YUD 1:7 Parallel Verse View

Note: This view shows ‘verses’ which are not natural language units and hence sometimes only part of a sentence will be visible—click on any Bible version abbreviation down the left-hand side to see the verse in more of its context. Normally the OET discourages the reading of individual ‘verses’, but this view is only designed as a tool for doing comparisons of different translations—the older translations are further down the page (so you can read up from the bottom to trace the English translation history). The OET segments on this page are still very early looks into the unfinished texts of the Open English Translation of the Bible—please double-check these texts in advance before using in public.

Text critical issues=small word differences Clarity of original=clear Importance to us=normal (All still tentative.)

Key: khaki:verbs, light-green:nominative/subject, orange:accusative/object, pink:genitive/possessor, cyan:dative/indirect object.
Note: Automatic aligning of the OET-RV to the LV is done by some temporary software, hence the RV alignments are incomplete (and may occasionally be wrong).

ULT as Sodom and Gomorrah and the cities around them, having committed sexual immorality in the same manner as these, and having gone after other flesh, are being displayed as an example, suffering punishment of eternal fire.

UST The same is true of the people who lived in the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah and the cities near them. They acted in a sexually immoral way in the same way as those angels did. They participated in all kinds of improper sexual acts. By causing these angels and people to suffer for eternity in the fire of hell, God is making them an example of those who reject him.

BSB In like manner, Sodom and Gomorrah and the cities around them, who indulged in sexual immorality and pursued strange flesh, are on display as an example of those who sustain [the] punishment of eternal fire.

BLB just as Sodom and Gomorrah and the cities around them, having indulged in sexual immorality and having gone after strange flesh, in like manner with them are set forth as an example, undergoing the penalty of eternal fire.

AICNT just as Sodom and Gomorrah and the cities around them, since they in the same way as these indulged in gross immorality and went after strange flesh, are exhibited as an example in undergoing the punishment of eternal fire.

OEB Like Sodom and Gomorrah and the towns near them, which gave themselves up to fornication, and fell into unnatural vice, these angels now stand out as a warning, undergoing, as they are, punishment in eternal fire.

WEBBE Even as Sodom and Gomorrah and the cities around them, having in the same way as these given themselves over to sexual immorality and gone after strange flesh, are shown as an example, suffering the punishment of eternal fire.

WMBB (Same as above)

NET So also Sodom and Gomorrah and the neighboring towns, since they indulged in sexual immorality and pursued unnatural desire in a way similar to these angels, are now displayed as an example by suffering the punishment of eternal fire.

LSV as Sodom and Gomorrah, and the cities around them, in like manner to these [messengers], having given themselves to whoredom, and having gone after other flesh, have been set before [as] an example, undergoing the justice of continuous fire.

FBV In just the same way, Sodom and Gomorrah and the towns nearby that pursued immorality and perverted sex are provided as an example of those that experience the punishment of eternal fire.

TCNT Likewise, Sodom and Gomorrah and the cities around them, who indulged in fornication and went after strange flesh in a manner similar to those angels, serve as an example by undergoing the punishment of eternal fire.

T4T Similarly, the people who lived [MTY] in Sodom and Gomorrah cities and the nearby cities committed sexual immorality. They sought all kinds of sexual relations that differ from what God permits. So God destroyed their cities. What happened to those people and those angels shows that God will punish people, such as the ones who teach false doctrine, in the eternal fire of hell.

LEB No LEB YUD (JUD) 1:7 verse available

BBE Even as Sodom and Gomorrah, and the towns near them, having like these, given themselves up to unclean desires and gone after strange flesh, have been made an example, undergoing the punishment of eternal fire.

Moff just as Sodom and Gomorra and the adjacent cities, which similarly glutted themselves with vice and sensual perversity, are exhibited as a warning of the everlasting fire they are sentenced to suffer.

Wymth So also Sodom and Gomorrah—and the neighboring towns in the same manner—having been guilty of gross fornication and having gone astray in pursuit of unnatural vice, are now before us as a specimen of the fire of the Ages in the punishment which they are undergoing.

ASV Even as Sodom and Gomorrah, and the cities about them, having in like manner with these given themselves over to fornication and gone after strange flesh, are set forth as an example, suffering the punishment of eternal fire.

