# the cities around them

Here "cities" stands for the people who lived in them. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

# also indulged themselves

The sexual sins of Sodom and Gomorrah were the result of the same kind of rebellion as the angels' evil ways.

# as examples of those who suffer the punishment

The destruction of the people of Sodom and Gomorrah became an example of the fate of all who reject God.