### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
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.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
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]].
### Related Words & Concepts
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]].
### Theological Significance
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]].
### Summary
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