DRA As Sodom and Gomorrha, and the neighbouring cities, in like manner, having given themselves to fornication, and going after other flesh, were made an example, suffering the punishment of eternal fire.

YLT as Sodom and Gomorrah, and the cities around them, in like manner to these, having given themselves to whoredom, and gone after other flesh, have been set before — an example, of fire age-during, justice suffering.

Drby as Sodom and Gomorrha, and the cities around them, committing greedily fornication, in like manner with them, and going after other flesh, lie there as an example, undergoing the judgment of eternal fire.

RV Even as Sodom and Gomorrah, and the cities about them, having in like manner with these given themselves over to fornication, and gone after strange flesh, are set forth as an example, suffering the punishment of eternal fire.

SLT As Sodom and Gomorrha and the cities about them, debauched in like manner to these, and having gone away after other flesh, are set before a sample of eternal fire, enduring punishment.

Wbstr Even as Sodom and Gomorrah, and the cities about them in like manner, giving themselves over to impurity, and going after strange flesh, are set forth for an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire.

KJB-1769 Even as Sodom and Gomorrha, and the cities about them in like manner, giving themselves over to fornication, and going after strange flesh, are set forth for an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire.

KJB-1611 Euen as Sodom and Gomorrha, and the cities about them, in like maner giuing themselues ouer to fornication, and going after [fn]strange flesh, are set forth for an example, suffring the vengeance of eternall fire.
(Even as Sodom and Gomorrha, and the cities about them, in like manner giving themselves over to fornication, and going after strange flesh, are set forth for an example, suffring the vengeance of eternal fire.)

1:7 Gr. other.

Bshps Euen as Sodome and Gomorrhe, and the cities about them, which in lyke maner defiled them selues with fornication, and folowed straunge fleshe, are set foorth for an ensample, and suffer the payne of eternall fyre.
(Even as Sodom and Gomorrhe, and the cities about them, which in like manner defiled themselves with fornication, and followed strange flesh, are set forth for an ensample/example, and suffer the pain of eternal fire.)

Gnva As Sodom and Gomorrhe, and the cities about them, which in like maner as they did, committed fornication, and followed strange flesh, are set foorth for an ensample, and suffer the vengeance of eternall fire.
(As Sodom and Gomorrhe, and the cities about them, which in like manner as they did, committed fornication, and followed strange flesh, are set forth for an ensample/example, and suffer the vengeance of eternal fire. )

Cvdl euen as Sodom and Gomor, and the cities aboute them (which in lyke maner defiled them selues with fornicacion and folowed straunge flesshe) are set forth for an ensample, and suffre the vengeaunce of eternall fyre.
(even as Sodom and Gomor, and the cities about them (which in like manner defiled themselves with fornication and followed strange flesh) are set forth for an ensample/example, and suffer the vengeance of eternal fire.)

TNT even as Sodom and Gomor and the cities aboute them (which in lyke maner defiled them selves with fornicacion and folowed straunge flesshe) are set forth for an ensample and suffre the vengeaunce of eternall fyre.
(even as Sodom and Gomor and the cities about them (which in like manner defiled themselves with fornication and followed strange flesh) are set forth for an ensample/example and suffer the vengeance of eternal fire. )

Wycl As Sodom, and Gomorre, and the nyy coostid citees, that in lijk maner diden fornycacioun, and yeden awei aftir othir fleisch, and ben maad ensaumple, suffrynge peyne of euerelastinge fier.
(As Sodom, and Gomorrah, and the nigh/near coastid cities, that in like manner did fornication, and went away after other flesh, and been made ensample/example, suffring peyne of everlastinge fire.)

Luth Wie auch Sodom und Gomorra und die umliegenden Städte, die gleicherweise wie diese ausgehuret haben und nach einem andern Fleisch gegangen sind, zum Exempel gesetzt sind und leiden des ewigen Feuers Pein.
(How also Sodom and Gomorra and the surrounding cities, the equally as/like this/these ausgehuret have and after on change flesh went/gone are, for_the example set(v) are and suffer the eternal fire(n)s Pein.)

