perhaps from the same as יוֹם; properly, warm, i.e. affectionate; hence, dove (compare יוֹנָה); Jemimah, one of Job's daughters; Jemimah.
Transliteration:Yᵉmîymâh
Pronunciation:yem-ee-maw'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term `{{H3224}}` (Yᵉmîymâh) is a proper noun, a personal name, derived from a root suggesting "warmth" or "affection." Its etymological connection is often drawn to `{{H3117}}` (yom), meaning "day," implying a sense of brightness, warmth, or a "warm day." From this primary sense of warmth or affection, the meaning extends to "dove," an animal often associated with gentleness, peace, and tenderness. This semantic extension is explicitly linked to `{{H3123}}` (yonah), the common Hebrew word for "dove." Thus, the name Jemimah encapsulates qualities of warmth, affection, and the gentle purity often symbolized by a dove.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name `{{H3224}}` (Yᵉmîymâh) appears exclusively in the book of Job, specifically in [[Job 42:14]]. This verse is part of the epilogue of the book, detailing God's restoration of Job after his immense suffering. After Job's trials, God blesses him with new children, and his three daughters are named Jemimah, Keziah, and Keren-happuch. The text notes that "in all the land there were no women found so beautiful as Job's daughters; and their father gave them an inheritance among their brothers" [[Job 42:15]]. The naming of these daughters, occurring at the zenith of Job's restoration, carries profound significance. Jemimah, meaning "dove" or "affectionate one," stands as the first named, signifying the peace, beauty, and renewed affection that God bestows upon His faithful servant. Her name, alongside her sisters', underscores the completeness and lavishness of God's blessing, contrasting sharply with the utter desolation Job experienced earlier.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related words are those from which `{{H3224}}` is semantically derived or compared: `{{H3117}}` (yom), "day," suggesting warmth and brightness, and `{{H3123}}` (yonah), "dove," connoting gentleness, peace, and purity. The concept of naming in the biblical world is also highly relevant; names were not merely labels but often conveyed character, destiny, or significant circumstances. In the case of Job's daughters, their names collectively speak to themes of restoration, beauty, and divine favor. Jemimah's name, in particular, evokes the symbolic imagery of the dove, which in biblical tradition can represent peace (as in Noah's ark, [[Genesis 8:8-12]]), purity, and the Holy Spirit (as at Jesus' baptism, [[Matthew 3:16]]). The unusual act of Job granting his daughters an inheritance alongside their brothers also connects to broader biblical themes of God's justice and His elevation of those who might otherwise be overlooked.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of Jemimah's name within the narrative of Job is profound. Her name, meaning "dove" or "affectionate one," is a testament to God's restorative power and His gracious character. After enduring unimaginable loss and suffering, Job receives new life and blessing, symbolized by his beautiful daughters. Jemimah's name speaks to the peace and comfort that God provides after tribulation, a gentle balm after the storm. It reflects the truth that God's restoration is not merely a return to the status quo but an outpouring of grace that often exceeds the original blessing. The dove motif embedded in her name can symbolize the Spirit of God bringing peace and new beginnings, or the peace that passes understanding [[Philippians 4:7]] that God grants to His faithful. Her very existence, along with her sisters, serves as a living monument to God's faithfulness, His ability to transform mourning into dancing [[Psalm 30:11]], and His lavish love for His children.
### Summary
`{{H3224}}` (Yᵉmîymâh), transliterated as Jemimah, is a Hebrew proper noun meaning "warm," "affectionate," or "dove." This name belongs to one of Job's three daughters born after his period of intense suffering and subsequent restoration by God, as recorded in [[Job 42:14]]. Her name encapsulates the themes of peace, beauty, and tender affection, symbolizing the profound and abundant blessings God bestows upon His faithful servant. Jemimah's name, along with her sisters', serves as a powerful testament to God's restorative grace, His unwavering faithfulness, and the beauty and peace He brings forth even from the ashes of adversity.
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