גׇּפְרִית
goph.rit (H1614)
brimstone
AI Word Study
# Gophrit (Brimstone) in Biblical Hebrew The Hebrew word *gophrit* refers to brimstone, a yellow crystalline substance associated with burning and divine judgment in biblical texts. With seven occurrences in the Bible, the word carries specific theological weight despite its limited frequency. The term denotes a material substance rather than an abstract concept, grounding biblical imagery in a tangible natural phenomenon. The consistent appearance of *gophrit* across seven passages suggests it functioned as established biblical vocabulary for describing scenes of destruction and punishment. Its repeated use indicates the word was recognized and understood by biblical audiences as a standard element in depicting divine judgment, particularly in contexts involving fire and devastation. This modest but deliberate frequency pattern—neither rare nor common—suggests the word was purposefully selected when authors wished to convey specific imagery of sulfurous destruction. Without access to the specific passage contexts, the lexical data alone confirms that *gophrit* served as the biblical Hebrew term for brimstone, maintaining semantic consistency throughout its appearances. Its limited occurrences concentrated the word's impact, making each usage carry weight rather than appearing as casual descriptive language.
AI synthesis uses only provided lexicon data -- never training knowledge.
Then Yahweh rained on Sodom and on Gomorrah sulfur and fire from Yahweh out of the sky.
that all of its land is sulfur, salt, and burning, that it is not sown, doesn’t produce, nor does any grass grow in it, like the overthrow of Sodom, Gomorrah, Admah, and Zeboiim, which Yahweh overthrew in his anger, and in his wrath.
There will dwell in his tent that which is none of his. Sulfur will be scattered on his habitation.
On the wicked he will rain blazing coals; fire, sulfur, and scorching wind shall be the portion of their cup.
For his burning place has long been ready. Yes, for the king it is prepared. He has made its pyre deep and large with fire and much wood. Yahweh’s breath, like a stream of sulfur, kindles it.
Its streams will be turned into pitch, its dust into sulfur, And its land will become burning pitch.
I will enter into judgment with him with pestilence and with blood. I will rain on him, and on his hordes, and on the many peoples who are with him, an overflowing shower, with great hailstones, fire, and sulfur.