ClVg Sicut Sodoma, et Gomorrha, et finitimæ civitates simili modo exfornicatæ, et abeuntes post carnem alteram, factæ sunt exemplum, ignis æterni pœnam sustinentes.[fn]
(Like Sodoma, and Gomorrha, and finitimæ cities similar just/only exfornicatæ, and leaving after the_flesh the_other, done are exemplum, fire eternal punishment hold_onntes. )

1.7 Sicut Sodoma. Dederat exemplum damnationis eorum qui solum dominatorem negant: commemorato interitu infidelis populi vel angelorum erigentium se contra Deum, dat etiam exemplum pœnæ illorum qui Domini gratiam transferunt in luxuriam, commemorans incendium Sodomorum.

1.7 Like Sodoma. Dederat exemplum of_condemnation their who/which only dominatorem they_deny: recallso destruction unfaithful of_the_people or of_messengers/angels erigentium himself on_the_contrary God, gives also exemplum punishments of_them who/which Master grace they_transfer in/into/on luxury/extravagancem, commemorans incendium Sodomorum.

UGNT ὡς Σόδομα καὶ Γόμορρα, καὶ αἱ περὶ αὐτὰς πόλεις, τὸν ὅμοιον τρόπον τούτοις ἐκπορνεύσασαι, καὶ ἀπελθοῦσαι ὀπίσω σαρκὸς ἑτέρας, πρόκεινται δεῖγμα, πυρὸς αἰωνίου δίκην ὑπέχουσαι.
(hōs Sodoma kai Gomorra, kai hai peri autas poleis, ton homoion tropon toutois ekporneusasai, kai apelthousai opisō sarkos heteras, prokeintai deigma, puros aiōniou dikaʸn hupeⱪousai.)

SBL-GNT ὡς Σόδομα καὶ Γόμορρα καὶ αἱ περὶ αὐτὰς πόλεις, τὸν ὅμοιον ⸂τρόπον τούτοις⸃ ἐκπορνεύσασαι καὶ ἀπελθοῦσαι ὀπίσω σαρκὸς ἑτέρας, πρόκεινται δεῖγμα πυρὸς αἰωνίου δίκην ὑπέχουσαι.
(hōs Sodoma kai Gomorra kai hai peri autas poleis, ton homoion ⸂tropon toutois⸃ ekporneusasai kai apelthousai opisō sarkos heteras, prokeintai deigma puros aiōniou dikaʸn hupeⱪousai.)

RP-GNT Ὡς Σόδομα καὶ Γόμορρα, καὶ αἱ περὶ αὐτὰς πόλεις, τὸν ὅμοιον τούτοις τρόπον ἐκπορνεύσασαι, καὶ ἀπελθοῦσαι ὀπίσω σαρκὸς ἑτέρας, πρόκεινται δεῖγμα, πυρὸς αἰωνίου δίκην ὑπέχουσαι.
(Hōs Sodoma kai Gomorra, kai hai peri autas poleis, ton homoion toutois tropon ekporneusasai, kai apelthousai opisō sarkos heteras, prokeintai deigma, puros aiōniou dikaʸn hupeⱪousai.)

TC-GNT Ὡς Σόδομα καὶ Γόμορρα, καὶ αἱ περὶ αὐτὰς πόλεις, τὸν ὅμοιον [fn]τούτοις τρόπον ἐκπορνεύσασαι, καὶ ἀπελθοῦσαι ὀπίσω σαρκὸς ἑτέρας, πρόκεινται δεῖγμα, πυρὸς αἰωνίου δίκην ὑπέχουσαι.
(Hōs Sodoma kai Gomorra, kai hai peri autas poleis, ton homoion toutois tropon ekporneusasai, kai apelthousai opisō sarkos heteras, prokeintai deigma, puros aiōniou dikaʸn hupeⱪousai. )

1:7 τουτοις τροπον [84.1%] ¦ τροπον τουτοις CT [8.4%]

Key for above GNTs: yellow:punctuation differs, red:words differ (from our SR-GNT base).

SOTN SIL Open Translator’s Notes:

Section 5–19: Jude gave illustrations to prove that the Lord would punish the fake Christians

In this section, Jude described the sins of the fake Christians in more detail. He also foretold that the Lord would punish them. He used a special Jewish styleAs mentioned in the Outline, this style was called “midrash.” Jewish rabbis sometimes used this text-application style of presentation. in these verses. He referred to different examples, often taken from the Bible. Then he applied these examples to the situation about which he was writing.

