were wicked
The term "wicked" in this context refers to moral corruption and evil behavior. In the biblical narrative, wickedness is often associated with actions that are contrary to God's laws and character. The wickedness of Sodom is later exemplified in Genesis 19, where the men of the city attempt to commit grievous acts against Lot's visitors. This wickedness is not just individual but systemic, affecting the entire community.

sinning greatly
The phrase "sinning greatly" underscores the severity and extent of the sin in Sodom. It implies habitual and egregious sin, not just isolated incidents. This great sinning is a direct affront to God's holiness and justice. The New Testament references Sodom's sin as a warning (2 Peter 2:6-8, Jude 1:7), illustrating the consequences of living in persistent rebellion against God.

against the LORD
The phrase "against the LORD" indicates that the sin of Sodom was not just a social or moral failing but a direct offense against God Himself. This highlights the theological dimension of sin, where actions are ultimately evaluated in relation to God's standards. The LORD, being the covenant name of God, emphasizes His personal relationship with humanity and His righteous judgment. The destruction of Sodom serves as a divine response to their sin, illustrating God's justice and the seriousness of sinning against Him.

• This little word signals a sharp turn in the narrative. Abram and Lot have just separated; Lot chose the lush plain of the Jordan and “pitched his tents near Sodom” (Genesis 13:12).

• Scripture uses “but” to warn of hidden danger or moral decline (cf. Joshua 7:1; Acts 5:1-2).

• The verse alerts us that beneath Sodom’s outward prosperity lay a spiritual crisis—a reality still true wherever worldly success masks rebellion (1 John 2:15-17).

• The phrase points to the whole population, not a few outliers. The city’s culture itself had become corrupt.

• Later texts confirm that moral rot was city-wide: “the outcry against Sodom and Gomorrah is great” (Genesis 18:20); their “arrogance, abundant food and careless ease” bred sin (Ezekiel 16:49).

• Even Lot felt the daily pressure of their lifestyle (2 Peter 2:7-8), reminding believers today that environment influences conduct.

• “Wicked” refers to active, deliberate evil, not mere mistakes (Genesis 6:5; Romans 3:10-12).

• Sodom’s residents normalized what God calls wrong—sexual perversion (Genesis 19:4-5), violence, and injustice (Isaiah 3:9).

• The Lord’s later judgment underscores that unchecked wickedness invites divine intervention (Luke 17:28-30).

• The wording intensifies the verdict: their sin wasn’t occasional but habitual and escalating (Psalm 36:1-4).

• Jude 1:7 cites Sodom for “sexual immorality and perversion,” while 2 Peter 2:6 lists them as a living warning.

• God’s patience has limits; persistent, unrepentant sin stores up wrath (Romans 2:5).

• Every transgression is personal; it targets the very character of God (Psalm 51:4).

• Sodom’s sin wasn’t merely social; it rejected divine authority (Isaiah 13:11).

• The Lord sees all (Proverbs 15:3), and His holiness demands justice (Romans 1:18). The coming destruction of Sodom in Genesis 19 proves He will act.

Genesis 13:13 is a sober divine footnote. In one concise sentence God contrasts worldly allure with spiritual peril, exposes a city’s pervasive evil, and frames sin as a direct offense against Himself. The verse prepares us for Sodom’s judgment, reminding us that environments matter, wickedness can become cultural, and persistent sin invites God’s righteous response.

CHAPTER 13:14-18

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