Topical Encyclopedia Gomorrah, alongside its infamous counterpart Sodom, is one of the cities mentioned in the Bible as epitomes of sin and divine judgment. The narrative of Gomorrah's wickedness is primarily found in the Book of Genesis, where it is depicted as a city steeped in immorality and corruption.Biblical Account The account of Gomorrah's wickedness is intertwined with that of Sodom, as both cities are frequently mentioned together. In Genesis 13:13, the Bible states, "Now the men of Sodom were wicked, sinning greatly against the LORD." Although this verse specifically mentions Sodom, Gomorrah is understood to share in this condemnation due to their close association and similar fates. The most detailed account of Gomorrah's sinfulness is found in Genesis 18 and 19. In Genesis 18:20-21, the LORD says, "The outcry against Sodom and Gomorrah is great. Their sin is so grievous that I will go down and see if their actions fully justify the outcry that has reached Me. If not, I will know." This passage highlights the severity of the cities' sins, which had reached a level that demanded divine investigation and response. Nature of Wickedness The specific nature of Gomorrah's wickedness is not exhaustively detailed in the biblical text, but it is often inferred from the narrative of Sodom. In Genesis 19, the men of Sodom, and by extension Gomorrah, are depicted as engaging in acts of extreme depravity, including attempted sexual violence against Lot's angelic visitors. This incident underscores the moral decay and lack of hospitality that characterized the cities. The prophet Ezekiel provides additional insight into the sins of Sodom and Gomorrah. In Ezekiel 16:49-50, it is written, "Now this was the iniquity of your sister Sodom: She and her daughters had arrogance, abundant food, and careless ease, but she did not help the poor and needy. Thus they were haughty and committed abominations before Me. Therefore I removed them, as you have seen." This passage suggests that the wickedness of Gomorrah included pride, gluttony, and neglect of the needy, alongside the more explicit sins described in Genesis. Divine Judgment The culmination of Gomorrah's wickedness is met with divine judgment. In Genesis 19:24-25, the Bible records, "Then the LORD rained down sulfur and fire on Sodom and Gomorrah—from the LORD out of the heavens. Thus He overthrew those cities and the entire plain, destroying all the inhabitants of the cities and everything that grew on the ground." This cataclysmic event serves as a stark warning of the consequences of persistent sin and rebellion against God. New Testament References The New Testament also references the wickedness of Gomorrah as a cautionary example. In 2 Peter 2:6, it is stated, "He condemned the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah to destruction, reducing them to ashes as an example of what is coming on the ungodly." Similarly, Jude 1:7 notes, "In like manner, Sodom and Gomorrah and the cities around them, who indulged in sexual immorality and pursued strange flesh, serve as an example by undergoing the punishment of eternal fire." These references underscore the enduring legacy of Gomorrah's wickedness as a symbol of divine judgment against sin. The biblical portrayal of Gomorrah serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of righteousness and the severe consequences of turning away from God's commandments. Nave's Topical Index Genesis 18:20And the LORD said, Because the cry of Sodom and Gomorrah is great, and because their sin is very grievous; Nave's Topical Index Strong's Hebrew 1306. Birsha -- a king of Gomorrah... Birsha. Probably from resha' with a prepositional prefix; with wickedness; Birsha, a king of Gomorrah -- Birsha. see HEBREW resha'. 1305, 1306. Birsha. 1307 ... /hebrew/1306.htm - 6k Library How those are to be Admonished who Praise the Unlawful Things of ... On Justice and Goodness. On the Government of God The Prophecy of the Perilous Times. What have I Done? Thyatira To Anatolius the Patrician. Ahaz Chapter xiv Self-Scrutiny in God's Presence. Resources What is the strange flesh in Jude 1:7? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean to “remember Lot's wife” in Luke 17:32? | GotQuestions.org Who was Lot in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Gomorrah: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Gomorrah: Its King Defeated by Chedorlaomer Gomorrah: One of the "Cities of the Plain" Related Terms |
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