Birsha
malePatriarchalMeaning: “With iniquity”
The king of Gomorrah who, with the king of Sodom, rebelled against Chedorlaomer and was defeated in the war of the kings.
Biography
Birsha was the king of Gomorrah, allied with Bera of Sodom and three other kings of the plain in their revolt against Chedorlaomer of Elam (Genesis 14:2, 8). Their armies were routed in the Vale of Siddim, and the victorious eastern kings carried off the cities' goods and people — including Lot — prompting Abraham's rescue. Gomorrah, like Sodom, would soon after fall under God's judgment of fire (Genesis 19).
Life Timeline
Defeated with Sodom in the Vale of Siddim
On the Bible timeline
Birsha belongs to the The Patriarchs era (c. 2100 – 1800 BC).
- c. 2091 BCThe Call of Abraham
- c. 1898 BCJoseph Sold into Egypt
Themes & lessons from Birsha
Biblical themes that run through the passages where Birsha appears.
People they appear with
Places in their story
Scripture Appearances
1 verses in 1 bookGenesis1 verse
Genesis 14:2
That these made war with Bera king of Sodom, and with Birsha king of Gomorrah, Shinab king of Admah, and Shemeber king of Zeboiim, and the king of Bela, which is Zoar.
Frequently asked about Birsha
Who was Birsha in the Bible?
The king of Gomorrah who, with the king of Sodom, rebelled against Chedorlaomer and was defeated in the war of the kings.
What does the name Birsha mean?
The name Birsha means “With iniquity”.
What did Birsha do in the Bible?
Birsha served as king of gomorrah.
Where does Birsha appear in the Bible?
Birsha is mentioned 1 time across 1 book: Genesis.
What can we learn from Birsha?
The story of Birsha touches on themes of admah, armies, birsha, chedorlaomer — explore each to study the lessons drawn from Birsha's life.
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