### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek term Γόμοῤῥα (Gómorrha), Strong's `{{G1116}}`, is a direct transliteration of the Hebrew עֲמֹרָה (Amorah), Strong's `{{H6017}}`. While the precise etymology of the Hebrew root is debated, it is often associated with concepts of "submersion," "ruin," or "heap," possibly alluding to the city's eventual catastrophic end. Fundamentally, Gómorrha refers to one of the infamous "cities of the plain" located in the vicinity of the Dead Sea, which, alongside Sodom, became a byword for extreme wickedness and divine judgment. Its semantic range extends beyond a mere geographical designation to encompass the theological weight of utter destruction, impenitent sin, and God's righteous wrath.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the New Testament, the term Gómorrha (`{{G1116}}`) consistently appears in conjunction with Sodom (`{{G4670}}`), serving as a powerful exemplar of divine judgment. Its occurrences are not merely historical references but function as profound theological warnings:
* In [[Matthew 10:15]], Jesus declares that "it will be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah on the day of judgment than for that city" (referring to any city that rejects His disciples). This statement establishes Sodom and Gomorrah as the ultimate benchmark for divine retribution, indicating that rejection of the Gospel carries an even greater culpability.
* [[Romans 9:29]] quotes [[Isaiah 1:9]], stating, "Unless the Lord of hosts had left us a seed, we would have become like Sodom and would have resembled Gomorrah." Here, the names serve as a metaphor for utter and complete devastation, highlighting God's mercy in preserving a remnant of Israel.
* [[2 Peter 2:6]] explicitly states that God "condemned the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah to destruction by reducing them to ashes, having made them an example to those who would be ungodly thereafter." This passage underscores the didactic purpose of their destruction—to serve as a perpetual warning against ungodly living.
* [[Jude 1:7]] describes Sodom and Gomorrah, along with the surrounding cities, as having "indulged in gross immorality and gone after strange flesh," consequently suffering "the punishment of eternal fire as an example." This verse specifically links their destruction to sexual perversion and provides a vivid image of their enduring consequence.
In every New Testament context, Gómorrha signifies not merely a historical event but a profound theological truth about the consequences of human rebellion against divine standards and the certainty of God's righteous judgment.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is its Hebrew original, עֲמֹרָה (`{{H6017}}`). Critically, Gómorrha is almost always linked with Σόδομα (Sodoma, `{{G4670}}`), forming an inseparable pair in the biblical narrative of judgment.
Beyond these proper nouns, the study of Gómorrha intersects with several key biblical concepts:
* **Divine Judgment** (κρίσις - `{{G2920}}`, δίκη - `{{G1349}}`): The destruction of Gomorrah is a quintessential demonstration of God's righteous wrath against sin.
* **Ungodliness** (ἀσέβεια - `{{G763}}`): The cities' fate is presented as a direct consequence of their profound impiety and moral corruption.
* **Sin** (ἁμαρτία - `{{G266}}`): Specifically, the narratives and prophetic condemnations (e.g., Ezekiel 16:49-50) broaden the scope of their sin beyond sexual immorality to include pride, abundance of food, and neglect of the poor, highlighting a pervasive spiritual sickness.
* **Destruction** (καταστροφή - `{{G2692}}`, ὄλεθρος - `{{G3639}}`): The complete annihilation of Gomorrah serves as an archetype of total ruin.
* **Fire** (πῦρ - `{{G4442}}`): The means of their judgment, often symbolizing divine purification and consuming wrath.
* **Example/Warning** (ὑπόδειγμα - `{{G5262}}`, παράδειγμα - `{{G3856}}`): The New Testament explicitly frames Gomorrah's fate as a timeless lesson for humanity.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of Gómorrha is multifaceted and profound:
1. **Divine Justice and Holiness:** The destruction of Gomorrah powerfully demonstrates God's unwavering justice and His absolute holiness. It underscores that God is not indifferent to sin and that persistent, unrepentant wickedness will inevitably incur His righteous judgment. This event serves as a stark reminder of the moral order inherent in creation and the consequences of its violation.
2. **Consequences of Sin:** Gomorrah stands as an enduring testament to the severe and catastrophic consequences of human sin. While often associated with sexual immorality, the broader prophetic indictment (e.g., [[Ezekiel 16:49-50]]) includes pride, gluttony, and a lack of compassion for the poor and needy. Thus, Gomorrah's fate warns against a pervasive spiritual sickness that manifests in various forms of rebellion against God's will.
3. **Prophetic Archetype and Eschatological Warning:** In the New Testament, Gomorrah transcends its historical particularity to become a prophetic archetype. It foreshadows future, especially eschatological, judgment. The severity of Gomorrah's fate is even used as a benchmark for the judgment awaiting those who reject the Gospel message, emphasizing the grave responsibility that comes with hearing God's truth. It serves as a vivid illustration of the "eternal fire" mentioned in Jude, pointing to the ultimate destiny of the ungodly.
4. **A Timeless Example:** As stated in [[2 Peter 2:6]], Gomorrah's destruction was intended to be "an example to those who would be ungodly." Its narrative is not confined to ancient history but offers a timeless and universal lesson for all generations, urging humanity to repentance and righteousness.
### Summary
Gómorrha (`{{G1116}}`), a transliteration of the Hebrew `{{H6017}}`, is the Greek name for one of the cities of the plain, infamous for its catastrophic destruction by divine judgment. In the New Testament, it is invariably linked with Sodom (`{{G4670}}`), serving as a potent symbol and historical precedent for God's righteous wrath against profound human wickedness. Occurrences in passages such as [[Matthew 10:15]], [[Romans 9:29]], [[2 Peter 2:6]], and [[Jude 1:7]] underscore its theological significance. Gómorrha stands as an enduring witness to the severe consequences of sin, the certainty of divine justice, and a prophetic warning for those who reject God's ways. Its fate serves as a perpetual reminder of God's holiness and His ultimate sovereignty over human affairs, demonstrating that unrepentant sin inevitably leads to ruin and serves as an example for all who live ungodly lives.
TRV