Definition: But before they lay down, the men of the city, [even] the men of Sodom, compassed the house round, both old and young, all the people from every quarter:

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from Genesis 19:4. It’s a really important and slightly unsettling passage in the Bible that describes a frightening event. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Story: God created the world and everything in it – including humans. After a period of time, He sets His people (humans) aside to build a beautiful city called Eden. But, God decides to test those people with a series of trials and tests. What Happened Next: The City is Surrounded: The men of Sodom, a specific town located in the East, started building a massive, sprawling city around the house where God had established the original settlement. They built it completely around it! They Were All-Encompassing: This wasn't just a simple building project. They completely surrounded the house, including all the people from every corner of the world – everyone who lived nearby. What It Means - A Warning & a Sense of Horror: This verse is a powerful warning about sin and wickedness. It’s telling us that Sodom was a place of intense evil and disregard for God. Here's what it signifies: Pride and Rebellion: The men of Sodom were so proud and rebellious that they refused to acknowledge God's authority and the rules He set for them. They weren’t seeking to understand or honor Him, but simply to control everything around them. Lack of Respect: They treated God’s creation with disrespect – building a city around it shows a lack of reverence and understanding. Breaking Boundaries: It highlights that humans can easily cross boundaries when they become consumed by pride and selfish desires. In short, the verse warns against the dangers of being proud, disrespectful to God, and disregarding His rules. It’s a reminder that even seemingly small acts of rebellion can have significant consequences. --- Do you want me to: Explain any specific part of the verse in more detail? Connect this story to other biblical stories or themes (like temptation)?