APPLES OF SODOM גֶּ֫פֶן, H1728, vine. Deuteronomy 32:32 says “for their vine comes from the vine of Sodom.” The non-Biblical term “Apples of Sodom” is curious, for it might be “Grapes of Sodom” or “Grapes of Gall.” It is thought, however, that the writer is referring to a plant which grows something like a vine, i.e. Citrullus colocynthis. This will climb over fences and trees and produces round fruits like oranges, mottled yellow and green. The pulp inside is both poisonous and bitter and can be used as a purgative. Because of their color, the fruits are tempting, but may be dangerous.

Some have said that the plant is Solanum sodomeum, but this does not bear fruits like apples. The Citrullus is normally found around the Dead Sea.