צְמָרַיִם
Tsemarajim, a place in Palestine
Definition
Tsemarajim is a proper noun referring to a town in the territory of Benjamin, mentioned in Joshua 18:22 as part of the tribal allotment. It also appears as the name of a mountain in the hill country of Ephraim, where King Abijah of Judah stood and delivered a speech against King Jeroboam of Israel before a battle (2 Chronicles 13:4). The word itself is the dual form of 'tsemer' (fleece), literally meaning 'double fleece,' which may poetically describe the town's location between two wool-producing regions or its fertile, pastoral setting.
Biblical Usage
This word is used only twice in the Old Testament. In Joshua 18:22, it is listed as one of the cities given to the tribe of Benjamin. In 2 Chronicles 13:4, it refers to Mount Zemaraim, where King Abijah addressed the army of Israel, framing the conflict in theological terms. Both usages are geographical, identifying specific locations within the central hill country of ancient Israel.
Etymology
Derived from the Hebrew root צֶמֶר (tsemer, H6785), meaning 'wool' or 'fleece.' The form צְמָרַיִם (Tsemarajim) is the dual construction, signifying 'double fleece' or 'two fleeces.' This dual form often indicates a pair or a couple, which in this context likely refers to the town's position between two areas known for wool production or to two prominent hills.
Semantic Range
While the place name itself is not theologically charged, its appearance in 2 Chronicles 13:4 is significant. King Abijah's speech on Mount Zemaraim emphasizes the legitimacy of the Davidic dynasty in Judah and the proper worship at the Jerusalem temple, contrasting with the idolatry of the northern kingdom. Thus, the location becomes a backdrop for a key moment in the narrative of the divided monarchy, highlighting themes of covenant faithfulness and national identity.
As a place name meaning 'double fleece,' it likely points to the local economy, where sheep herding and wool production were vital. The dual form may reflect the town's geographical setting, possibly nestled between two hills or valleys suitable for grazing. Understanding this enriches the reading of Joshua 18:22, showing Benjamin's inheritance included agriculturally productive land.
No direct synonyms, as it is a unique proper noun. Related toponyms include: בֵּית־אֵל (Bethel, H1008) — a nearby, more prominent Benjaminite cultic site; and הָר (har, H2022) — the common Hebrew word for 'mountain' or 'hill,' of which Mount Zemaraim is one specific instance.
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 →