יְרִימוֹת
Jerimoth or Jeremoth, the name of twelve Israelites
Definition
יְרִימוֹת (Yerimoth) is a proper masculine name meaning 'heights' or 'elevations,' borne by twelve different individuals in the Old Testament. Most are minor figures, often listed in genealogical records of the tribes of Benjamin (1 Chronicles 8:14), Issachar (1 Chronicles 7:7), and Levi (1 Chronicles 23:23; 24:30). One notable Jerimoth was a son of Heman, appointed as a temple musician and prophet under King David (1 Chronicles 25:4, 22). Another was a warrior from the tribe of Benjamin who joined David at Ziklag (1 Chronicles 12:5). The name consistently signifies 'heights,' though its bearers' roles vary from musicians and warriors to clan leaders.
Biblical Usage
The name appears exclusively in the book of 1 Chronicles, used 14 times across genealogical lists and historical accounts of David's reign. It is used to identify individuals within the tribes of Benjamin, Levi, and Issachar, primarily in chapters 7, 8, 12, 23, 24, and 25. The usage is strictly as a personal identifier, with no narrative development for any single bearer. Patterns show it often marks lineage (e.g., 1 Chronicles 7:7-8) or specific temple service roles (1 Chronicles 25:4).
Etymology
Derived from the Hebrew root רוּם (rûm, H7311), meaning 'to be high, exalted, or to rise.' The name is a masculine plural form of this root, literally translating to 'heights' or 'elevations.' Variant spellings in the Hebrew text (יְרֵימוֹת, יְרֵמוֹת) reflect common phonetic shifts. It is a theophoric name, implicitly ascribing exaltation to God, similar to names like Jerubbaal ('let Baal contend').
Semantic Range
As a name meaning 'heights,' it subtly points to the exaltation and sovereignty of God, a common theme in Hebrew naming conventions. While the individuals themselves are not major theological figures, their inclusion in sacred genealogies and temple service roles underscores the biblical value of every person's place within God's covenant community and worship system. Understanding the name's meaning ('heights') can enrich reading by reminding us that even minor characters in God's story are part of His exalted purposes.
In ancient Israelite culture, names often carried meaningful descriptions or aspirations. 'Jerimoth' ('heights') likely expressed a parental hope for the child's status or character, or acknowledged the exalted nature of God. Its use across multiple tribes shows it was a common and acceptable name, not tied to a specific family or region. The variant spellings indicate fluidity in the transmission of names before standardized spelling.
רָמָה (rāmâ, H7413) — a feminine noun meaning 'height' or 'high place,' often used for topographical features or pagan shrines. רוּם (rûm, H7311) — the verbal root meaning 'to be high or exalted,' from which Jerimoth is derived.
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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