How to Pronounce
SodomSAH-duhm
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Meaning
their secret; their cement
Historical Context
Sodom: Pronunciation and Meaning
The correct way to pronounce Sodom is SAH-duhm, with stress on the first syllable. Many English speakers instinctively add an extra vowel, so getting Sodom pronunciation right takes a moment of attention—but it's worth learning correctly, especially if you're teaching or preaching about this pivotal biblical city.
Etymology and Original Language
Sodom derives from Hebrew origins with a meaning rooted in their secret or their cement—a translation that hints at hidden or binding qualities. Some scholars connect the name to a root suggesting something concealed or sealed. The exact etymological path remains debated among linguists, but the Hebrew foundation is unmistakable. Understanding how to pronounce Sodom correctly also means honoring its Semitic roots rather than anglicizing it beyond recognition.
Biblical Significance and Scripture
Sodom appears throughout Scripture as a symbol of human depravity and divine judgment. The city is first mentioned in Genesis 13:10, when Lot chooses to dwell near it. The most detailed account of Sodom's destruction occurs in Genesis 19, where two angels visit Lot to warn him before God's judgment falls. The city's name becomes synonymous with sexual sin and rebellion against God's order.
Beyond Genesis, Sodom is referenced in the prophetic books—Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel all invoke Sodom as a cautionary example. In the New Testament, Jesus mentions Sodom in Matthew 10:15 and Luke 10:12, while Peter and Jude reference it as a warning about God's judgment on the unrepentant.
Why This Matters for Bible Readers
Pronouncing Sodom correctly matters because it signals respect for the text and clarity in communication. More importantly, understanding Sodom's story—its moral collapse, the specific sins that provoked judgment, and God's patience with Lot—provides crucial context for biblical ethics and theology. Whether you're studying Genesis narratives, exploring Old Testament prophecy, or examining Jesus's teaching on judgment, Sodom anchors some of Scripture's most serious warnings about human sin and divine consequence.