עַמְרָם
Amram, the name of two Israelites
Definition
עַמְרָם (Amram) is the name of two significant individuals in the Old Testament. The primary figure is Amram, the father of Moses, Aaron, and Miriam, who was a son of Kohath and grandson of Levi (Exodus 6:18, 20). This Amram is a foundational figure in the Levitical priestly line, establishing the family from which Israel's first high priest, Aaron, descended. A second, less prominent Amram is listed among the descendants of Bani during the post-exilic period (Ezra 10:34).
Biblical Usage
The name Amram is used exclusively as a proper noun for individuals within Israelite genealogies and historical accounts. It appears primarily in the books of Exodus, Numbers, and 1 Chronicles, where it functions to establish priestly lineage. For example, in Exodus 6:20, it identifies the father of Moses and Aaron, while in 1 Chronicles 6:2-3 and 6:18, it appears in extended Levitical genealogies tracing the priestly heritage. Its usage is consistently tied to family records and tribal identity.
Etymology
The name עַמְרָם (ʻAmrâm) is likely a compound of two Hebrew elements: עַם (ʻam, H5971), meaning 'people,' and רוּם (rûm, H7311), meaning 'to be high' or 'exalted.' Thus, the name can be interpreted as 'the people are exalted' or 'exalted people.' This meaning aligns with the elevated status of the Levitical line, particularly through Amram's son Aaron, who was chosen as high priest.
Semantic Range
Amram is theologically significant as the human link in the covenant lineage from Levi to Moses and Aaron. Understanding his role enriches the reading of the Exodus narrative by highlighting God's sovereign choice of a specific family for the priestly and prophetic offices. His place in the genealogy underscores the importance of God working through ordinary family lines to fulfill His redemptive promises, ultimately leading to the establishment of the Levitical priesthood under the Mosaic covenant.
In ancient Israelite culture, names often carried descriptive or aspirational meaning about the individual or family. A name meaning 'exalted people' for the father of the nation's liberator (Moses) and its first high priest (Aaron) would have been seen as highly significant, reflecting the destiny of his offspring. Genealogical records, where this name prominently appears, were vital for establishing tribal identity, inheritance rights, and priestly legitimacy.
There are no direct synonyms for this proper name. However, related genealogical terms include: אָב (ʼāv, H1) — a common noun for 'father,' highlighting Amram's familial role, and לֵוִי (Lēwî, H3878) — the tribal name 'Levi,' denoting Amram's ancestral tribe.
Word Details
How this works
Hebrew definitions are from Brown-Driver-Briggs (1906) and Strong's Exhaustive Concordance (1890), both public domain. BDB was groundbreaking for its era but reflects 19th-century assumptions about Semitic etymology. Modern scholarship (HALOT, DCH) has revised many entries. Use these definitions as a starting point for exploration, not as the final word on a term's meaning in context.
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