply Luke 10:12 to your life
This verse encourages us to take the message of Jesus seriously and to share it with others. It reminds us that rejecting God's truth has serious consequences. We should strive to be receptive to His teachings and help others understand the importance of responding to the gospel with openness and faith.
Curated for this public verse page. Luke Summary
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Illustrated scene from Jesus's story: Sending Out More Disciples (Luke 10:1–24)
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Jesus

Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002724966). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Bethlehem, West Bank; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
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Bethlehem
David's hometown, and the town where Jesus was born.
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Keep studying Luke 10:12
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At a Glance — the Book of Luke
- Author
- Luke the physician
- Written
- Around AD 60-62
- Genre
- Gospel and history
- Original Audience
- Gentile Christians (addressed to Theophilus)
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Luke 10:12 mean?
Luke 10:12 means that towns rejecting Jesus' message will face harsher judgment than Sodom, a city known for its wickedness. This highlights the seriousness of ignoring the gospel and the greater accountability of those who have heard it.
What is the significance of Sodom in Luke 10:12?
Sodom represents a city that faced severe judgment for its sins. By comparing rejecting towns to Sodom, Jesus emphasizes that those who have received His message and still reject it will face even greater consequences.
How does Luke 10:12 relate to the urgency of repentance?
Luke 10:12 underscores the urgency of repentance by showing that rejecting God's truth leads to serious consequences. It serves as a reminder to respond positively to the gospel while there is still time.
What themes are present in Luke 10:12?
Key themes in Luke 10:12 include judgment, the rejection of the gospel, the consequences of sin, and the responsibility that comes with knowledge of God's truth. It also highlights God's mercy and the urgency of repentance.
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