Jude organized this part of his letter as follows:

Example	Application
verses 5–7	verse 8Verse 8 is the application for the examples in 5–7 and could end that paragraph. Verse 8 also introduces 9–10 and could begin that paragraph. These Notes show the paragraph division between verse 7 and verse 8, as does almost every English version.
verse 9	verse 10
verse 11	verses 12–13
verses 14–15	verse 16
verses 17–18	verse 19

The main purpose of the section was to show that the Lord would certainly punish these fake Christians. Jude compared them with well-known individuals and groups mentioned in the Old Testament and in other Jewish writings. He also used things found in nature to describe their sinful ways. Through these examples, he explained that these fake Christians deserved the punishment which they would receive.

Paragraph 5–7

In these verses, Jude reminded his readers about three well-known groups who had sinned, and as a result had suffered terrible punishments:

The Israelites had been slaves in Egypt, and the Lord brought them out from there. However, afterwards he destroyed those among them who did not trust in him.
Some angels had rebelled against the Lord, so he placed them in chains in a dark place until the day when he would judge them.
The people of Sodom and Gomorrah had sinned sexually, so the Lord destroyed them by fire.

7

(BSB:) In like manner, Sodom and Gomorrah and the cities around them, who indulged in sexual immorality and pursued strange flesh, are on display as an example of those who sustain the punishment of eternal fire.

In verse 7, Jude gave a third example of a group who sinned against God, and as a result, suffered terrible punishment. The people of Sodom and Gomorrah sinned sexually. The Lord destroyed them by fire.

In some languages, it may be helpful to use an introductory phraseAs mentioned in the note for 6–7, this is also true for the start of verse 6. at the beginning of verse 7. You may use a phrase that is similar to the phrase, “I want to remind you,” in 5a.

The notes for verse 7 are based on a literal translation of the Greek text, instead of on the BSB. (Notice the abbreviation “lit.” before the words and phrases in the notes below.) Some of the parts of the verse have been reordered to give the notes a more natural order for English. The letters of the verse parts will follow the new order, which is indicated here:

^7aIn a similar way to these, ^7bSodom and Gomorrah and the towns around them ^7care exhibited as an example of eternal fire, ^7dthe penalty they experience, ^7ehaving committed sexual sin and gone after different flesh.

7a (reordered)

(lit:) In a similar way to these,

Like these people and angels,
Consider/Remember another example, which is similar to these unbelieving Israelites and the angels who rebelled.

Verse 7 begins with the Greek word, hōs. It can be translated in a variety of ways, including “that” and “how.” In this context Jude used hōs to mark the beginning of this third example of punishment for sin.Lenski (page 621) thought that Jude used hos here, instead of the hoti (5a) that governs both 5 and 6, because the evidence of what had happened to Sodom and Gomorrah could still be seen. The examples in 5 and 6 were known only through their stories being written or told. However, Jude’s readers could still find evidence of God’s punishment of Sodom and Gomorrah at the south end of the Dead Sea. As the Greek present tense verb prokeintai implies, Sodom and Gomorrah are an example that has observable evidence. It indicates that it should be considered along with the first two examples in verse 5 and verse 6. Some ways to express this include:

Also consider that…

You also know how…

I want to remind you that…

(lit.) In a similar way to these: In order to translate verse 7, a translator must decide two issues of interpretation:

Issue 1:

Scholars have different opinions about who these refers to. The two main possibilities are:Two other interpretations that are sometimes suggested are:(3) It refers to either the men of Sodom and Gomorrah or to the men of the surrounding towns, one of these groups being compared to the other.(4) It refers to the fake Christians (verse 4).In the Greek text, “these” is marked for both gender and number as masculine and plural. Interpretation (3) is unlikely because the Greek words for “Sodom and Gomorrah” and also for “towns” are not masculine. While some scholars suggest that “these” refers to the men in the towns, there is no compelling reason to assume this. It would require Jude to have linked the sin of Sodom and Gomorrah with the sin of the surrounding towns in a very indirect and unnecessarily complicated way. Finally, interpretation (4) is not correct. In verse 8, Jude definitely wrote about the same fake Christians as in verse 4. If “these” in verse 7 also referred to these same people, then Jude would have been repeating himself in verse 8 for no apparent reason.

