Overview
The Bible addresses birsha across 9 verses, drawn from the Old Testament. These passages cluster most in Genesis. Closely related themes include Chedorlaomer, Sodom, Armies and Abraham. Figures whose stories touch this theme include Chedorlaomer, Bera, Birsha and Ham.
Key Bible verses about birsha
Old Testament
Genesis
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.
All these were joined together in the vale of Siddim, which is the salt sea.
Twelve years they served Chedorlaomer, and in the thirteenth year they rebelled.
And in the fourteenth year came Chedorlaomer, and the kings that were with him, and smote the Rephaims in Ashteroth Karnaim, and the Zuzims in Ham, and the Emims in Shaveh Kiriathaim, Shaveh: or, The plain of Kiriathaim
And the Horites in their mount Seir, unto Elparan, which is by the wilderness. Elparan: or, The plain of Paran
And they returned, and came to Enmishpat, which is Kadesh, and smote all the country of the Amalekites, and also the Amorites, that dwelt in Hazezontamar.
And there went out the king of Sodom, and the king of Gomorrah, and the king of Admah, and the king of Zeboiim, and the king of Bela (the same is Zoar;) and they joined battle with them in the vale of Siddim;
With Chedorlaomer the king of Elam, and with Tidal king of nations, and Amraphel king of Shinar, and Arioch king of Ellasar; four kings with five.
And the vale of Siddim was full of slimepits; and the kings of Sodom and Gomorrah fled, and fell there; and they that remained fled to the mountain.
People in the Bible and birsha
Biblical figures whose stories intersect with this theme.
In the Bible dictionary
Studying birsha for yourself
- Begin with Genesis 14:2, then read the passages below in canonical order.
- Consider the lives of Chedorlaomer, Bera and Birsha and how their stories intersect with it.
- Widen the study to related themes: Chedorlaomer, Sodom, Armies and Abraham.
Frequently asked questions
What does the Bible say about birsha?
The Bible addresses birsha across 9 verses, drawn from the Old Testament. These passages cluster most in Genesis. Closely related themes include Chedorlaomer, Sodom, Armies and Abraham. Figures whose stories touch this theme include Chedorlaomer, Bera, Birsha and Ham.
How many Bible verses are about birsha?
The Bible references birsha in 9 verses (King James Version).
Where does the Bible first mention birsha?
In canonical order, the first of these passages is 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.”
Which people in the Bible are associated with birsha?
Chedorlaomer, Bera, Birsha, Ham and Amraphel.
Preach & teach
Outline a sermon or build a study series on birsha.
Preach a series on Birsha →