Brimstone
“Possibly related to gopher, referring to inflammable resinous substances”
Summary
Sulphur, a highly inflammable mineral substance famously associated with the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, and used throughout Scripture as a symbol of divine judgment.
☩Nature and Properties
Brimstone is sulphur, a well-known simple mineral substance that is crystalline, easily melted, and highly inflammable. When burning it emits a peculiar suffocating odor. It is found in great abundance near volcanoes and mineral springs, and deposits still exist along the shores of the Dead Sea. The Hebrew word may be connected with 'gopher wood,' originally signifying resinous or inflammable substances.
☩Destruction of Sodom
The cities of the plain—Sodom, Gomorrah, and their neighbors—were destroyed by a rain of fire and brimstone from heaven. The soil of that region abounded with sulphur and bitite, and the kindling of this mass of combustible material, whether through volcanic action or divine miracle, caused a conflagration sufficient to destroy the cities and alter the landscape permanently. This event became the defining image of catastrophic divine judgment throughout Scripture.
☩Symbol of Divine Judgment
Brimstone is figuratively used throughout Scripture to denote punishment and destruction, with reference to the fate of Sodom. The prophets invoke it as an image of God's wrath upon the wicked—upon the dwelling of the ungodly, upon invading armies, and upon Edom. The psalmist declares that upon the wicked God will rain snares, fire, and brimstone.
☩Eternal Punishment
In Revelation, fire and brimstone represent the ultimate punishment of the ungodly. The beast and false prophet are cast alive into the lake of fire burning with brimstone. Those who worship the beast are tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels and the Lamb. The lake of fire and brimstone is explicitly identified as the second death, the final destiny of the unrepentant.
Related Verses14 mentions
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Brimstone," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. I (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.James Orr (ed.), "Brimstone," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. I (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).
- 3.James Hastings (ed.), "Brimstone," in Dictionary of Christ and the Gospels, vol. I (T. & T. Clark, 1906–1908).