עַמְרָמִי
an Amramite or descendant of Amram
Definition
The term 'Amramite' refers specifically to a descendant of Amram, who was the son of Kohath and father of Aaron, Moses, and Miriam (Exodus 6:18, 20). In the Old Testament, it denotes a clan within the larger Kohathite division of the Levites. This designation is used exclusively in two contexts: to describe the family divisions responsible for tabernacle duties in Numbers 3:27, and to list Levitical genealogical lines in 1 Chronicles 26:23. In both instances, it functions as a technical, genealogical identifier for a specific priestly lineage.
Biblical Usage
This word is used only twice in the Old Testament, both times as a proper noun identifying a Levitical clan. In Numbers 3:27, it is used in the context of the census and assignment of duties for the tabernacle, specifying that the Amramite clan belonged to the Kohathites. In 1 Chronicles 26:23, it appears in a genealogical record of Levites assigned to temple service during the time of David. The usage is consistently administrative and genealogical, relating to priestly lineage and sacred service.
Etymology
Derived from the proper name עַמְרָם (ʻAmrâm, H6019), meaning 'exalted people' or 'people of the Most High.' The suffix י (î) is a standard Hebrew patronymic ending, meaning 'descendant of' or 'belonging to.' Thus, עַמְרָמִי (ʻAmrâmîy) literally means 'of Amram' or 'descendant of Amram.' It is formed similarly to other Israelite tribal and clan names like 'Levite' (לֵוִי) or 'Aaronite' (אַהֲרֹנִי).
Semantic Range
While primarily a genealogical marker, the term 'Amramite' connects to the theology of priesthood and covenant lineage. It highlights God's organized system for worship, where specific families were appointed for sacred service (Numbers 3:5-10). Understanding this term enriches reading by showing how the Aaronic priesthood, through which atonement was made, was rooted in a specific, divinely chosen family line—Amram's son Aaron. It underscores the importance of lineage in God's covenant administration in the Old Testament.
In ancient Israelite culture, clan and family identity were paramount, especially for the Levites who had no tribal land inheritance. Being identified as an 'Amramite' established one's rights, duties, and social standing within the religious community. This was not merely a surname but a legal and religious designation that determined one's role in the tabernacle and temple service, inheritance of responsibilities, and place within the covenant people.
קְהָתִי (Qehâthîy, H6956) — A broader term for a descendant of Kohath, the grandfather of Amram; the Amramites were a sub-clan within the Kohathites. אַהֲרֹנִי (ʼAhărônîy, H175) — Refers specifically to a descendant of Aaron, Amram's son; while all Aaronites were Amramites, not all Amramites (e.g., descendants of Moses) were Aaronites.
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.
Full methodology & sources →