זְמִירָה

Zemirah, an Israelite

Definition

Zemirah is a proper name given to an Israelite man, one of the sons of Becher from the tribe of Benjamin, as recorded in 1 Chronicles 7:8. The name is the masculine form of a Hebrew word meaning 'song' or 'pruning,' derived from the root זָמַר (zāmar). In this singular biblical occurrence, it functions solely as a personal identifier within a genealogical list. There are no other recorded meanings or applications of the word in the biblical text.

Biblical Usage

The word זְמִירָה (Zemirah) is used only once in the Old Testament, in 1 Chronicles 7:8. Its usage is strictly as a proper noun within a genealogical record detailing the descendants of Benjamin. It appears in a list of names without narrative context, serving to establish lineage and tribal identity.

Etymology

The name Zemirah is the masculine form of the feminine noun זְמִירָה (zemîrâh), which means 'song' or 'pruning.' It is derived from the root זָמַר (zāmar, H2167), a verb with the dual meanings 'to sing, make music' and 'to prune, trim.' As a name, it likely carried the positive connotation of 'song' or 'melody.'

Semantic Range

In ancient Israelite culture, names were often meaningful and conveyed hopes, characteristics, or circumstances. A name like Zemirah ('song') likely reflected a positive attribute or a parent's sentiment, perhaps expressing joy or a connection to music and praise. Its inclusion in a genealogy underscores the importance of preserving family and tribal lineage for identity and inheritance rights.

zimrâh (זִמְרָה, H2172) — A similar feminine noun also meaning 'song' or 'music,' used in Psalm 81:2. | zāmar (זָמַר, H2167) — The root verb meaning 'to sing praises' or 'to prune,' from which Zemirah is derived.

Word Details

Scripture References