from זָמַר; musical; Zimri, the name of five Israelites, and of an Arabian tribe; Zimri.
Transliteration:Zimrîy
Pronunciation:zim-ree'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma זִמְרִי (Zimrîy), transliterated as Zimri (`{{H2174}}`), is a proper noun derived from the verb זָמַר (zāmar) `{{H2173}}`. The root זָמַר fundamentally means "to sing," "to make music," or "to praise with music." Consequently, the name Zimri carries the inherent meaning of "musical" or "my song/music." As a personal name, it signifies one associated with music or song. When applied to a tribal entity, it denotes a people connected to this concept, though often in a titular rather than descriptive sense.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name Zimri appears in several distinct contexts within the Hebrew Bible, borne by both individuals and a collective entity:
1. **Zimri, son of Salu (Simeonite Prince):** This is arguably the most prominent occurrence. Zimri is identified as a leader of a father's house among the Simeonites ([[Numbers 25:14]]). He is depicted as engaging in a highly egregious act of idolatry and sexual immorality with a Midianite woman, Cozbi, at Baal-peor. His brazen defiance of God's law in the sight of the weeping congregation provoked Phinehas to execute both Zimri and Cozbi, thereby staunching a plague that had afflicted Israel. This context presents a stark contrast between the name's "musical" meaning and the character's actions of profound spiritual dissonance and rebellion against YHWH.
2. **Zimri, King of Israel:** This Zimri usurped the throne of Israel by assassinating King Elah and destroying the entire house of Baasha ([[1 Kings 16:9-20]]). His reign, however, lasted a mere seven days. When Omri besieged Tirzah, Zimri chose to commit suicide by burning the royal palace over himself. His brief and violent reign is characterized by treachery, bloodshed, and self-destruction, again creating a severe tension with the name's etymological root of harmony and song.
3. **Zimri, Son of Zerah (Judahite):** Mentioned in a genealogical listing as one of the five sons of Zerah, son of Judah ([[1 Chronicles 2:6]]). In this context, the name simply serves to identify an individual within a lineage, without any specific narrative or moral commentary attached.
4. **Zimri, a Benjamite:** Listed as a descendant of King Saul through Jonathan, specifically a son of Jehoaddah (Alemeth) ([[1 Chronicles 8:36]]; [[1 Chronicles 9:42]]). Similar to the Judahite Zimri, this occurrence is purely genealogical, providing no further character insight.
5. **Zimri, an Arabian Tribe:** The "kings of Zimri" are mentioned in Jeremiah's oracle against the nations, listed among various peoples destined to drink the cup of God's wrath ([[Jeremiah 25:25]]). This refers to a distant, non-Israelite people group, indicating the name's usage beyond Israelite individuals to encompass tribal or national entities.
Across these occurrences, a pattern emerges where the more detailed narratives involving individuals named Zimri are associated with actions decidedly contrary to the name's positive etymological connotations, highlighting themes of rebellion, judgment, and destruction.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary linguistic connection for Zimri (`{{H2174}}`) is its root verb, זָמַר (zāmar) `{{H2173}}`, which signifies "to sing," "to make music," or "to praise." This root is foundational to several other significant biblical terms related to music and worship:
* זְמִירָה (zᵉmîrâ) `{{H2172}}`: "song" or "melody," often in the context of joyful singing.
* מִזְמוֹר (mizmôr) `{{H4210}}`: "psalm" or "song," a technical term frequently found in the superscriptions of the Psalms, indicating a song accompanied by stringed instruments.
* זַמָּר (zammâr) `{{H2171}}`: "singer" or "musician," referring to one who performs music.
Thematically, Zimri relates to concepts of praise, worship, harmony, and the celebration of God through music. However, the biblical narratives involving individuals named Zimri often introduce a counter-concept: discord, rebellion, and the perversion of that which should be harmonious into something destructive. This creates an ironic tension, linking the name to both its intended meaning and its tragic historical manifestations.
### Theological Significance
The name Zimri, bearing the intrinsic meaning of "musical" or "my song," carries a profound theological resonance within a biblical worldview that highly values music as a medium for praise, lament, and communion with God. The Psalms, in particular, are a testament to the centrality of "song" in the life of faith, often inviting all creation to "sing to the Lord a new song" (e.g., [[Psalm 96:1]]).
However, the theological significance of Zimri is most acutely observed in the striking paradox presented by its most prominent bearers. Zimri the Simeonite ([[Numbers 25]]) represents a stark deviation from the "music" of divine harmony. His actions at Baal-peor—idolatry and sexual immorality—were a profound act of spiritual dissonance, a direct affront to God's covenant and holiness. His swift and severe judgment by Phinehas underscores the gravity of such rebellion and God's unwavering commitment to His covenant purity. This Zimri's "song" was one of spiritual adultery and defiance, leading to a dirge of divine judgment.
Similarly, Zimri the king ([[1 Kings 16]]) embodies a "song" of treachery, violence, and self-destruction. His brief reign, marked by regicide and the annihilation of an entire royal house, culminated in his own fiery end. His life was a chaotic melody of human sin and the inevitable consequences of usurping divine order.
This tension between the name's beautiful etymology and the characters' sinful actions serves as a powerful theological object lesson:
1. **The Pervasiveness of Sin:** Even a name imbued with positive, worshipful connotations cannot guarantee a life lived in harmony with God. Human depravity can twist and pervert even the most noble of callings.
2. **Divine Judgment:** God judges individuals based on their actions and faithfulness, not on the inherent meaning or beauty of their names. The "musical" name did not exempt Zimri from the severe consequences of his rebellion.
3. **The Irony of Rebellion:** Those who bear a name suggesting praise and harmony can, through their choices, become instruments of discord and destruction, turning their potential "song" of worship into a lamentable cry of judgment.
The inclusion of the "kings of Zimri" in Jeremiah's oracle ([[Jeremiah 25]]) further extends this theme, demonstrating that God's universal judgment encompasses all nations and peoples, irrespective of their names, if they stand in opposition to His divine will.
### Summary
The Hebrew proper noun Zimri (`{{H2174}}`, זִמְרִי) derives from the root זָמַר (zāmar) `{{H2173}}`, meaning "to sing" or "to make music," thus signifying "musical" or "my music." While the name itself carries positive connotations of praise and harmony, its most notable biblical bearers present a striking theological paradox. Zimri the Simeonite ([[Numbers 25:14]]) engaged in egregious idolatry and immorality, bringing divine judgment upon Israel. Zimri the king of Israel ([[1 Kings 16:9-20]]) was a treacherous usurper whose reign ended in self-destruction. Other occurrences are genealogical (e.g., [[1 Chronicles 2:6]]) or refer to a foreign tribe ([[Jeremiah 25:25]]). The disjunction between the name's beautiful etymology and the actions of these prominent figures underscores the profound biblical truth that an individual's character and obedience to God, rather than their given name, determine their spiritual standing and legacy. It serves as a potent reminder of human fallenness and the unwavering nature of divine judgment against sin, even when cloaked in a name suggestive of praise.
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