King James Version

What Does Luke 10:12 Mean?

Luke 10:12 in the King James Version says “But I say unto you, that it shall be more tolerable in that day for Sodom, than for that city. — study this verse from Luke chapter 10 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

But I say unto you, that it shall be more tolerable in that day for Sodom, than for that city.

Luke 10:12 · KJV


Context

10

But into whatsoever city ye enter, and they receive you not, go your ways out into the streets of the same, and say,

11

Even the very dust of your city, which cleaveth on us, we do wipe off against you: notwithstanding be ye sure of this, that the kingdom of God is come nigh unto you.

12

But I say unto you, that it shall be more tolerable in that day for Sodom, than for that city.

13

Woe unto thee, Chorazin! woe unto thee, Bethsaida! for if the mighty works had been done in Tyre and Sidon, which have been done in you, they had a great while ago repented, sitting in sackcloth and ashes.

14

But it shall be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon at the judgment, than for you.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
But I say unto you, that it shall be more tolerable in that day for Sodom, than for that city. The phrase legō hymin (λέγω ὑμῖν, "I say unto you") introduces Jesus' authoritative declaration. The comparison to Sodom (Sodomois, Σοδόμοις) is shocking—Sodom epitomized wickedness and experienced fiery judgment from heaven (Genesis 19). Yet Jesus declares rejecting His messengers brings greater condemnation than Sodom's sexual immorality and violent sin.

The phrase more tolerable in that day (anektoteron estai en tē hēmera ekeinē, ἀνεκτότερον ἔσται ἐν τῇ ἡμέρᾳ ἐκεινῃ) refers to the day of judgment—the final reckoning when Christ returns. The comparative adjective anektoteron (ἀνεκτότερον, "more tolerable") indicates degrees of punishment. This contradicts universalist theology claiming all judgment is identical or that all eventually saved.

The principle is clear: greater revelation brings greater responsibility. Sodom never heard the gospel or witnessed Christ's power. Cities that reject Jesus after seeing miracles and hearing the kingdom proclaimed face severer judgment. This echoes Hebrews 10:29: those who spurn the Son of God and treat covenant blood as common deserve worse punishment than Law-breakers. Knowledge increases accountability (Luke 12:47-48; James 3:1).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Sodom's destruction was proverbial in Jewish thought, representing ultimate divine judgment. Genesis 19 records God raining fire and brimstone on Sodom and Gomorrah for their wickedness. Ezekiel 16:49-50 details Sodom's sins: pride, excess, indifference to the poor, and abominations. Yet Jesus declares that Galilean cities like Chorazin, Bethsaida, and Capernaum—which witnessed His teaching and miracles but refused to repent—face worse judgment. This reveals how seriously God regards rejection of the gospel and despising of grace.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does the comparison to Sodom teach about degrees of punishment in final judgment?
  2. How does greater revelation of gospel truth increase accountability and potential condemnation?
  3. Why is rejecting Jesus' messengers worse than Sodom's gross immorality, and what does this reveal about the seriousness of unbelief?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 15 words
λέγω1 of 15

I say

G3004

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

δὲ2 of 15

But

G1161

but, and, etc

ὑμῖν3 of 15

unto you

G5213

to (with or by) you

ὅτι4 of 15

that

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

Σοδόμοις5 of 15

for Sodom

G4670

sodoma (i.e., sedom), a place in palestine

ἐν6 of 15

in

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

τῇ7 of 15
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἡμέρᾳ8 of 15

day

G2250

day, i.e., (literally) the time space between dawn and dark, or the whole 24 hours (but several days were usually reckoned by the jews as inclusive of

ἐκείνῃ9 of 15

for that

G1565

that one (or (neuter) thing); often intensified by the article prefixed

ἀνεκτότερον10 of 15

more tolerable

G414

more endurable

ἔσται11 of 15

it shall be

G2071

will be

12 of 15

than

G2228

disjunctive, or; comparative, than

τῇ13 of 15
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

πόλει14 of 15

city

G4172

a town (properly, with walls, of greater or less size)

ἐκείνῃ15 of 15

for that

G1565

that one (or (neuter) thing); often intensified by the article prefixed


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Luke. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Luke 10:12 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Luke 10:12 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Places in This Verse

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