The Hebrew name Gᵉmaryâh, represented by H1587, means "Jah has perfected". It appears 5 times across 5 unique verses in the Bible. The name is given to two distinct individuals in the book of Jeremiah, both of whom are involved in the events surrounding the prophet's ministry during a critical period in Judah's history.
The name Gᵉmaryâh is associated with two key figures during the prophetic ministry of Jeremiah. One, the son H1121 of Shaphan H8227 the scribe H5608, is a high-ranking official. It is in his chamber H3957 in the house H1004 of the LORD H3068 that Baruch reads the prophetic scroll to all the people H5971 Jeremiah 36:10. This Gᵉmaryâh is later among the princes H8269 who hear the words and, along with Elnathan and Delaiah, makes intercession H6293 to the king H4428 not to burn H8313 the roll H4039 (Jeremiah 36:12, Jeremiah 36:25). A second individual named Gᵉmaryâh, the son H1121 of Hilkiah H2518, is entrusted by king H4428 Zedekiah H6667 to carry a message to the exiles in Babylon H894 Jeremiah 29:3.
Several related words provide context for the role of Gᵉmaryâh in the biblical accounts:
- H1121 bên (son): This word establishes the lineage of both men named Gᵉmaryâh, identifying them as the son of Shaphan Jeremiah 36:12 and the son of Hilkiah Jeremiah 29:3, connecting them to prominent families.
- H4039 mᵉgillâh (a roll): This term is central to the narrative, as Gᵉmaryâh, son of Shaphan, attempts to prevent King Jehoiakim from burning the roll H4039 containing the words H1697 of the LORD H3068 Jeremiah 36:25.
- H8269 sar (a head person): Gᵉmaryâh is counted among the princes H8269 of Judah who sat H3427 in the scribe's H5608 chamber H3957, indicating his high status and involvement in the political affairs of the kingdom Jeremiah 36:12.
The theological significance of Gᵉmaryâh is seen in the actions of the men who bear the name.
- Stewardship of the Divine Word: One Gᵉmaryâh provides the very chamber H3957 where the words H1697 of the LORD H3068 are publicly read Jeremiah 36:10. His son, Michaiah H4321, then ensures this message reaches the leadership Jeremiah 36:11.
- Intercession for God's Message: This same Gᵉmaryâh stands with other princes H8269 to make intercession H6293 with the king H4428, pleading that he not burn H8313 the prophetic roll H4039. This act demonstrates a reverence for God's revealed word in a moment of royal rebellion Jeremiah 36:25.
- Emissary of Hope: The other Gᵉmaryâh acts as an emissary, entrusted to carry Jeremiah's letter to the exiles in Babylon H894. He is a key link in communicating the LORD's H3068 plans to his captive people H5971 Jeremiah 29:3.
In summary, the name Gᵉmaryâh H1587 is borne by two significant individuals in the book of Jeremiah who, in their respective roles as a royal official and a messenger, are instrumental in the events surrounding the preservation and transmission of the prophetic word. Their actions—providing a space for scripture to be read H7121, interceding for its protection, and carrying messages to the exiles—place them at a pivotal moment in Judah's history. Through these men, whose name means "Jah has perfected", a record of God's word was maintained despite opposition.
TRV