The Greek word Gómorrha, represented by G1116, is of Hebrew origin and refers to Gomorrha, a place near the Dead Sea. It appears 5 times across 5 unique verses in the Bible. In every instance, it is mentioned alongside G4670 Sódoma, functioning as a scriptural symbol of profound wickedness and divine judgment.
In the biblical narrative, G1116 serves as a benchmark for divine retribution. Jude presents Gomorrha as an example of those "suffering the vengeance of eternal fire" for "giving themselves over to fornication" Jude 1:7. Similarly, Peter notes that God condemned the cities of Sodom and Gomorrha with an "overthrow," making them an "ensample unto those that after should live ungodly" 2 Peter 2:6. Jesus uses the city as a point of comparison, stating that it will be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrha on the day of judgment than for a city that rejects His disciples (Matthew 10:15, Mark 6:11). Paul quotes Esaias, saying that if the Lord had not left a remnant, they would have been made like unto Gomorrha Romans 9:29.
Several related words illuminate the context of Gomorrha's destruction:
- G4670 Sódoma (Sodom): In every New Testament occurrence, Gomorrha is paired with Sodom, establishing them as a singular symbol of judgment. Sódoma is defined as "plural of Hebrew origin (סְדֹם); Sodoma (i.e. Sedom), a place in Palestine:--Sodom" Jude 1:7.
- G2692 katastrophḗ (overthrow): This word describes the very nature of Gomorrah's end. It is defined as "an overturn ('catastrophe'), i.e. demolition; figuratively, apostasy:--overthrow, subverting." This specific term is used to describe its fate in 2 Peter 2:6.
- G1349 díkē (vengeance): This term signifies the justice executed upon Gomorrah. It is defined as "right (as self-evident), i.e. justice (the principle, a decision, or its execution):--judgment, punish, vengeance." The city is depicted as suffering the vengeance of eternal fire Jude 1:7.
- G4442 pŷr (fire): This is the instrument of judgment used against Gomorrah. The word is defined as "'fire' (literally or figuratively, specially, lightning):--fiery, fire." Jude explicitly mentions the "eternal fire" Jude 1:7.
The theological weight of G1116 is significant, serving as a permanent warning in scripture.
- A Benchmark for Judgment: Gomorrha's fate establishes a standard of divine punishment. Jesus' words in Matthew 10:15 and Mark 6:11 indicate that the sin of rejecting His messengers is considered more severe than the sins of Gomorrah.
- An Example of Divine Retribution: The city is explicitly set forth as an "ensample" 2 Peter 2:6 and an "example" Jude 1:7. Its destruction is a tangible warning against living an ungodly life and giving themselves over to fornication G1608.
- A Symbol of Total Annihilation: To be made "like unto Gomorrha" signifies utter ruin. According to Romans 9:29, only the Lord's mercy in preserving a "seed" prevented Israel from suffering this same complete destruction.
In summary, G1116 is more than a geographical location; it is a cornerstone biblical symbol for sin and its consequences. Always appearing with G4670 Sódoma, it represents a society so wicked that it warrants complete destruction by overthrow G2692 and fire G4442. Its use in the New Testament establishes a profound theological point: as terrible as Gomorrah's sin was, the judgment for rejecting God's message of salvation is even greater.
TRV