What was Gomorrha?

Gomorrha (Greek: Γόμορρα, Gomorrha; Hebrew: עֲמוֹרָה, ʿAmorah) was one of the five ancient cities of the plain, located in the region known as the Valley of Siddim, near the Dead Sea. Along with Sodom, Gomorrha is remembered in Scripture as a city completely destroyed by God‘s judgment due to its extreme wickedness. The name “Gomorrha” likely derives from a root meaning “submersion” or “burdensome,” reflecting its ultimate destruction and weight of sin.

Gomorrha is mentioned throughout the Old and New Testaments as a symbol of divine judgment. It is most famously associated with the account in Genesis 18-19, where God destroyed Sodom and Gomorrha with fire and brimstone due to the outcry of their grievous sin. In Matthew 10:15, Jesus references Gomorrha to highlight the severe consequences of rejecting the gospel:

“Truly I tell you, it will be more bearable for Sodom and Gomorrah on the day of judgment than for that town.”

This shocking comparison underscores the seriousness of rejecting the message of Christ and His messengers.

Biblical References and Cross-References

• Genesis 13:10-13; 18:16-33; 19:1-29 – The historical account of Sodom and Gomorrha.

• Deuteronomy 29:23 – A reference to the desolate aftermath of their destruction.

• Isaiah 1:9-10; 13:19; Jeremiah 49:18; Ezekiel 16:48-50 – Prophetic reminders of their sin and judgment.

• Matthew 10:15; 11:23-24; Luke 10:12 – Jesus uses Sodom and Gomorrha as warnings for those who reject His message.

• Romans 9:29; 2 Peter 2:6; Jude 1:7 – New Testament writers reflect on Gomorrha as a lasting example of God‘s righteous judgment.

What Happened in the Bible?

Gomorrha’s story is interwoven with that of Sodom. These cities were described as “exceedingly wicked and sinful against the Lord” (Genesis 13:13). God revealed to Abraham His plan to destroy the cities because “the outcry against Sodom and Gomorrah is so great and their sin so grievous” (Genesis 18:20). Abraham interceded on their behalf, but not even ten righteous people could be found within them.

In Genesis 19, two angels visited Lot in Sodom. That night, the men of the city surrounded Lot‘s home with intentions to abuse the visitors. This event symbolized the depth of depravity in the cities. The next morning, God rained down fire and brimstone, destroying Sodom, Gomorrha, and the surrounding towns. Lot and his daughters escaped, but his wife looked back and became a pillar of salt (Genesis 19:26).

The cities were reduced to ashes, becoming a perpetual warning sign. They were judged not just for sexual immorality (Jude 1:7) but for pride, gluttony, and lack of concern for the poor (Ezekiel 16:49).

Meaning for Today’s Christians

The destruction of Gomorrha serves as a powerful reminder of God’s holiness and justice. It illustrates that persistent, unrepentant sin leads to judgment. Jesus‘ reference to Gomorrha in Matthew 10:15 is particularly sobering because He compares its judgment with that of towns that reject the gospel. He indicates that it will be more tolerable for Gomorrha than for those who hear the truth and refuse to repent.

This speaks directly to the seriousness of gospel rejection. It is not merely a matter of preference or opinion but a moral and spiritual decision with eternal consequences. Gomorrha’s example reminds Christians to take God‘s Word seriously, share the gospel boldly, and live holy lives in a dark world.

How Gomorrha Points to Jesus and the Gospel

Gomorrha’s destruction shows what sinners deserve under God‘s law: wrath and judgment. However, the gospel offers hope even for those who have lived in the most grievous sins. Jesus Christ bore the wrath of God on the cross so that all who trust in Him would not perish but have eternal life (John 3:16). He was judged in the place of sinners, offering grace instead of destruction.

Whereas fire fell on Gomorrha, at Calvary, God’s wrath fell on His own Son. This divine exchange offers redemption for any who repent and believe, regardless of their past. The story of Gomorrha thus magnifies the mercy of the gospel, showing that even a sinner deserving of judgment can be saved through Christ.

Broader Biblical Themes

1. God’s Justice and Holiness

Gomorrha illustrates the seriousness of sin and God‘s holy response to it. God does not overlook evil indefinitely.

2. The Importance of Intercession

Abraham’s intercession reveals God’s willingness to show mercy if even a few righteous are found. It encourages believers to pray for their cities and nations.

3. Judgment and Grace

While Gomorrha was judged, Lot was saved. This points to God‘s ability to rescue the godly while punishing the wicked (2 Peter 2:7-9).

4. The Urgency of the Gospel

Jesus uses Gomorrha to illustrate the eternal danger of rejecting His message. It intensifies the call to preach the gospel boldly and urgently.

5. Eschatological Warning

Gomorrha prefigures the final judgment. It is a warning of what awaits those who persist in rebellion against God.

Reflection Questions

1. What does Gomorrha’s destruction teach me about God’s view of sin?

2. Why did Jesus compare gospel-rejecting towns to Sodom and Gomorrha?

3. How does God’s mercy toward Lot encourage me about His power to save?

4. In what ways do I see our culture reflecting the sins of Gomorrha?

5. What should my response be to the seriousness of gospel rejection?

6. How does Jesus provide a better outcome than the judgment seen in Gomorrha?

7. What role does intercessory prayer play in God’s plans for judgment and mercy?

8. Am I faithfully proclaiming the gospel to those in danger of judgment?

9. Do I live with a sense of urgency about the coming judgment?

10. How can the story of Gomorrha lead me to worship Jesus more deeply as my Savior from wrath?

Gomorrha stands as a solemn monument in Scripture—a city wiped out by God’s judgment, yet pointing forward to the greater salvation found in Jesus Christ.