from רוּם; elevated; Jeremai, an Israelite; Jeremai.
Transliteration:Yᵉrêmay
Pronunciation:yer-ay-mah'-ee
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word H3413, transliterated as Yᵉrêmay (יְרֵמַי), is a proper noun, specifically a personal name. Its etymology traces back to the root `{{H7311}}` (rûm), which carries the core meaning "to be high, exalted, lifted up." Consequently, the name Yᵉrêmay semantically conveys the idea of "elevated" or "he whom the Lord lifts up/exalts." As a proper noun, its semantic range is inherently limited to the individual(s) bearing the name and the aspirations or circumstances it might reflect.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name Yᵉrêmay (H3413) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible.
* [[Ezra 10:33]]: "Of the sons of Hashum: Mattenai, Mattattah, Zabad, Eliphelet, Jeremai, Manasseh, Shimei."
In this solitary occurrence, Jeremai is listed among the "sons of Hashum," a family group implicated in the widespread issue of Israelites having taken foreign wives during the post-exilic period. The context is Ezra's reform movement, where a solemn covenant was made to put away these foreign wives and their children, as they represented a significant threat to the purity and covenant fidelity of the restored community. Jeremai's inclusion in this list, without further specific details about his life, indicates his participation in this communal act of repentance and purification. His name, meaning "elevated," stands in quiet contrast to the humbling act of obedience required of him and his peers.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary linguistic connection for H3413 is its root, `{{H7311}}` (rûm). This versatile root is extensively used throughout the Old Testament to describe various forms of "elevation" or "exaltation":
* **Divine Exaltation:** Frequently applied to Yahweh, emphasizing His supreme sovereignty and majesty (e.g., [[Psalm 97:9]], "For You, O LORD, are most high over all the earth; You are exalted far above all gods.").
* **Human Exaltation:** Can denote positive elevation (e.g., God lifting up the humble) or negative (e.g., human pride and arrogance).
* **Physical Elevation:** Mountains, high places, or lifting up hands in worship.
* **Metaphorical Elevation:** Referring to status, honor, or the raising of a standard.
While H3413 itself is a proper name, its etymological link to `{{H7311}}` connects it to the broader biblical concepts of divine sovereignty, human humility, and the means by which one truly becomes "elevated" in God's sight—often through obedience and faithfulness rather than worldly prominence. Related concepts in the Ezra context include covenant renewal, national purity, and the consequences of assimilation.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of Yᵉrêmay, though subtle due to its singular appearance, lies primarily in its name's meaning within its specific biblical context. The name "elevated" could have been an aspirational blessing bestowed at birth, hoping for a life of prominence or divine favor. However, its placement in [[Ezra 10:33]] imbues it with a deeper, more poignant meaning. Jeremai is not "elevated" through worldly power or status, but through an act of humble obedience and participation in the purification of the covenant community.
His inclusion in the list of those who had taken foreign wives and subsequently agreed to put them away highlights a crucial theological principle: true elevation in God's eyes is achieved not through self-exaltation, but through submission to His commands, even when costly. The act of putting away foreign wives was a profound personal and communal sacrifice, yet it was deemed essential for the spiritual health and covenant integrity of Israel. Thus, Jeremai's name, "elevated," becomes a quiet testimony to the paradox of biblical elevation: one is truly lifted up when one humbles oneself under the mighty hand of God, aligning one's life with His divine will and the purity of His covenant.
### Summary
H3413, Yᵉrêmay (יְרֵמַי), is a Hebrew proper noun meaning "elevated" or "he whom the Lord lifts up," derived from the root `{{H7311}}` (rûm). It appears once in the biblical record, specifically in [[Ezra 10:33]], where Jeremai is listed among the "sons of Hashum" who had taken foreign wives and participated in the post-exilic covenant to put them away. While the name itself speaks of exaltation, its singular biblical context underscores a profound theological truth: true elevation and honor in God's kingdom are often attained not through worldly prominence, but through humble obedience, personal sacrifice, and faithful adherence to the divine covenant. Jeremai's presence in this list serves as a quiet but significant reminder of the widespread nature of the sin of intermarriage and the collective commitment to national repentance and spiritual purity during a critical period of Israel's restoration.
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