Brief Overview of Γόμορρα (G1116: Gomorrha)

Transliteration and Meaning:
The Greek word Γόμορρα (transliterated as Gomorrha and pronounced as “Go-mor-rah”) refers to the ancient city of Gomorrah, which, along with Sodom, is infamous in the Bible for its destruction due to the wickedness of its inhabitants. The word Γόμορρα is of Semitic origin, likely derived from the Hebrew עֲמוֹרָה (‘Amorah), meaning “a heap” or “submersion.” In the biblical narrative, Gomorrah is a symbol of extreme moral corruption and divine judgment, often used in later biblical texts to exemplify the severity of God’s wrath against sin.

Lexical Insights and Biblical Usage:
According to lexicons like BDAG, Thayer’s, and Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance, Γόμορρα consistently refers to the city of Gomorrah, known for its destruction by fire and brimstone as a result of its grave sinfulness. BDAG highlights that the word is often mentioned in tandem with Sodom, forming a pair that symbolizes divine judgment against sin. The city of Gomorrah is referenced in key biblical passages such as Genesis 19:24-29, where its destruction is vividly described, and in the New Testament, it is mentioned in Matthew 10:15, Luke 17:29, and Jude 1:7, where it serves as a warning of the consequences of ungodliness.

Thayer’s Lexicon emphasizes the city’s role as an example of God’s righteous judgment, often used in moral teachings to illustrate the fate awaiting those who live in persistent sin. The references in the New Testament, particularly in Jude 1:7, underscore Gomorrah as an eternal example of the punishment of eternal fire, making it a powerful symbol in Christian theology.

Usage in Classical Greek Literature:
The term Γόμορρα is primarily found in biblical texts and does not appear frequently in classical Greek literature outside of Jewish and Christian writings. However, the story of Gomorrah was known in ancient times and often alluded to in Jewish apocryphal literature and by early Christian writers. The city’s fate was used metaphorically to warn against immorality and to remind readers of the consequences of turning away from God.

One notable reference outside of the Bible is found in the writings of Flavius Josephus, a first-century Jewish historian, who mentions Gomorrah in his work Antiquities of the Jews, where he describes the destruction of the city as a historical event that left a lasting impression on Jewish history and culture. Additionally, early Christian writers like Origen and Clement of Alexandria referenced Gomorrah as an example of divine judgment.

Summary:
The word Γόμορρα (G1116), transliterated as Gomorrha, refers to the ancient city of Gomorrah, which is emblematic of extreme moral corruption and the subsequent divine judgment. The term, rooted in Semitic language origins, is prominently featured in the Bible as a warning of the consequences of wickedness, especially in passages like Genesis 19 and Jude 1:7. Lexicons such as BDAG and Thayer’s emphasize Gomorrah’s role as a symbol of God’s wrath, making it a powerful tool in theological discussions about sin and punishment. Although Γόμορρα is not prevalent in classical Greek literature, its significance in Jewish and Christian texts has ensured its lasting impact as a moral and spiritual example. The story of Gomorrah continues to resonate as a cautionary tale against immorality and serves as a reminder of the seriousness with which divine judgment is portrayed in the Scriptures.