It refers to both the angels whom Jude mentioned in verse 6 and to the Israelites who did not believe and were destroyed (verse 5).
It refers to just the angels (verse 6).

Greek grammar would allow either interpretation,In the Greek text, “these” is marked for both gender and number as masculine and plural. “Angels” is the closest preceding noun that is marked as masculine and plural. The unbelieving Israelites are also marked as masculine and plural. but interpretation (1) is more likely because the conjunction used to join verses 5 and 6 indicates a close relationship between these verses. If there is a natural way to include both the angels and unbelieving Israelites in your translation, then it is recommended that you use it here. For example:

In a similar way to these unbelieving Israelites and angels

Issue 2:

Another interpretation issue is to decide in what way the people of Sodom and Gomorrah (7b) were similar to the preceding two groups,This assumes that interpretation (1) above is correct. which were:

the angels who rebelled (verse 6),
the unbelieving Israelites (verse 5).

The two main possibilities are:

The three groups were similar because all were examples and warnings that the Lord punishes sinners. For example:
We should also be warned by what happened to the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah…. (CEV)
What happened to Sodom and Gomorrah…is an example…of the punishment…. The people of these cities suffered the same fate that God’s people and the angels did…. (GW) (CEV, GW, NLT)
The sexual sin committed by the people of Sodom and Gomorrah, was similar in nature to the sins that the angelsScholars who accept this view interpret Genesis 6:1–4 as talking about angelic beings taking human wives. No clear biblical evidence exists that angels are capable of having sexual relations with human beings or that angels and human beings have had children together. and the unbelieving IsraelitesWhile the Israelites who left Egypt did commit sexual sin (Exodus 32:6, Numbers 25:1), verse 5 probably referred to what happened to the Israelites who refused to follow the advice of Joshua and Caleb. They died in the desert because they refused to enter the land that God was giving to them. had committed. According to this interpretation, Jude used three examples of sexual sin. For example:
Sodom and Gomorrah…which, in the same manner as they, indulged in sexual immorality and pursued unnatural lust… (NRSVIt is possible that the NRSV is comparing the people of Sodom and Gomorrah only to the angels, and not to the Israelites that Jude mentioned. Other English versions that clearly compare the people of Sodom and Gomorrah to the angels but not to the Israelites, are the NET, REB and GNT. All four of these versions imply that Jude was indicating sexual immorality as a similarity between the people of Sodom and Gomorrah and the angels.) (NRSV)

It is recommended that you follow interpretation (1).

7b (reordered)

(lit:) Sodom and Gomorrah and the towns around them,

Sodom and Gomorrah and the neighboring towns
What happened to the people of Sodom and Gomorrah and the towns near them

(lit.) Sodom and Gomorrah: Jude reminded his readers of what happened to the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah. God destroyed these cities with fire because of the sexually immoral behavior of the people who lived there. You may read about this in Genesis 18:20–22, 19:1–29.

It was not just the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah themselves (with the buildings and possessions) that were destroyed. All the people who lived there were killed. In some languages it may help to make this explicit. For example:

the people of Sodom and Gomorrah

(lit.) and the towns around them: This phrase refers to the towns near Sodom and Gomorrah that God destroyed at the same time.The names of two of these towns were Admah and Zeboiim (Deuteronomy 29:23). Another nearby town named Zoar was spared. Some ways to say this include:

and the neighboring towns

and the surrounding towns

and the towns that were nearby

7c–d (reordered)

(lit.) are exhibited as an example of eternal fire, the penalty they experience: Scholars have different opinions about how the expression eternal fire relates to the other words in this verse. The two main interpretations are:

eternal fire relates primarily to the word example in 7c. What happened to the people of Sodom and Gomorrah was an example and warning that sinful people will be punished by eternal fire in hell. For example:
are a warning of the eternal fire that will punish all who are evil. (NLT) (GW, JBP, NLT)
Eternal fire relates primarily to the word penalty in 7d. Sodom and Gomorrah and the towns were experiencing the penalty of eternal fire.Many scholars who accept interpretation (2) do not think that Jude meant the eternal fire of hell. According to them, the eternal fire is the fire whose smoke could still be seen at the south end of the Dead Sea, where these cities once stood. For example:
are put before us as an example since they are paying the penalty of eternal fire. (NJB) (BSB, KJV, NASB, NCV, NET, NJB, REB, RSV, GNT)

