Deuteronomy 29:23
And that the whole land thereof is brimstone, and salt, and burning, that it is not sown, nor beareth, nor any grass groweth therein, like the overthrow of Sodom, and Gomorrah, Admah, and Zeboim, which the LORD overthrew in his anger, and in his wrath:
Deuteronomy 29:23 · King James Version
Meaning
The verse describes the aftermath of the destruction of Sodom, Gomorrah, Admah, and Zeboim. The mention of brimstone, salt, and burning symbolizes the complete devastation of the land, rendering it barren and uninhabitable. The imagery of no sowing, no bearing of fruit, and no grass growing signifies the permanent desolation of the area. The comparison to the destruction of these cities by the Lord's anger and wrath serves as a warning of the consequences of disobedience and wickedness. It highlights the severity of divine judgment and the importance of following God's commandments. The verse serves as a reminder of the consequences of moral corruption and serves to emphasize the importance of living a righteous life.
Theological Overview
In this verse, we see a depiction of a desolate and barren land, described as being filled with brimstone, salt, and burning. The imagery of a land that is not sown, does not bear fruit, and lacks the growth of grass signifies a complete devastation. This stark picture is compared to the overthrow of the cities of Sodom, Gomorrah, Admah, and Zeboim, which were obliterated by the wrath of the LORD. The mention of brimstone, salt, and burning emphasizes the intense judgment and destruction brought upon these cities due to their wickedness and disobedience. This serves as a reminder of the consequences of turning away from God and His commandments. The theological interpretation of this verse underscores the idea of divine judgment and the importance of living in accordance with God's will to avoid such drastic consequences.
Deuteronomy 29:23 in other translations
American Standard Version
[ and that] the whole land thereof is brimstone, and salt, [and] a burning, [that] it is not sown, nor beareth, nor any grass groweth therein, like the overthrow of Sodom and Gomorrah, Admah and Zeboiim, which Jehovah overthrew in his anger, and in his wrath:
World English Bible
and that all of its land is sulfur, salt, and burning, that it is not sown, doesn’t produce, nor does any grass grow in it, like the overthrow of Sodom, Gomorrah, Admah, and Zeboiim, which Yahweh overthrew in his anger, and in his wrath;
Douay-Rheims
Burning it with brimstone, and the heat of salt, so that it cannot be sown any more, nor any green thing grow therein, after the example of the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrha, Adama and Seboim, which the Lord destroyed in his wrath and indignation:
Geneva Bible (1599)
(For all that land shall burne with brimstone and salt: it shall not be sowen, nor bring forth, nor any grasse shall growe therein, like as in the ouerthrowing of Sodom, and Gomorah, Admah, and Zeboim, which the Lord ouerthrewe in his wrath and in his anger)