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H6017 · Hebrew · Old Testament
עֲמֹרָה
Amorah
Proper noun
Gomorrah — city of divine judgment

Definition

Amorah (Gomorrah) was one of the five Cities of the Plain in the Jordan Valley (along with Sodom, Admah, Zeboiim, and Zoar). Together with Sodom, Gomorrah became the paradigmatic example of divine judgment on extreme wickedness. The cities were destroyed by 'sulfur and fire from the LORD out of the heavens' (Genesis 19:24) — a catastrophic event that left an indelible mark on Israel's religious memory.

Usage & Theological Significance

Gomorrah's theological function throughout Scripture is as a warning archetype. The prophets repeatedly invoke it as shorthand for extreme wickedness deserving severe judgment (Isaiah 1:9-10; Jeremiah 23:14; Amos 4:11). In the New Testament, 2 Peter 2:6 says God 'condemned the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah by burning them to ashes, and made them an example of what is going to happen to the ungodly.' Yet even in judgment there is hope: the rescue of Lot demonstrates God's mercy for the righteous within, and Jesus' words in Matthew 10:15 suggest Sodom and Gomorrah's judgment will be lighter than that of cities rejecting the Gospel.

Key Bible Verses

Genesis 19:24 Then the LORD rained down burning sulfur on Sodom and Gomorrah [Amorah] — from the LORD out of the heavens.
Isaiah 1:9 Unless the LORD Almighty had left us some survivors, we would have become like Sodom, we would have been like Gomorrah [Amorah].
Jeremiah 23:14 And among the prophets of Jerusalem I have seen something horrible: they commit adultery and live a lie. They strengthen the hands of evildoers, so that not one of them turns from their wickedness. They are all like Sodom to me; the people of Jerusalem are like Gomorrah [Amorah].
Matthew 10:15 Truly I tell you, it will be more bearable for Sodom and Gomorrah on the day of judgment than for that town.
Jude 7 In a similar way, Sodom and Gomorrah and the surrounding towns gave themselves up to sexual immorality and perversion. They serve as an example of those who suffer the punishment of eternal fire.

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