Sodomites
Culture & Societyâš¡ IN BRIEF (SUMMARY)
The term 'sodomites' historically denoted individuals accused of sexual acts considered illicit by ancient Near Eastern and early Christian legal frameworks, specifically those associated with the biblical city of Sodom.
What is the meaning of Sodomites in the Bible?
The term 'sodomites' historically denoted individuals accused of sexual acts considered illicit by ancient Near Eastern and early Christian legal frameworks, specifically those associated with the biblical city of Sodom.
SIGNIFICANCE
Recognizing this terminology helps readers distinguish between the biblical emphasis on violating hospitality norms and the later theological interpretation that framed these acts primarily as sexual sins, thereby clarifying the original social and legal context of the narrative.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
- Why did the biblical author mention Sodomites in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Sodomites clarify?
Source Attribution & Provenance
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE) and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been editorially modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and formatted for fast contextual reference.