### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **ʻĂmôrâh**, represented by `{{H6017}}`, is the name for the city of **Gomorrah**, a place in Palestine. It appears **19 times** across **19 unique verses** in the Bible. The word's base definition is "a (ruined) heap," which foreshadows its ultimate fate in the biblical narrative.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, **Gomorrah** is almost always mentioned alongside its sister city, Sodom `{{H5467}}`. It is first identified as a location on the **border** `{{H1366}}` of the Canaanites `{{H3669}}` [[Genesis 10:19]]. The city had its own **king** `{{H4428}}`, Birsha `{{H1306}}`, who went to **war** `{{H4421}}` against invading kings [[Genesis 14:2]]. The defining event for **Gomorrah** is its total destruction due to its great **sin** `{{H2403}}` [[Genesis 18:20]], which was so **grievous** `{{H3513}}` that the **LORD** `{{H3068}}` **rained** `{{H4305}}` upon it **brimstone** `{{H1614}}` and **fire** `{{H784}}` from **heaven** `{{H8064}}` [[Genesis 19:24]]. Prior to this, the plain where it was located was described as well watered and like the **garden** `{{H1588}}` of the **LORD** [[Genesis 13:10]], but afterward, the land was left a desolate wasteland of **brimstone** and **salt** `{{H4417}}` [[Deuteronomy 29:23]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words illuminate the context of **Gomorrah**'s story:
* `{{H5467}}` **Çᵉdôm** (Sodom): Defined as a "burnt... district," Sodom is the city most frequently paired with **Gomorrah**. Their shared fate solidifies their role as a single entity in prophetic warnings and historical accounts [[Genesis 19:24]].
* `{{H4114}}` **mahpêkâh** (overthrow): Meaning "a destruction," this term is repeatedly used to describe the divine judgment that befell the cities of the plain, establishing the "**overthrow** of Sodom and **Gomorrah**" as a definitive act of God [[Deuteronomy 29:23]].
* `{{H1614}}` **gophrîyth** (brimstone): This word, meaning "sulphur," describes the specific substance the **LORD** **rained** down upon **Gomorrah**. It represents the fiery and total nature of the city's judgment [[Genesis 19:24]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H6017}}` is profound, serving as a lasting symbol throughout Scripture.
* **Divine Judgment for Sin:** **Gomorrah** stands as a primary example of God's judgment against unrepentant **wickedness** `{{H7451}}` [[Jeremiah 23:14]]. Its destruction was not a natural disaster but a direct act of the **LORD**'s **anger** `{{H639}}` and **wrath** `{{H2534}}` in response to the city's **grievous** `{{H3513}}` **sin** ([[Genesis 18:20]], [[Deuteronomy 29:23]]).
* **An Archetype of Total Desolation:** The fate of **Gomorrah** becomes the scriptural benchmark for complete and irreversible ruin. Prophets foretell that mighty **Babylon** `{{H894}}` and the nation of **Moab** `{{H4124}}` will be overthrown and made a **perpetual desolation** `{{H8077}}` just like **Gomorrah** ([[Isaiah 13:19]], [[Zephaniah 2:9]]).
* **A Metaphor for Moral Corruption:** The prophets use **Gomorrah** to confront the sins of their own people. The corrupt leaders of Jerusalem are addressed as "ye people of **Gomorrah**" [[Isaiah 1:10]]. The Lord declares that without His mercy in leaving a **remnant** `{{H8300}}`, Israel itself would have been made "like unto **Gomorrah**" [[Isaiah 1:9]].
### Summary
In summary, **ʻĂmôrâh** `{{H6017}}` transcends its identity as a historical place to become a powerful biblical symbol. Paired with Sodom, **Gomorrah** serves as the definitive illustration of divine judgment against sin and the resulting utter desolation. Its name is invoked by the prophets as a solemn warning, transforming a "(ruined) heap" into an enduring lesson on the consequences of wickedness and the mercy of God in sparing a **remnant**.
TRV