or גְּמַרְיָהוּ; from גָּמַר and יָהּ; Jah has perfected; Gemarjah, the name of two Israelites; Gemariah.
Transliteration:Gᵉmaryâh
Pronunciation:ghem-ar-yaw'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew proper name גְּמַרְיָה (Gᵉmaryâh, `{{H1587}}`) is a theophoric compound name, meaning "Yah has perfected" or "Yah has completed." It is derived from two elements: the verb גָּמַר (gamar, `{{H1584}}`), which means "to complete," "to finish," or "to perfect," and the shortened form of the divine name יָהּ (Yah, `{{H3050}}`), referring to Yahweh. The name thus conveys a theological statement about God's character and action: He is the one who brings things to a perfect conclusion or fulfills His purposes. As a proper name, its semantic range is fixed by its etymology, reflecting a parental confession or hope concerning God's work.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name Gemariah appears in the biblical text referencing two distinct individuals, both within the book of Jeremiah:
1. **Gemariah son of Hilkiah:** He is mentioned once in [[Jeremiah 29:3]]. He, along with Elasah son of Shaphan, is sent by King Zedekiah to Babylon as a messenger to the exiled Judeans, carrying a letter from the prophet Jeremiah. His role is that of a royal envoy facilitating communication between the prophet and the exiles. The significance of his name, "Yah has perfected," in this context might subtly underscore the divine hand in the unfolding events of exile, suggesting that even this period of judgment is part of God's perfect, sovereign plan.
2. **Gemariah son of Shaphan:** This Gemariah is more prominent, appearing multiple times in [[Jeremiah 36]]. He is identified as a scribe and an official in King Jehoiakim's court.
* In [[Jeremiah 36:10]], Baruch, Jeremiah's scribe, reads Jeremiah's scroll containing prophecies of judgment from Gemariah's chamber in the temple. This suggests that Gemariah's chamber was a known and accessible place within the temple complex, perhaps indicating his sympathetic disposition towards Jeremiah or at least a willingness to allow his space to be used for the dissemination of the prophetic word.
* He is present when the scroll is subsequently read to the other officials ([[Jeremiah 36:11-12]]).
* Most significantly, in [[Jeremiah 36:25]], Gemariah, along with Elnathan and Delaiah, courageously pleads with King Jehoiakim not to burn Jeremiah's scroll. This act of intercession demonstrates a profound respect for the word of the Lord and a willingness to stand against the king's defiant actions. Despite their plea, the king burns the scroll.
In the case of Gemariah son of Shaphan, his name "Yah has perfected" takes on a poignant resonance. While the king attempts to nullify God's word by burning the scroll, Gemariah's actions, though ultimately unsuccessful in preventing the burning, embody a righteous attempt to preserve it. This highlights the enduring truth that God's word will ultimately be "perfected" or fulfilled, regardless of human opposition.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary linguistic connection for `{{H1587}}` is its root verb, גָּמַר (gamar, `{{H1584}}`), which signifies completion, perfection, or bringing to an end. This root implies a sense of finality, thoroughness, and often, divine accomplishment. The divine element יָהּ (Yah, `{{H3050}}`) connects the name directly to the covenant God of Israel, Yahweh, emphasizing His active involvement in the "perfection" of things.
Theophoric names, of which Gemariah is an example, are common in the Hebrew Bible. They often serve as theological declarations, reflecting the faith of the parents, a prayer for the child, or a statement about God's character and actions. Other names using the `{{H1584}}` root are less common, but the concept of God's completion is pervasive.
Related theological concepts include:
* **Divine Sovereignty:** God's ultimate control and ability to bring His plans to fruition.
* **Providence:** God's active governance and oversight of all creation, ensuring His purposes are fulfilled.
* **Fulfillment of Prophecy:** Particularly relevant in Jeremiah's context, where God's spoken word, despite human resistance, "completes" its intended purpose ([[Isaiah 55:11]]).
### Theological Significance
The name Gemariah, "Yah has perfected," carries significant theological weight, particularly in the tumultuous period of Jeremiah's ministry. It serves as a powerful reminder of God's character and commitment:
1. **God's Unwavering Purpose:** The name affirms that God is not hindered by human rebellion or geopolitical upheaval. He is the one who "perfects" His plans, bringing them to their intended conclusion, even through judgment and exile. This provides a deep theological anchor in a time of national crisis and spiritual decline.
2. **Divine Completion of His Word:** In the context of Jeremiah, whose prophecies were often met with scorn and resistance (as seen with King Jehoiakim), the name "Yah has perfected" subtly underscores the truth that God's word will ultimately accomplish its purpose. Despite the burning of the scroll, God's message was not destroyed but reaffirmed and ultimately fulfilled.
3. **God's Use of Individuals:** The actions of Gemariah son of Shaphan, particularly his courageous plea to spare the scroll, illustrate how God uses individuals, even those not in the spotlight, to advance or preserve His perfect will. His name becomes a testament to God's ability to work through human agents to "perfect" His purposes, even when their immediate efforts seem to fail in the face of greater opposition.
4. **Assurance of Divine Faithfulness:** For the exiled community, the name Gemariah (as carried by the messenger to Babylon) could have been a quiet affirmation that Yahweh, despite the current suffering, would ultimately "perfect" His plan for their restoration and future, demonstrating His enduring faithfulness.
### Summary
Gᵉmaryâh (`{{H1587}}`), meaning "Yah has perfected" or "Yah has completed," is a theophoric Hebrew proper name derived from the verb `{{H1584}}` (gamar, "to complete") and `{{H3050}}` (Yah, "Yahweh"). The Bible introduces two men bearing this name: Gemariah son of Hilkiah, a royal messenger to the exiles in Babylon ([[Jeremiah 29:3]]), and more prominently, Gemariah son of Shaphan, a scribe in King Jehoiakim's court ([[Jeremiah 36:10-25]]). The latter is noted for allowing Jeremiah's scroll to be read in his chamber and for courageously, though unsuccessfully, pleading with the king not to burn the scroll. The name's theological significance lies in its affirmation of God's sovereignty and faithfulness: He is the one who brings His purposes and His word to a perfect and unhindered completion, even amidst human rebellion and tumultuous times. It serves as a profound reminder that God's will ultimately prevails, and His divine plan is always brought to perfection.
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