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.
While the precise etymology of H5467 is debated, the traditional association with a root implying 'scorching' or 'burning' carries a deeper semantic weight than mere geographical description. It suggests a name inherently tied to its destiny, making H5467 less a passive descriptor of a 'burnt district' and more a metonym for a city whose very existence was destined for fiery judgment due to its profound iniquity. This inherent connection between name and fate imbues the term with a prophetic quality from its earliest mention, hinting at the inevitable consequences of the profound moral corruption that would define it.
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.
Beyond its eventual destruction, H5467 also figures prominently in the geopolitical landscape of the Jordan plain prior to its overthrow. The city, under the rule of King Bera, was one of the five kings who allied against Chedorlaomer and his confederates in the battle of the vale of Siddim Genesis 14:2, Genesis 14:8. This conflict saw the plunder of H5467 and Gomorrah, leading to the capture of Lot, who dwelt in the city Genesis 14:11, Genesis 14:12. Abram's subsequent rescue of Lot and his refusal of the king of H5467's offer of spoils Genesis 14:21, Genesis 14:22 further contextualizes H5467 as an active, albeit corrupt, urban center within Abraham's sphere of influence, highlighting Abraham's moral distinction even before the city's final judgment.
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).
- H5428 nâthash (to uproot): This verb describes the act of tearing away or uprooting, vividly illustrating the complete and irreversible destruction of H5467, leaving it utterly desolate and uninhabited (Jeremiah 49:18, Jeremiah 50:40).
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).
- The Remnant Principle: The utter destruction of H5467 serves as a stark contrast to God's preservation of a remnant. Prophets like Isaiah use the example of Sodom to emphasize that even in severe judgment, God's faithfulness ensures a small portion of His people survives, preventing complete annihilation, as seen in the declaration, "Except the LORD of hosts had left unto us a very small remnant, we should have been as Sodom" Isaiah 1:9. This highlights the unique covenantal relationship Israel had, preventing a fate identical to H5467.
The Hebrew word H5467, Çᵉdôm, transcends its geographical designation to become a foundational symbol within biblical discourse. While its precise etymology is debated, the traditional association with a root meaning 'to scorch' imbues the name with a prophetic resonance, foreshadowing its ultimate fiery destruction and its enduring status as an archetype of divine judgment. Appearing 39 times in 38 unique verses, H5467 consistently marks a critical juncture in salvation history.
Initially presented as a fertile, desirable region chosen by Lot Genesis 13:10, the city's underlying wickedness soon became apparent Genesis 13:13. Its role in the regional conflict of the kings of the plain, where its goods and inhabitants, including Lot, were plundered, further establishes its pre-destruction context Genesis 14:11, Genesis 14:12. However, the city's profound moral corruption, characterized by pride, excess, and neglect of the poor Ezekiel 16:49, culminated in a direct and unprecedented divine overthrow, raining brimstone and fire from heaven Genesis 19:24. This catastrophic event, which left the land utterly uprooted (H5428) and desolate, became the benchmark for God's righteous wrath.
The theological significance of H5467 is multifaceted and profound. It serves as the definitive illustration of God's wrath against unrepentant sin, a warning cited by prophets against nations like Babylon and Moab Isaiah 13:19, Zephaniah 2:9. H5467 also functions as a proverbial standard for extreme human depravity, where even Jerusalem is likened to its rulers and people Isaiah 1:10, and its fate epitomizes utter desolation, a place where no one will ever dwell Jeremiah 49:18. Yet, in contrast to H5467's complete destruction, its narrative also implicitly highlights the remnant principle, emphasizing God's covenantal faithfulness to preserve a portion of His people, preventing their complete annihilation even when their sin approaches the measure of Sodom Isaiah 1:9. Thus, H5467 remains a potent and complex symbol, encapsulating both the severity of divine justice and the subtle workings of God's redemptive plan.
TRV