זִמְרִי

Zimri, the name of five Israelites, and of an Arabian tribe

Definition

Zimri is a proper name borne by several individuals and one tribe in the Old Testament. Most notably, it refers to a Simeonite prince who, in Numbers 25:14, was killed by Phinehas for bringing a Midianite woman into the camp during the Baal of Peor incident, an act of zeal for God's holiness. Another prominent Zimri was a military commander who assassinated King Elah of Israel, usurped the throne for seven days, and then died in a self-immolated palace fire when besieged by Omri (1 Kings 16:9-20). The name is also used for an Arabian tribe (Jeremiah 25:25) and other minor figures (e.g., 1 Chronicles 2:6, 8:36).

Biblical Usage

The name Zimri is used 13 times in the Old Testament, primarily in narrative contexts. It appears in the Pentateuch (Numbers 25:14), in the historical books of Kings and Chronicles detailing royal history, and once in the Prophets (Jeremiah 25:25). Its usage patterns are tied to specific, often violent, historical episodes: the apostasy at Shittim and the bloody transition of power in the northern kingdom of Israel. Each reference is to a distinct person or group, requiring context to identify which Zimri is intended.

Etymology

Derived from the Hebrew root זָמַר (zāmar, H2167), meaning 'to sing, make music, or prune.' As a name, Zimri likely carries the sense of 'my music' or 'my praise,' suggesting a positive, celebratory connotation for the bearer. This stands in ironic contrast to the infamous actions of the two most well-known biblical characters who bore it.

Semantic Range

The figures named Zimri are significant for illustrating themes of covenant faithfulness, judgment, and political turmoil. The Zimri of Numbers 25 represents the severe consequences of idolatry and sexual immorality against God's covenant, countered by Phinehas's zealous action that turned away God's wrath. The king Zimri of 1 Kings 16 exemplifies the violent instability and moral decay prophesied for the dynasties of Israel's northern kingdom (cf. 1 Kings 16:1-4), fulfilling God's judgment on the house of Baasha. Their stories serve as sobering reminders of the cost of sin and rebellion.

In ancient Israelite culture, names often carried meaningful attributes or hopes. Zimri, meaning 'my praise,' was a positive name given at birth. The subsequent notorious actions of individuals with this name created a stark contrast between their given identity and their historical legacy, a literary irony not lost on the biblical authors. The reference to a tribe of Zimri in Jeremiah indicates the name was also used ethnically among Arabian peoples.

There are no direct synonyms for this proper name. Other Israelite names with theophoric elements (e.g., containing 'El' or 'Yah') point to God, whereas Zimri derives from a common verb.

Word Details

Scripture References