of uncertain derivation; Bera, a Sodomitish king; Bera.
Transliteration:Beraʻ
Pronunciation:beh'-rah
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma בֶּרַע (Beraʻ), Strong's number `{{H1298}}`, refers exclusively to a proper noun, the name of a specific individual: the king of Sodom during the patriarchal period. The base definition explicitly states its derivation is "uncertain." This means that unlike many Hebrew names which carry inherent meaning derived from their root verbs or nouns, the etymological significance of Beraʻ is not definitively known. While some scholars have proposed connections to roots that might suggest meanings like "evil" or "son of evil," these are speculative and not supported by clear linguistic evidence. Therefore, the primary and only certain "meaning" of בֶּרַע is its designation of the historical figure himself, without an established semantic range beyond this proper identification.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
Beraʻ appears in the biblical narrative exclusively in [[Genesis 14]]. He is introduced as Beraʻ, king of Sodom, who, along with four other kings of the Jordan Valley cities (Shinab of Admah, Shemeber of Zeboiim, and the kings of Gomorrah and Bela/Zoar), rebels against the suzerainty of Chedorlaomer, king of Elam, after twelve years of servitude ([[Genesis 14:1-4]]). This rebellion precipitates the "War of the Kings" described in [[Genesis 14:5-11]].
In the ensuing conflict, Beraʻ and his allies are defeated in the Valley of Siddim, which was full of asphalt pits. Beraʻ and the king of Gomorrah flee, while the victorious kings of the east plunder Sodom and Gomorrah, taking Lot captive ([[Genesis 14:10-12]]). Following Abraham's successful rescue mission, where he defeats Chedorlaomer and his allies, Beraʻ, as king of Sodom, comes out to meet Abraham. He offers Abraham the goods recovered from the battle, suggesting Abraham keep the spoils and return only the people ([[Genesis 14:17, 21]]).
Abraham's response to Beraʻ is crucial: he refuses to take anything from the king of Sodom, "from a thread to a sandal strap," so that Beraʻ could not claim to have made Abraham rich ([[Genesis 14:22-24]]). This interaction highlights Abraham's integrity and his reliance solely on Yahweh for blessing and provision, distinguishing himself from the corrupt leadership represented by Beraʻ and the city of Sodom. The narrative positions Beraʻ as a representative figure of the wickedness associated with Sodom, a wickedness that would later lead to the city's divine judgment and destruction.
### Related Words & Concepts
As a proper noun with an uncertain derivation, בֶּרַע (Beraʻ) does not have direct lexical cognates or a broad semantic field of related words in the typical sense of a verb or common noun. However, within the narrative of [[Genesis 14]], Beraʻ is intrinsically linked to several key concepts and individuals:
* **Kingship in the Ancient Near East:** Beraʻ's role as a king, engaging in alliances, warfare, and tribute, reflects the political realities of the period. He stands in contrast to the more powerful suzerain, Chedorlaomer, and ultimately, to Abraham, who operates under a divine covenant.
* **Sodom:** Beraʻ is the king of Sodom, a city that becomes a byword for extreme wickedness and divine judgment ([[Genesis 18:20-21]], [[Genesis 19:1-29]]). His presence as king foreshadows the moral depravity for which the city is known.
* **The War of the Kings:** He is a central figure in the conflict described in [[Genesis 14]], alongside other regional rulers like Shinab of Admah, Shemeber of Zeboiim, and the unnamed kings of Gomorrah and Bela/Zoar. The opposing coalition includes Chedorlaomer, Amraphel, Arioch, and Tidal.
* **Abraham's Faith and Integrity:** The interaction between Beraʻ and Abraham after the battle is pivotal. Abraham's refusal of the spoils from Beraʻ is contrasted with the actions of the other kings and demonstrates his commitment to God's blessing over worldly gain. This connects Beraʻ to the broader theme of Abraham's walk of faith.
* **Melchizedek:** Though not directly related lexically, Melchizedek's blessing of Abraham and Abraham's tithe to him occur immediately before the encounter with Beraʻ ([[Genesis 14:18-20]]), serving as a theological counterpoint to the worldly offer of the king of Sodom.
### Theological Significance
While Beraʻ himself is not a figure of direct theological action or revelation, his presence and role in [[Genesis 14]] carry significant theological implications:
1. **Representation of Ungodly Authority:** As the king of Sodom, Beraʻ embodies the secular, ungodly authority prevalent in the world that stands in opposition to God's chosen people. His city's subsequent destruction underscores the divine judgment against such wickedness.
2. **Contrast with Abraham's Faith:** The most profound theological significance of Beraʻ lies in his interaction with Abraham. Abraham's refusal of the spoils offered by Beraʻ ([[Genesis 14:22-24]]) is a powerful demonstration of his unwavering faith and his commitment to relying solely on God for provision and blessing. By rejecting the wealth from Sodom, Abraham declares that his prosperity comes from "Yahweh, God Most High, Possessor of heaven and earth" ([[Genesis 14:22]]), not from the corrupt systems of the world. This act serves as a foundational example of integrity and spiritual discernment for believers.
3. **Divine Sovereignty and Protection:** Beraʻ's defeat by Chedorlaomer, and subsequently Chedorlaomer's defeat by Abraham, indirectly highlights God's sovereign hand at work. God uses these events to protect Lot and, more importantly, to demonstrate His power through Abraham, ensuring the covenant promises remain secure.
4. **Foreshadowing of Judgment:** Beraʻ's association with Sodom, a city later destroyed for its egregious sin, implicitly connects him to the theme of divine justice and the consequences of rebellion against God's moral order. His existence in the narrative sets the stage for the unfolding of God's righteous judgment.
### Summary
בֶּרַע (Beraʻ), Strong's number `{{H1298}}`, is a proper noun referring to the king of Sodom, whose name's derivation is uncertain. He appears exclusively in [[Genesis 14]] as a participant in the "War of the Kings," where he and his allied forces are defeated by Chedorlaomer. His primary theological significance stems from his interaction with Abraham after the battle, where Abraham famously refuses the spoils offered by Beraʻ. This act serves as a powerful testament to Abraham's faith, integrity, and his reliance on God alone for blessing, contrasting sharply with the worldly and corrupt nature represented by Beraʻ and the city of Sodom. Beraʻ thus serves as a foil, highlighting Abraham's unique covenant relationship with Yahweh and implicitly foreshadowing the divine judgment awaiting Sodom.
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