from זָמַר; musical; Zimran, a son of Abraham by Keturah; Zimran.
Transliteration:Zimrân
Pronunciation:zim-rawn'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word H2175, זִמְרָן (Zimrân), is a proper noun derived from the root זָמַר (zāmar, `{{H2167}}`), which carries the primary meanings "to sing," "to make music," or "to prune." Consequently, the name Zimran is understood to mean "musical" or "singer." As a personal name, its semantic range is fixed to the individual it denotes, but its etymological root imbues it with connotations of melody, praise, or even the careful tending associated with pruning.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
Zimran appears in the Hebrew Bible exclusively in genealogical lists, identifying him as one of the six sons born to Abraham by his concubine Keturah.
* In [[Genesis 25:2]], Zimran is listed first among Keturah's sons: "And she bare him Zimran, and Jokshan, and Medan, and Midian, and Ishbak, and Shuah." This verse establishes his place within Abraham's extended family, distinct from the lineage of Isaac, through whom the covenant promises were primarily channeled.
* His name reappears in [[1 Chronicles 1:32]], reiterating the same genealogical information: "Now the sons of Keturah, Abraham's concubine: she bare Zimran, and Jokshan, and Medan, and Midian, and Ishbak, and Shuah. And the sons of Jokshan; Sheba, and Dedan." This repetition in the Chronicler's genealogies underscores the meticulous record-keeping of ancient Israel and the importance of tracing lineage, even for those outside the direct line of the covenant heir. While no narrative details are provided about Zimran himself, his inclusion signifies his role as a progenitor of one of the tribes or peoples that emerged from Abraham's widespread progeny, likely settling in regions east or south of Canaan.
### Related Words & Concepts
The name Zimran is directly linked to the Hebrew root זָמַר (zāmar, `{{H2167}}`). This root is foundational to several other significant biblical terms related to music and song:
* זְמִירָה (zᵉmîrâ, `{{H2172}}`), meaning "song" or "melody."
* מִזְמוֹר (mizmôr, `{{H4210}}`), which translates to "psalm" or "song," often implying instrumental accompaniment, as seen in the titles of many psalms.
* זָמִיר (zāmîr, `{{H2170}}`), which can mean "song" or "singing," but also "pruning," reflecting the dual meaning of the root.
The conceptual connection to "music" or "singing" positions Zimran's name within a broader biblical tapestry where music is frequently associated with worship, praise, lament, and celebration. Although Zimran himself is not depicted as a singer, the etymology of his name subtly resonates with a pervasive theme in biblical literature.
### Theological Significance
While Zimran is not a central figure in the biblical narrative, his existence and inclusion in the genealogies carry theological weight. As a son of Abraham, he represents a facet of God's promise to make Abraham the "father of many nations" [[Genesis 17:4-5]]. His lineage, alongside his brothers, illustrates the vast scope of Abraham's descendants beyond the direct line of Isaac, showing the diverse peoples who trace their origins back to the patriarch. The meticulous recording of these lineages in both Genesis and Chronicles affirms the historical grounding of God's covenant promises. Furthermore, the very name "Zimran," meaning "musical," though applied to an individual without a narrative, subtly points to the intrinsic human capacity for expression and the divine gift of music, which is so often employed in the Bible as a means of worship, instruction, and communication with the Divine. It serves as a quiet reminder of the richness of creation and the diverse ways in which life unfolds within God's sovereign plan.
### Summary
H2175, זִמְרָן (Zimrân), is a proper noun meaning "musical" or "singer," derived from the Hebrew root זָמַר (`{{H2167}}`). He is identified in [[Genesis 25:2]] and [[1 Chronicles 1:32]] as the first-born son of Abraham by Keturah. His inclusion in these genealogies underscores the fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham regarding a multitude of descendants, thereby contributing to the comprehensive record of salvation history. Although no specific narrative is attached to Zimran, the etymology of his name, "musical," resonates with the profound biblical theme of music as an integral expression of human experience and divine worship, subtly enriching the understanding of even the most briefly mentioned figures in Scripture.
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