The Greek grammar of this verse allows for either or both to be correct. It is recommended that, if possible, you translate as if both interpretationsJude and his readers were very aware that these cities were destroyed by fire. Implicit in his example is the manner in which God destroyed these cities. The horrible fire that God used in this destruction made Sodom and Gomorrah especially fitting as an illustration or example of what the end will be for all who continue in willful sin—the eternal fire of hell. are correct. However, if you must choose between them, it is recommended that you follow interpretation (1), which has more support in the commentaries.

The following examples show how this verse may be translated with both interpretations.

Like these people and angels, Sodom and Gomorrah and the surrounding towns are a warning of eternal fire, the penalty they suffer because they committed sexual sin and went after different flesh.

In a similar way to these unbelieving Israelites and angels, Sodom and Gomorrah and the surrounding towns are exhibited as an example of the punishment of eternal fire. Their people suffer the penalty of eternal fire, because they committed sexual sin and went after different flesh.

7c (reordered)

(lit:) are exhibited as an example of eternal fire,

warn us of eternal fire,
is an apparent warning of the punishment of eternal fire.
is a warning which is plain to see that sinful people will be punished by eternal fire.

(lit.) are exhibited as an example: Other ways to translate this include:

they are an apparent/clear example.

they…are now displayed as an example. (NET)

By looking at them, people can see that…

In some languages, it may be better to say explicitly that this type of example is a warning. For example:

Those cities…are a warning… (NLT)

as a plain warning… (GNT)

(lit.) eternal fire: This expression refers to the eternal fire of hell. It is recommended that you not indicate explicitly that this refers to hell, unless that is necessary in your language.

7d (reordered)

(lit:) the penalty they experience,

which is the penalty that they are paying,
This punishment of eternal fire is what they are suffering
That is how the people of Sodom, Gomorrah, and the nearby towns are being punished

(lit.) the penalty they experience: Sodom and Gomorrah and the surrounding towns were destroyed by fire. At the time when Jude wrote this letter, people could still see evidence of this punishment. They could go to the Dead Sea and see signs of destruction where those cities had been.

However, the penalty for the people who lived there involved more than their death at the time when the cities were destroyed. They were also to spend eternity in the fire of hell. That is an even greater penalty, and Jude may have been thinking of it also.

(lit.) penalty: Their penalty was punishment for their sins (7e).

(lit.) they experience: What they experience is punishment. In some languages, it may be more natural to indicate explicitly that this is an experience of punishment or suffering. For example:

they suffer the punishment (GNT)

undergoing a punishment (RSV)

they are paying the penalty (NJB)

7e (reordered)

(lit:) having committed sexual sin and gone after different flesh.

since they committed sexual sin and followed their unnatural lusts.
because they habitually indulged in immoral sex and engaged in homosexual acts.

(lit.) having committed sexual sin and gone after different flesh: Jude gave the information in this part of the verse as the reason that God punished the people of Sodom and Gomorrah and the neighboring towns. They were guilty of sexual sin. Their sexual immorality was so bad that God caused them and their cities to be destroyed. Some ways to indicate this reason are:

because they committed sexual sins and… (GW)

since they indulged in sexual immorality and… (NET)

Jude was probably referring to sexual sin that the people of Sodom and Gomorrah did regularly. It was the habit of these people to sin sexually. If your language normally marks habitual action, you may do so here. For example:

habitually/regularly committed sexual sin

(lit.) having committed sexual sin: This phrase is a literal translation of one Greek word. It could refer to any kind of sexual sin. Look for the most natural way in your language to refer to sexual sin in general, rather than to a specific type of sexual sin.

