probably from רֶשַׁע with a prepositional prefix; with wickedness; Birsha, a king of Gomorrah; Birsha.
Transliteration:Birshaʻ
Pronunciation:beer-shah'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma בִּרְשַׁע (Birshaʻ), transliterated as Birshaʻ (`{{H1306}}`), is a proper noun, specifically the name of a king. Its base definition indicates a derivation from the root רֶשַׁע (reshaʻ, `{{H7562}}`), meaning "wickedness," "guilt," or "iniquity," combined with a prepositional prefix, likely 'בְּ' (be-), meaning "in" or "with." Thus, the name inherently carries the semantic weight of "with wickedness" or "in wickedness." As a personal name, its direct semantic range is confined to its singular referent, but its etymological meaning is profoundly descriptive and indicative of character.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
Birshaʻ (`{{H1306}}`) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, in [[Genesis 14:2]]. In this passage, he is identified as "Birsha king of Gomorrah." The context is the conflict between the kings of the plain (Sodom, Gomorrah, Admah, Zeboiim, and Bela/Zoar) and the Mesopotamian kings led by Chedorlaomer. Birshaʻ, as the king of Gomorrah, is one of the five kings who rebelled against Chedorlaomer after twelve years of servitude. This rebellion culminates in the Battle of the Valley of Siddim, where the kings of the plain are defeated, and their cities plundered. The capture of Lot, Abraham's nephew, during this conflict then prompts Abraham's intervention. The name "Birshaʻ" ("with wickedness") is strikingly apt for a king of Gomorrah, a city that, alongside Sodom, is later condemned by God for its profound and pervasive wickedness ([[Genesis 18:20-21]], [[Genesis 19:1-29]]). The name thus serves as an early, subtle indicator of the moral state of the city and its leadership, predating the more explicit accounts of its depravity.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most direct and significant related word is רֶשַׁע (reshaʻ, `{{H7562}}`), from which Birshaʻ's name is derived. This noun signifies "wickedness," "evil," "guilt," or "unrighteousness" and is frequently used throughout the Old Testament to describe actions or states contrary to God's law and character. Other related concepts include:
* **Sin (חַטָּאת, `{{H2403}}`):** The general concept of missing the mark or transgression against divine standards.
* **Iniquity (עָוֹן, `{{H5771}}`):** Often denoting the moral crookedness or perversion inherent in sin, and its accompanying guilt.
* **Judgment (מִשְׁפָּט, `{{H4941}}`):** The divine pronouncements and actions against wickedness, exemplified by the eventual destruction of Gomorrah.
* **The Cities of the Plain:** Sodom, Gomorrah, Admah, Zeboiim, and Bela/Zoar, which are collectively associated with egregious sin and divine wrath.
* **Rebellion (מֶרֶד, `{{H4777}}`):** Not only the political rebellion against Chedorlaomer but also the underlying spiritual rebellion against God's moral order.
### Theological Significance
The name Birshaʻ (`{{H1306}}`) holds significant theological weight, particularly given its association with Gomorrah. The very name, "with wickedness," functions as a descriptive epithet, foreshadowing or confirming the deep moral corruption that characterized the city and its leadership. It underscores the biblical theme that names, especially in ancient Near Eastern contexts, often conveyed essential truths about a person's character, destiny, or the nature of their domain. In this case, Birshaʻ's name serves as a divine commentary on the spiritual state of Gomorrah, aligning perfectly with the later narrative of its overwhelming sin that "cried out" to God ([[Genesis 18:20]]). The contrast between the wickedness embodied by Birshaʻ and the righteousness of Abraham, who acts to rescue Lot and refuses the spoils of war, highlights a fundamental biblical dichotomy. The presence of such a name in the historical narrative implicitly affirms God's awareness of human depravity and His eventual righteous judgment against it.
### Summary
Birshaʻ (`{{H1306}}`) is the proper name of a king of Gomorrah, mentioned solely in [[Genesis 14:2]]. Its etymological root, רֶשַׁע (`{{H7562}}`), meaning "wickedness," gives the name the profound meaning of "with wickedness." This descriptive name is highly significant, serving as an early indicator of the moral depravity of Gomorrah and its leadership, a condition that ultimately leads to the city's divine judgment. Theologically, Birshaʻ's name functions as a powerful descriptor, reinforcing the biblical understanding that names can carry deep meaning and reflect spiritual realities. It highlights the pervasive nature of sin in the cities of the plain and stands in stark contrast to the emerging narrative of Abraham's faith and righteousness, implicitly affirming God's justice against unrepentant evil.
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