Bereshis 13:13

13 But the men of Sodom were ra’im and chatta’im before Hashem exceedingly.

Bereshis 13:13 Meaning and Commentary

Genesis 13:13

But the men of Sodom [were] wicked
Which either he knew not, and so ignorantly made this bad choice, to take up his abode among such very wicked men, which occasioned a great deal of grief, trouble, and vexation to him; or if he knew it, the pleasing prospect of convenience for his cattle, and of enriching himself, was a temptation to him, and prevailed upon him to take such a step; and so Jarchi interprets it, "although" they were so, Lot was not restrained from dwelling among them: and sinners before the Lord exceedingly;
exceeding great sinners, guilty of the most notorious crimes, and addicted to the most scandalous and unnatural lusts that can be thought of; and these they committed openly and publicly in the sight of God, in the most daring and impudent manner, and in defiance of him, without any fear or shame. The Targum of Jonathan reckons up many of their sins, as defrauding of one another in their substance, sinning in their bodies, incest, unclean copulation, shedding of innocent blood, worshipping of idols, and rebelling against the name of the Lord; see ( Isaiah 3:9 ) ( Ezekiel 16:49 ) .

Bereshis 13:13 In-Context

11 Then Lot chose for him all the plain of Yarden; and Lot journeyed mikedem (east); and they separated themselves the one from his brother.

12 Avram dwelled in Eretz Kena’an, and Lot dwelled in the cities of the plain, and pitched his ohel toward Sodom.

13 But the men of Sodom were ra’im and chatta’im before Hashem exceedingly.

14 And Hashem said unto Avram, after that Lot was separated from him, Lift up now thine eyes, and look from the makom where thou art northward, and southward and eastward, and westward:

15 For kol ha’aretz which thou seest, to thee will I give it, and to thy zera ad olam (forever).