(lit.) gone after different flesh: Pursuing different flesh was the way that Jude referred to homosexual acts;Scholars have different opinions concerning what sin Jude described as “having gone after different flesh.” The main interpretations are:(1) It refers to homosexual acts; that is, men having sex with men.(2) It refers to bestiality.(3) It refers to the men of Sodom trying to have sex with the two angels who visited Lot (Genesis chapter 19).It is recommended that you follow interpretation (1). Many scholars say that this going after different flesh was homosexual acts, and they are probably correct.The last interpretation is unlikely, because God had already decided to destroy Sodom and Gomorrah and the surrounding town before the incident with the angels at Lot’s house happened. Also, only the men of Sodom tried to have sex with the angels, and God destroyed more than Sodom. In addition, there is no evidence that the men of Sodom knew that the two visitors to Lot’s house were angels. Another reason to reject this last opinion is that Jude said that these men went after different “flesh,” and angels are spirit beings who do not have “flesh.” that is, men having sex with other men. Some ways that English versions have translated this include:

engaged in homosexual activities. (GW)

indulged in unnatural lust (RSV)

sexual relations that God does not allow. (NCV)

Languages often have more than one way to refer to this type of sexual activity. Look for the most natural way in your language that is suitable for reading in worship meetings where people of all ages and both sexes may be present. See flesh in the Glossary.

UTN uW Translation Notes:

Note 1 topic: figures-of-speech / metonymy

Σόδομα καὶ Γόμορρα, καὶ αἱ περὶ αὐτὰς πόλεις

Sodom (Some words not found in SR-GNT: Ὡς Σόδομα καί Γόμορρα καί αἱ περί αὐτάς πόλεις τόν ὅμοιον τρόπον τούτοις ἐκπορνεύσασαι καί ἀπελθοῦσαι ὀπίσω σαρκός ἑτέρας πρόκεινται δεῖγμα πυρός αἰωνίου δίκην ὑπέχουσαι)

Here, Sodom, Gomorrah, and cities all refer to the people who lived in those cities. Alternate translation: [the people in the region of Sodom and Gomorrah]

Note 2 topic: writing-pronouns

τὸν ὅμοιον τρόπον τούτοις

(Some words not found in SR-GNT: Ὡς Σόδομα καί Γόμορρα καί αἱ περί αὐτάς πόλεις τόν ὅμοιον τρόπον τούτοις ἐκπορνεύσασαι καί ἀπελθοῦσαι ὀπίσω σαρκός ἑτέρας πρόκεινται δεῖγμα πυρός αἰωνίου δίκην ὑπέχουσαι)

Here, these refers to the angels mentioned in the previous verse. The sexual sins of Sodom and Gomorrah were the result of the same kind of rebellion as the angels’ evil ways. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state this phrase explicitly. Alternate translation: [in the same manner as these wicked angels]

Note 3 topic: figures-of-speech / abstractnouns

ἐκπορνεύσασαι

˓having˒_fornicated

If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the idea behind the abstract noun sexual immortality with an equivalent expression. Alternate translation: [having committed sexually immoral acts]

Note 4 topic: figures-of-speech / metaphor

καὶ ἀπελθοῦσαι ὀπίσω σαρκὸς ἑτέρας

Here Jude uses the phrase having gone after to refer to actively engaging in an improper activity instead of a proper one. This expression is frequently used in the Bible to describe people worshiping false gods or engaging in sexual immorality. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state this phrase literally. Alternate translation: [and habitually engaging in sexual immorality with other flesh]

σαρκὸς ἑτέρας

Here, other flesh could refer to: (1) the sexual immorality mentioned in the previous clause. Alternate translation: [improper sexual relations] (2) flesh of a different species, in this case referring to the angels with whom the people of Sodom and Gomorrah want to have sexual relations. Alternate translation: [flesh of a different type]

Note 5 topic: figures-of-speech / explicit

πρόκεινται δεῖγμα

˱they˲_˓are˒_lying_before ˓an˒_example

The destruction of the people of Sodom and Gomorrah is an example of what happens to people who reject God. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state this phrase explicitly. Alternate translation: [are being displayed as an example of those who reject God]

Note 6 topic: figures-of-speech / abstractnouns

πυρὸς αἰωνίου δίκην ὑπέχουσαι

If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the idea behind the abstract noun punishment with a verbal phrase. Alternate translation: [suffering when God punished them with eternal fire]

Parallel YUD 1:7