Bible Dictionary
Gomorrah
Gomorrah was one of the cities of the plain destroyed by fire from heaven because of its wickedness. Its judgment became a biblical example of divine punishment on the ungodly.
Definition
Gomorrah was one of the five cities of the plain of Siddim. It was destroyed by fire from heaven together with other cities of the plain, while Zoar was spared at Lot’s request.
Biblical Usage
Gomorrah is repeatedly presented as an example of wickedness and divine judgment. Its destruction became a warning to those who would live ungodly lives, and its wickedness became proverbial in Scripture.
Historical Background
The city was probably near the other cities of the plain, in the region of the Dead Sea. Proposed locations include the plain south of the Dead Sea and a site near its northern end, but the precise location is uncertain.
Scripture References
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Easton's Bible Dictionary
Submersion, one of the five cities of the plain of Siddim (q.v.) which were destroyed by fire (Gen. 10:19; 13:10; 19:24, 28). These cities probably stood close together, and were near the northern extremity of what is now the Dead Sea. This city is always mentioned next after Sodom, both of which were types of impiety and wickedness (Gen. 18:20; Rom. 9:29). Their destruction is mentioned as an “ensample unto those that after should live ungodly” (2 Pet. 2:6; Jude 1:4-7). Their wickedness became proverbial (Deut. 32:32; Isa. 1:9, 10; Jer. 23:14). But that wickedness may be exceeded (Matt. 10:15; Mark 6:11). (See DEAD SEA).
Smith's Bible Dictionary
(submersion), one of the five “cities of the plain” or “vale of Siddim” that under the irrespective kings joined battle there with Chedorlaomer (Genesis 14:2-8) and his allies by whom they were discomfited till Abraham came to the rescue. Four out of the five were afterwards destroyed by the Lord with fire from heaven. (Genesis 19:23-29) One of them only, Zoar (or Bela; which was its original name), was spared at the request of Lot, in order that he might take refuge there. The geographical position of these cities is discussed under Sodom.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>go-mor'-a (`amorah; Septuagint and New Testament Gomorra, or Gomorra; Arabic Ghamara, "to overwhelm with water"): One of the CITIES OF THE PLAIN (which see) destroyed by fire from heaven in the time of Abraham and Lot (Ge 19:23-29). It was located probably in the plain South of the Dead Sea, now covered with water. See ARABAH; CITIES OF THE PLAIN; DEAD SEA. De Saulcy, however, with others who place the Cities of the Plain at the North end of the Dead Sea, fixes upon Khumran (or Gumran), marked on the Survey Map of Palestine North of Ras Feshkeh, where there are ruins about a mile from the Dead Sea. But there is nothing to support this view except the faint resemblance of the name and the inconclusive arguments placing the Cities of the Plain at that end of the sea.</p><p>George Frederick Wright</p>