Γόμορρα

Pronunciation Guide: gom’-or-hrah (with a guttural ‘h’ and emphasis on the first syllable)

Basic Definition

Strong’s G1116: Γόμορρα (Gomorrha) refers to the ancient city mentioned in both the Tanakh (Old Testament) and the Brit Hadashah (New Testament) that was destroyed by divine judgment alongside Sodom. Its name has become synonymous with extreme wickedness and divine retribution. In Scripture, Gomorrha serves as a powerful warning about the consequences of rebellion against יהוה (Yahweh) and His righteous standards.

Etymology and Morphology

• Part of Speech: Proper Noun (feminine)
• Origin: Hebrew עֲמֹרָה (‘amōrāh) transliterated into Greek
• Usage Context: Primarily appears in narrative and teaching passages concerning divine judgment
• Semantic Domain: Geographic locations, judgment narratives
• Linguistic Classification: Semitic loanword into Greek

Γόμορρα Morphology:

• Γόμορρα (nominative singular) – Gomorrha
• Γομόρρας (genitive singular) – of Gomorrha
• Γομόρρᾳ (dative singular) – to/for/in Gomorrha
• Γόμορραν (accusative singular) – (to) Gomorrha

Origin & History

The Greek Γόμορρα (Gomorrha) derives from the Hebrew עֲמֹרָה (‘amōrāh), a name likely of Semitic origin. Scholars debate its precise etymology, with some suggesting it relates to the root meaning “to bind” or “to manipulate,” possibly indicating a fortified city. Others connect it to an ancient word for “submersion,” foreshadowing its ultimate fate.

In the Septuagint (LXX), the translators consistently rendered עֲמֹרָה as Γόμορρα, establishing this spelling in Greek literature. Josephus, in his “Antiquities of the Jews,” describes Gomorrha as one of the principal cities of the fertile Jordan Valley before its destruction. Philo of Alexandria, in his treatise “On Abraham,” uses Gomorrha as an allegory for excessive passion and lawlessness. Early Church Fathers like Clement of Alexandria and Origen frequently referenced Gomorrha as the quintessential example of divine judgment against sexual immorality and inhospitality.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• A historical city located near the Dead Sea that was destroyed by fire and brimstone from heaven
• A symbol of extreme wickedness and rebellion against God’s moral law
• A paradigmatic example of divine judgment against sin
• A cautionary reference used to warn against similar sins

Γόμορρα Translation Options:

• Gomorrha – The traditional transliteration found in the King James Version, maintaining historical continuity
• Gomorrah – The simplified modern spelling used in most contemporary English translations
• Amorah – A transliteration closer to the original Hebrew, sometimes used in more Hebraic-centered translations
• City of Judgment – A dynamic equivalent translation that emphasizes its theological significance rather than merely transliterating the name

Biblical Usage

Γόμορρα appears consistently alongside Sodom in Scripture, forming a paired example of extreme wickedness and subsequent judgment. In the Tanakh, the narrative of Gomorrha’s destruction is detailed in Genesis 19, where יהוה rains down sulfur and fire upon the city. The prophets later invoke Gomorrha as a powerful warning of judgment, with Isaiah comparing Jerusalem’s sin to that of “Sodom and Gomorrha” (Isaiah 1:9-10).

In the Brit Hadashah, Yeshua (Jesus) references Γόμορρα when speaking of towns that reject His disciples, stating that the judgment against such places would be more severe than that against “Sodom and Gomorrha”. The Messiah’s use of this reference demonstrates how this historical event had become a proverbial example of divine judgment in Jewish thought by the first century CE.

Key Biblical references include:

• “Truly I tell you, it will be more bearable for Sodom and Gomorrha [Γόμορρα] on the day of judgment than for that town.” Matthew 10:15
• “If the Lord of Hosts had not left us descendants, we would have become like Sodom, we would have resembled Gomorrha [Γόμορρα].” Romans 9:29
• “By turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrha [Γόμορρα] to ashes, He condemned them to extinction, making them an example of what is going to happen to the ungodly.” 2 Peter 2:6
• “Just as Sodom and Gomorrha [Γόμορρα] and the surrounding cities, which likewise indulged in sexual immorality and pursued unnatural desire, serve as an example by undergoing a punishment of eternal fire.” Jude 1:7
• “And if anyone will not receive you or listen to your words, shake off the dust from your feet when you leave that house or town. Truly, I say to you, it will be more bearable on the day of judgment for the land of Sodom and Gomorrha [Γόμορρα] than for that town.” Matthew 10:14-15

Cultural Insights

Archaeological excavations near the Dead Sea have uncovered evidence of ancient settlements suddenly abandoned during the Middle Bronze Age, with some sites showing signs of intense burning and destruction. Many scholars identify these locations with the biblical “cities of the plain” that included Gomorrha. The geological features of the region, rich in sulfur deposits and bitumen (natural tar), provide a natural explanation for the “fire and brimstone” described in the biblical account. Some researchers propose that an earthquake may have released flammable gases that ignited, causing a catastrophic conflagration.

