One of the five cities of the plain in the land of Canaan, and which alone survived when they fell under the judgment of God. It was formerly called BELA. Lot fled to it when Sodom was destroyed, but feared to remain there (Gen. 13:10; Gen. 14:2,8; Gen. 19:22-30; Deut. 34:3; Isa. 15:5; Jer. 48:34). Identified by some with ruins at Tell esh Shaghur, 31° 50' N, 35° 40' E.