Bible Dictionary
SODOM, VINE OF
The vine of Sodom is a metaphor in Moses’ song for the fruit and moral corruption of Sodom and Gomorrah. It does not appear to identify a particular botanical species.
Definition
The vine of Sodom is a metaphorical expression for the corruption and bitter result associated with Sodom and Gomorrah. Its grapes are described as grapes of gall, and its clusters as bitter. The expression does not identify a particular botanical species.
Biblical Usage
The phrase occurs in Moses’ song as an image of moral corruption and destructive fruitfulness. It compares the people’s condition with the poisonous and bitter produce associated with Sodom and Gomorrah.
Historical Background
The vine of Sodom should be distinguished from the “Apples of Sodom,” which were described as an actual fruit species. The supplied material identifies the vine expression as metaphorical rather than botanical.
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>(gephen cedhom):</p><p>"For their vine is of the vine of Sodom,</p><p>And of the fields of Gomorrah:</p><p>Their grapes are grapes of gall,</p><p>Their clusters are bitter" (De 32:32).</p><p>This must be distinguished from the "Apples of Sodom" (which see), described by Josephus (BJ, IV, viii, 4), which appear to have been an actual species of fruit, probably either the colocynth or the fruit of the Usher tree, Calotropis procera. It would appear, however, from the above, the only passage referring to the Vine of Sodom, that this expression is metaphorical and does not refer to any particular plant.</p><p>E. W. G. Masterman</p>