The cultural significance of Gomorrha extended beyond Israel. In rabbinic literature, the phrase “measure of Sodom and Gomorrha” (מִדַּת סְדֹם וַעֲמֹרָה, middat S’dom va’Amorah) became an idiom for extreme wickedness and cruel inhospitality. The Talmud describes the inhabitants of these cities as wealthy yet extraordinarily selfish, even legislating against charity. One midrash recounts that they would place a visitor on a bed and either stretch or cut off the person’s limbs to make them “fit” – a powerful metaphor for forcing others to conform to one’s own distorted standards rather than accommodating their needs.

Theological Significance

Γόμορρα stands as a profound theological symbol of יהוה’s perfect justice and the ultimate consequences of persistent rebellion. The destruction of this city reveals the reality that a righteous God cannot and will not indefinitely tolerate wickedness. Yet even in this sobering narrative, we see evidence of divine mercy – יהוה was willing to spare the cities for the sake of just ten righteous people (Genesis 18:32), and He rescued Lot’s family before executing judgment. This demonstrates the Lord’s desire to save even while judging sin.

The Messiah’s reference to Gomorrha in Matthew 10:15 introduces a profound theological principle – accountability is proportional to revelation. Yeshua teaches that those who reject the greater revelation of the Kingdom will face greater judgment than the infamous city of Gomorrha. This establishes a “how much more” (kal v’chomer) principle that permeates New Testament theology – if God judged ancient wickedness, how much more seriously will He view rejection of His Son?

Peter and Jude’s references to Gomorrha further develop this theme, presenting the city’s destruction as both historical fact and prophetic foreshadowing of final judgment. This demonstrates how the Torah narratives function not merely as historical records but as “types” that illuminate future spiritual realities. Gomorrha thus becomes part of the pattern of redemptive history, revealing יהוה’s consistent character across both covenants.

Personal Application

The account of Gomorrha challenges us to examine our own hearts and communities. Like Abraham, we are called to intercede for our cities and nations, pleading for mercy even amid growing wickedness. The destruction of Gomorrha reminds us that sin has real consequences, both in this life and eternally. Yet even in judgment, we see יהוה’s desire to save – He sent angels to rescue Lot before the destruction came, just as He has sent His Son to rescue us before the final judgment.

When we feel discouraged by the moral decline around us, Gomorrha reminds us that יהוה sees all and will ultimately bring perfect justice. However, we must be careful not to adopt a self-righteous attitude toward others. Yeshua taught that it will be “more tolerable” for Gomorrha than for those who reject His message, warning against spiritual pride. Our response should be to walk humbly with our God, extend His mercy to others, and proclaim the good news of salvation while there is still time.

Related Words

• Σόδομα (Sodoma) [sod’-om-ah] – The sister city of Gomorrha, almost always mentioned together in Scripture, representing extreme wickedness and divine judgment. While Gomorrha serves as a supporting example, Sodom often receives primary emphasis in the biblical narrative. See G4670
• κρίσις (krisis) [kree’-sis] – Judgment or decision, frequently associated with Gomorrha in New Testament references. While Gomorrha represents a historical example of judgment, krisis describes the divine act of judging itself. See G2920
• καταστροφή (katastrophē) [kat-as-trof-ay’] – Overthrow or destruction, used by Peter when describing what happened to Gomorrha. This term emphasizes the complete and sudden nature of the judgment, while Gomorrha specifies the historical recipient. See G2692
• ὑπόδειγμα (hypodeigma) [hoop-od’-igue-mah] – Example or pattern, used to describe how Gomorrha functions as a warning to others. This term explains the didactic purpose of Gomorrha’s judgment in salvation history. See G5262
• ἀσέβεια (asebeia) [as-eb’-i-ah] – Ungodliness or impiety, describing the fundamental sin of Gomorrha. While Gomorrha is the location, asebeia identifies the spiritual condition that led to judgment. See G763

Did you Know?

• Did you know that the term “sodomy” entered legal terminology through medieval church law, but there is no equivalent term derived from “Gomorrha” despite the cities being paired in Scripture? This linguistic development reflects how cultural memory sometimes selectively preserves biblical narratives, emphasizing certain aspects while minimizing others. The equal treatment of both cities in Scripture reminds us to consider the complete biblical message rather than selective cultural interpretations.
• Did you know that archaeological excavations at Bab edh-Dhra and Numeira, two destroyed Bronze Age cities near the Dead Sea, have revealed evidence of a fiery destruction that some scholars associate with the biblical account of Sodom and Gomorrha? The sites show signs of burning so intense that the mud brick walls were partially melted, forming a layer of trinitite—a glass-like substance that typically forms under extreme heat. This physical evidence aligns remarkably with the biblical description of fire and brimstone raining from heaven.
• Did you know that in Jewish tradition, the sin of Gomorrha is often associated specifically with economic injustice and cruelty toward the poor, rather than only sexual immorality? The prophet Ezekiel declares, “Now this was the sin of your sister Sodom: She and her daughters were arrogant, overfed and unconcerned; they did not help the poor and needy” (Ezekiel 16:49). This broader understanding of Gomorrha’s sin challenges us to examine our own attitudes toward wealth, hospitality, and care for the vulnerable.

Remember This

Γόμορρα stands as an eternal witness that יהוה’s righteousness will ultimately prevail, yet even in judgment, His mercy seeks to save those who will turn to Him in faith.