### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **Çᵉdôm**, represented by `{{H5467}}`, refers to the biblical city of **Sodom**. Derived from a root meaning to scorch, its definition suggests a burnt or volcanic district. It appears **39 times** across **38 unique verses**, primarily as a symbol of wickedness and divine judgment.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H5467}}` is introduced as a city in the well-watered plain of Jordan, chosen by Lot for its fertile appearance, which was like the garden of the LORD [[Genesis 13:10]]. However, the men of **Sodom** were described as wicked and sinners exceedingly before the LORD [[Genesis 13:13]]. The city's profound sin led to its complete destruction by the LORD, who rained brimstone and fire from heaven upon it [[Genesis 19:24]]. This event became a recurring example of divine overthrow, with Abraham looking toward **Sodom** and seeing the smoke of the country go up as the smoke of a furnace [[Genesis 19:28]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words are closely associated with the narrative of `{{H5467}}`:
* `{{H6017}}` **ʻĂmôrâh** (Gomorrah): This city is almost always mentioned alongside Sodom as a partner in wickedness and destruction [[Genesis 19:24]]. Its name means a (ruined) heap.
* `{{H126}}` **ʼAdmâh** (Admah): A place near the Dead Sea, often listed with Sodom and Gomorrah as one of the cities of the plain that was overthrown [[Deuteronomy 29:23]].
* `{{H6636}}` **Tsᵉbôʼîym** (Zeboim): Another city included in the group destroyed by God's anger and wrath [[Genesis 10:19]].
* `{{H1614}}` **gophrîyth** (brimstone): The substance rained down by the LORD during the destruction of Sodom, signifying the fiery nature of the judgment [[Genesis 19:24]].
* `{{H4114}}` **mahpêkâh** (overthrow): This word describes the type of destruction Sodom experienced, becoming the benchmark for a complete and divine overthrow ([[Deuteronomy 29:23]], [[Isaiah 13:19]]).
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H5467}}` is immense, serving as a powerful archetype throughout scripture.
* **Divine Judgment:** The overthrow of **Sodom** stands as a definitive example of God's wrath against unrepentant sin. Prophets later refer to this event to warn of future judgment on nations like Babylon and Moab ([[Isaiah 13:19]], [[Zephaniah 2:9]]).
* **Measure of Iniquity:** **Sodom** becomes a proverbial standard for extreme wickedness. Isaiah addresses the rulers of Jerusalem as rulers of **Sodom** [[Isaiah 1:10]], and Ezekiel defines its iniquity as pride, fulness of bread, abundance of idleness, and a failure to help the poor and needy [[Ezekiel 16:49]].
* **Symbol of Desolation:** The fate of **Sodom** is used to illustrate utter and permanent desolation, a place where no man will abide or dwell ([[Jeremiah 49:18]], [[Jeremiah 50:40]]).
### Summary
In summary, `{{H5467}}` is far more than a geographical location. It is a cornerstone of biblical history and theology, representing a city whose wickedness became so great that it prompted a direct and fiery judgment from God. The story of **Sodom** serves as a perpetual warning, a symbol of the consequences of sin and the standard by which the wickedness of other nations is measured.
TRV