### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew name **Zimrîy**, represented by `{{H2174}}`, is defined as "musical." It appears **15 times** across **13 unique verses** in the scriptures. The name is attributed to five different Israelites and is also used to identify an Arabian tribe.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H2174}}` is most prominently associated with the story of Zimri, a **captain** `{{H8269}}` who became king of Israel for only seven days [[1 Kings 16:15]]. He was a **servant** `{{H5650}}` who **conspired** `{{H7194}}` against King Elah, finding him **drinking** `{{H8354}}` himself **drunk** `{{H7910}}` before he **smote** `{{H5221}}` and **killed** `{{H4191}}` him [[1 Kings 16:9-10]]. His brief reign ended when he took his own life by burning the king's palace over himself [[1 Kings 16:18]]. His name became synonymous with treachery, as seen when Jezebel later taunted Jehu, "Had **Zimri** peace, who **slew** `{{H2026}}` his master?" [[2 Kings 9:31]]. The name also appears in other contexts, including a Simeonite prince **slain** `{{H5221}}` by Phinehas [[Numbers 25:14]], in genealogies ([[1 Chronicles 2:6]]; [[1 Chronicles 8:36]]), and as a reference to a foreign people [[Jeremiah 25:25]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words are central to the narrative surrounding the most famous Zimri:
* `{{H7194}}` **qâshar** (to... conspire): This verb defines Zimri's primary act of rebellion. The people in the camp heard that "Zimri hath **conspired**" [[1 Kings 16:16]].
* `{{H7195}}` **qesher** (conspiracy, treason): This noun is used to summarize Zimri's legacy, with the chronicles asking if the acts of his **treason** are not written down [[1 Kings 16:20]].
* `{{H5221}}` **nâkâh** (to strike... smite): This word describes the violent act of Zimri who went in and **smote** the king [[1 Kings 16:10]]. It is also used for the other Zimri, the Israelite that was **slain** [[Numbers 25:14]].
* `{{H4191}}` **mûwth** (to die... kill): This root word appears multiple times, describing how Zimri **killed** King Elah [[1 Kings 16:10]] and how Zimri himself ultimately **died** [[1 Kings 16:18]].
### Theological Significance
The narrative weight of `{{H2174}}` is significant, highlighting several key themes.
* **Treachery and Ambition:** The story of King Zimri is a stark example of a **servant** `{{H5650}}` betraying his master. His name becomes a proverbial reference for a murderous usurper [[2 Kings 9:31]], and his legacy is defined by the **treason** `{{H7195}}` he wrought [[1 Kings 16:20]].
* **Swift Judgment:** Zimri's reign lasted only seven days [[1 Kings 16:15]], illustrating the immediate and catastrophic consequences of his violent seizure of power, which ended in his own demise.
* **Instrument of Prophecy:** Despite his wicked actions, Zimri's rise to power served a divine purpose. His actions fulfilled a prophecy by **destroying** `{{H8045}}` the entire house of Baasha, according to the word of the LORD [[1 Kings 16:12]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H2174}}` is a name that, while having multiple bearers, is overwhelmingly defined by the ambitious and treacherous king of Israel. The account of his seven-day reign serves as a powerful biblical illustration of conspiracy, betrayal, and swift retribution. From an act of **treason** `{{H7195}}` to becoming a permanent fixture in Israel's history as one who **slew** `{{H2026}}` his master, the name Zimri carries a legacy of violence and fleeting power.
TRV