Definition: As God overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah and the neighbour [cities] thereof, saith the LORD; [so] shall no man abide there, neither shall any son of man dwell therein.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Jeremiah 50:40. It's a really powerful statement about God’s judgment and a promise of restoration. Here’s the explanation in simpler terms: Basically, it means: “God has completely destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah and all the surrounding cities because he was angry with them. He says that no one will ever live there again, and no son of man will ever dwell there.” Let's unpack that a little further: “As God overthrew…” This is a significant phrase – it means God took action to punish something terrible. “…Sodom and Gomorrah…” These were two cities in ancient Israel (and later, throughout the Bible) known for their wickedness – they were incredibly corrupt and filled with sin. They were described as being "evil" and "abominable." “…and the neighbour [cities] thereof” This is where it gets important. The verse isn’t just talking about Sodom and Gomorrah; it's saying that God destroyed all the cities surrounding them. It emphasizes the widespread nature of their wickedness. “Saith the LORD…” This is a direct quote from the prophet Jeremiah, who was writing during a time of great distress. He’s speaking as an authoritative voice of God. “…so [that] shall no man abide there, neither shall any son of man dwell therein.” This is the core message: God has completely banished anyone from those cities. “Neither shall any son of man” – this refers to a specific group of people who were considered to be like God – priests and officials – and they were specifically instructed to leave the city. What does this verse mean in terms of our understanding of history? It’s about judgment: It tells us that God is righteous and will hold those who practice evil accountable. It's about repentance: The verse implies that Sodom and Gomorrah were a consequence of their wickedness. God's judgment was a response to their sin. It’s a promise of restoration (eventually): While the verse describes destruction, it also suggests that God will ultimately restore what is lost – perhaps through a future time when a new, righteous nation emerges. Important Note: This passage is often interpreted as a foreshadowing of the coming of Jesus Christ and the ultimate triumph of good over evil. It's a powerful message about God’s unwavering judgment and his desire for a perfect world. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of this verse? Connect it to a specific story or event in biblical history?