### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew name **Yirmᵉyâh**, represented by `{{H3414}}`, means "Jah will rise." It appears 147 times across 133 unique verses. While it is the name given to eight or nine Israelites, it is most famously associated with the prophet Jeremiah, whose words and life are a central part of the biblical record. The name also appears in a list of priests who returned with Zerubbabel [[Nehemiah 12:1]].
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H3414}}` is overwhelmingly identified with the prophet who received the word of the LORD [[Daniel 9:2]]. His ministry was defined by delivering difficult messages to Judah and its kings. The fulfillment of his prophecies is a key historical marker, particularly the seventy years of desolation for Jerusalem [[2 Chronicles 36:21]] and the subsequent proclamation by King Cyrus [[Ezra 1:1]]. Jeremiah's faithfulness often led to severe persecution; he was smitten [[Jeremiah 20:2]], plotted against [[Jeremiah 18:18]], imprisoned multiple times [[Jeremiah 37:21]], and even cast into a miry dungeon to die [[Jeremiah 38:6]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words are essential for understanding the context of Jeremiah's life and ministry:
* `{{H5030}}` **nâbîyʼ** (prophet): This title is almost always attached to the name Jeremiah, defining his role as an inspired man speaking for God ([[Jeremiah 28:15]], [[Daniel 9:2]]).
* `{{H1697}}` **dâbâr** (word): The phrase "the word of the LORD" is the catalyst for Jeremiah's actions, signifying the divine origin of his message ([[Jeremiah 21:1]], [[Jeremiah 34:1]]).
* `{{H7971}}` **shâlach** (send): God sent `{{H7971}}` Jeremiah to prophesy [[Jeremiah 26:12]]. This divine commission is what separated him from false prophets, whom Jeremiah declared the LORD had "not sent" [[Jeremiah 28:15]].
* `{{H5221}}` **nâkâh** (smite): This word describes the violent opposition Jeremiah faced. Officials would smite `{{H5221}}` him for delivering God's prophecies ([[Jeremiah 20:2]], [[Jeremiah 37:15]]).
* `{{H6419}}` **pâlal** (pray): Despite his suffering, people sought Jeremiah to pray `{{H6419}}` to the LORD on their behalf, recognizing his connection to God ([[Jeremiah 37:3]], [[Jeremiah 42:2]]).
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H3414}}` is tied directly to the ministry of the prophet Jeremiah.
* **The Prophetic Call:** Jeremiah's life is a primary example of the prophetic calling, where an individual is sent `{{H7971}}` by God to speak `{{H1696}}` His word `{{H1697}}` to the people, even at great personal risk ([[Jeremiah 26:8]], [[Jeremiah 26:12]]).
* **Cost of Obedience:** The name is synonymous with suffering for the sake of God's truth. Jeremiah was opposed, accused of falsehood, smitten `{{H5221}}`, and imprisoned, illustrating the conflict between divine revelation and human rebellion ([[Jeremiah 43:2]], [[Jeremiah 38:9]]).
* **Sovereignty in History:** The historical accounts affirm that the prophecies delivered by Jeremiah were fulfilled, demonstrating God's sovereign control over the affairs of nations and the reliability of His word ([[2 Chronicles 36:21]], [[Ezra 1:1]]).
### Summary
In summary, `{{H3414}}` is far more than a personal name. It primarily represents the person and office of the prophet Jeremiah, a figure whose life embodies the difficult nature of speaking God's word to a resistant people. The name is inextricably linked to divine communication, the immense cost of faithful obedience, and the ultimate fulfillment of God's sovereign plan in history.
TRV