New Testament
Matthew 10:15
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I tell you the truth: on the day of judgment, it will be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrah than for that town.
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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.
What Matthew 10:15 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jesus emphasizes the seriousness of rejecting His message. He compares the fate of towns that refuse to accept His teachings to that of Sodom and Gomorrah, two cities known for their wickedness and eventual destruction. The implication is that those who hear the gospel and turn away are held to a higher standard than those who never had the opportunity to hear it. Sodom and Gomorrah faced severe judgment for their sins, but Jesus suggests that the towns that reject His disciples will face an even harsher judgment because they had the chance to accept the truth but chose to ignore it. This serves as a warning about the consequences of disbelief and the importance of responding to God's message with openness and faith.
How to apply Matthew 10:15 to your life
This verse encourages us to take the message of Jesus seriously and to recognize the importance of our response to it. It reminds us that rejecting the truth has serious consequences. We should strive to share the gospel with others and be mindful of how we respond to God's call in our own lives.
Curated for this public verse page. Matthew Summary
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Illustrated scene from Jesus's story: Sending Out the Twelve (Matthew 10:1–42)
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Jesus
Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002725045). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Nazareth, Israel; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
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Nazareth
The small town in Galilee where Jesus grew up.
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At a Glance — the Book of Matthew
- Author
- Matthew the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 60-70
- Genre
- Gospel
- Original Audience
- Jewish Christians
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Matthew 10:15 mean?
Matthew 10:15 highlights the seriousness of rejecting Jesus' message. It suggests that towns that refuse to accept His teachings will face harsher judgment than Sodom and Gomorrah, which were destroyed for their wickedness.
What is the significance of Sodom and Gomorrah in Matthew 10:15?
Sodom and Gomorrah are used as examples of severe judgment for sin. In this verse, Jesus indicates that those who reject the gospel after hearing it will face an even greater consequence than these cities.
What does 'more tolerable' mean in Matthew 10:15?
The phrase 'more tolerable' refers to the idea that the judgment faced by Sodom and Gomorrah will be less severe compared to the judgment for those who knowingly reject the gospel message.
How does Matthew 10:15 apply to our lives today?
Matthew 10:15 encourages us to take the message of Jesus seriously and to be mindful of our response to it. It serves as a reminder that rejecting the truth can lead to serious consequences.
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