The Hebrew word Zᵉmîyrâh, represented by H2160, is the name of an Israelite, Zemira. It appears only 1 time in 1 unique verse in the Bible. The name itself is defined as the feminine of זָמִיר, meaning song.
The sole appearance of H2160 in the biblical narrative is within a genealogical record. Zemira is listed as one of the sons of Becher H1071 in the lineage of the tribe of Benjamin 1 Chronicles 7:8. This mention serves to establish a specific family line within the larger tribal structure of Israel.
Several related words clarify the genealogical context of Zemira:
- H1071 Beker (Beker, the name of two Israelites; Becher): This is the name of Zemira's father. He is identified as a son of Benjamin 1 Chronicles 7:6 and his descendants form the family of the Bachrites Numbers 26:35.
- H1121 bên (a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense): This foundational word for "son" is used to frame the entire lineage in which Zemira is found, as in "the sons of Becher" 1 Chronicles 7:8.
- H3135 Yôwʻâsh (Jehovahhastened; Joash, the name of two Israelites): Listed as a brother of Zemira 1 Chronicles 7:8, he is also mentioned elsewhere as being in charge of "the cellars of oil" 1 Chronicles 27:28.
The theological significance of H2160 is primarily derived from its inclusion in the biblical genealogies.
- Genealogical Record: The placement of Zemira within the lineage of Becher H1071, a son of Benjamin, anchors this individual within the covenant family of Israel. Such lists were vital for establishing tribal identity and inheritance.
- Meaning of the Name: While the text provides no narrative, the name Zemira itself is defined as "song." This suggests a potential cultural or familial value, though it is not explicitly stated in the context.
- Part of a Collective: Zemira's identity is presented as part of a group of "sons" H1121, a term central to the structure of Israel's tribes and their relationship to God as the "sons of Jacob" Malachi 3:6.
In summary, H2160 Zᵉmîyrâh is an Israelite personal name, Zemira, that appears in a single instance. Its role is strictly genealogical, placing the individual within the tribe of Benjamin as one of the sons of Becher. While the name's definition, "song," offers a layer of meaning, its primary function in scripture is to contribute to the detailed ancestral records that define the families of Israel.
TRV