בֶּ֫רַע (be.ra)
be.ra
Bera
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
The name Berac appears in only one verse of the Bible, Genesis 14:2, where he is identified as the king of Sodom during the coalition war against the kings of the plain. His sole mention serves to personify the city’s leadership at a pivotal moment in the patriarchal narratives, placing him alongside other regional rulers such as Amraphel of Shinar and Arioch of Ellasar.
Etymologically, the name is generally interpreted as meaning "son of evil" or "wickedness." This linguistic connection reinforces the biblical characterization of Sodom as a place of profound moral corruption. By bearing a name that reflects his city’s reputation, Berac functions less as an individual with a complex personality and more as a symbolic figure representing the entrenched sinfulness that would later be highlighted in the story of Lot.
Because the text provides no further details about his actions or character beyond this single reference, readers encounter him primarily as a historical marker rather than a developed narrative figure. His presence underscores the geopolitical landscape of the ancient Near East while simultaneously foreshadowing the divine judgment that would eventually fall upon Sodom and Gomorrah for their iniquity.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Bera appears only once in Scripture, listed among the kings who opposed Abraham’s allies in Genesis 14:2. Etymologically, it means "son of wickedness," a fitting title for the ruler of Sodom, a city known for its moral corruption. This single mention serves as a historical marker, placing Bera within the geopolitical landscape of the ancient Near East while highlighting the spiritual contrast between the world’s power and God’s covenant people.
For your faith, this brief reference reminds us that human authority often stands in opposition to divine order. Yet even in the face of such entrenched sin, God remains sovereign. The narrative does not leave Bera or his city without consequence; rather, it points toward God’s justice and His protection of those who trust in Him. This story encourages believers to remain steadfast in righteousness, knowing that God sees all things and acts with perfect fairness.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Bera1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- בֶּ֙רַע֙1×
Key Verses
-
Genesis 14:2
they made war with Bera, king of Sodom; Birsha, king of Gomorrah; Shinab, king of Admah; Shemeber, king of Zeboiim; and the king of Bela (also called Zoar).
This verse lists Bera as king of Sodom among the coalition of kings who fought against Abraham’s allies, highlighting his role in the geopolitical conflicts of the time.