from כָּמַר; properly, an ascetic (as if shrunk with self-maceration), i.e. an idolatrous priest (only in plural); Chemarims (idolatrous) priests.
Transliteration:kâmâr
Pronunciation:kaw-mawr'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word כָּמָר (kâmâr), Strong's H3649, derives from the root כָּמַר (kâmâr) `{{H3648}}`, which primarily conveys a sense of shrinking, shriveling, or being intensely kindled. While the verbal root can describe a deep emotional stirring, such as the yearning of compassion (e.g., [[Genesis 43:30]]), the noun form כָּמָר (kâmâr) takes on a highly specific and narrowed semantic range in its biblical usage. It is defined as "properly, an ascetic (as if shrunk with self-maceration)," but its practical application is exclusively to "an idolatrous priest." Crucially, the term appears only in the plural form, כְּמָרִים (kĕmārîm), emphasizing a collective body of such individuals. This suggests a class of religious functionaries whose practices might have involved severe self-discipline or physical deprivation, characteristic of certain pagan cults, setting them apart from the priests of Yahweh.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term כָּמָר (kâmâr) occurs only twice in the Hebrew Bible, both times in the plural and within contexts directly related to idolatry and divine judgment:
1. **[[2 Kings 23:5]]**: This passage describes King Josiah's sweeping reforms to purge Judah of idolatry. It states that Josiah "removed the idolatrous priests [הַכְּמָרִים - hakkĕmārîm] whom the kings of Judah had ordained to burn incense on the high places in the cities of Judah and around Jerusalem—those who burned incense to Baal, to the sun, to the moon, to the constellations, and to all the host of heaven." Here, the כְּמָרִים are explicitly identified as agents of pagan worship, specifically linked to the cult of Baal and astral deities. Their ordination by previous apostate kings highlights their official, yet illegitimate, status within Judah's religious landscape.
2. **[[Zephaniah 1:4]]**: In this prophetic declaration of judgment against Judah and Jerusalem, the Lord proclaims, "I will cut off the remnant of Baal from this place, and the name of the idolatrous priests [הַכְּמָרִים - hakkĕmārîm] with the priests." The juxtaposition of "idolatrous priests" with "the priests" (likely referring to defiled or unfaithful priests of Yahweh) further underscores their distinct identity as practitioners of false worship, particularly Baal worship. Their inclusion in the list of those to be "cut off" signifies their culpability in the nation's apostasy and their impending divine retribution.
In both instances, the כְּמָרִים are unequivocally associated with foreign, abominable religious practices, standing in direct opposition to the worship of the one true God. Their presence within Judah symbolized the nation's spiritual corruption.
### Related Words & Concepts
The root כָּמַר (kâmâr) `{{H3648}}`, from which כָּמָר (kâmâr) `{{H3649}}` is derived, can convey intense internal states, such as the "bowels being stirred" with compassion or grief (e.g., [[Genesis 43:30]]; [[1 Kings 3:26]]). This underlying sense of intensity or deep internal movement might connect to the noun by suggesting the fervent, perhaps even self-afflicting, devotion of these idolatrous priests.
In contrast to כָּמָר (kâmâr), the most common Hebrew term for "priest" is כֹּהֵן (kōhēn) `{{H3548}}`, which can refer to both legitimate priests of Yahweh and, at times, to pagan priests (though often with a qualifying adjective). The use of כָּמָר (kâmâr) specifically for "idolatrous priests" distinguishes them more sharply, possibly highlighting their peculiar, non-Yahwistic practices, perhaps involving asceticism or ritual self-mutilation, which were common in Canaanite cults but forbidden in Israelite worship (e.g., [[Deuteronomy 14:1]]). The term thus emphasizes their foreignness and the abominable nature of their religious service. The broader concept of עֲבוֹדָה זָרָה (avodah zarah), or "foreign worship/idolatry," forms the theological backdrop for understanding the role and condemnation of the כְּמָרִים.
### Theological Significance
The term כָּמָר (kâmâr) carries profound theological weight, serving as a potent symbol of spiritual apostasy and the antithesis of true worship. Its exclusive application to idolatrous priests underscores the severity with which the biblical authors viewed those who facilitated and perpetuated the worship of false gods within Israel.
1. **Abomination to Yahweh**: The very existence of כְּמָרִים within the land of Judah represented a direct affront to Yahweh's covenant with His people. Their practices, involving the burning of incense to Baal and astral deities, were explicitly forbidden and considered detestable in the eyes of God.
2. **Divine Judgment**: The prophetic declaration in [[Zephaniah 1:4]] that the כְּמָרִים would be "cut off" signifies God's righteous judgment against idolatry. This judgment is not merely punitive but also purificatory, aiming to cleanse the land and restore the exclusive worship of Yahweh.
3. **Covenant Fidelity**: King Josiah's removal of the כְּמָרִים in [[2 Kings 23:5]] illustrates a crucial act of covenant renewal and fidelity. By eradicating these purveyors of false worship, Josiah sought to bring Judah back into alignment with the Mosaic Law, emphasizing the singularity and holiness of Yahweh.
4. **Distinction of True Worship**: The term implicitly highlights the unique and holy nature of Yahweh's worship, which stands in stark contrast to the often brutal, self-afflicting, and morally corrupt practices of pagan religions. The כְּמָרִים embody the practices that Israel was strictly commanded to avoid.
### Summary
The Hebrew word כָּמָר (kâmâr), Strong's H3649, specifically designates "idolatrous priests" in its exclusive plural form, כְּמָרִים (kĕmārîm). Derived from a root suggesting intense internal states or shrinking, it may hint at the ascetic or self-macerating practices associated with their pagan worship. Appearing only in [[2 Kings 23:5]] and [[Zephaniah 1:4]], the term consistently identifies those religious functionaries who promoted and engaged in the worship of false gods, particularly Baal and the host of heaven, within Judah. Theologically, the כְּמָרִים represent a profound spiritual abomination, standing in direct opposition to Yahweh's covenant demands. Their removal by King Josiah and their inclusion in Zephaniah's prophecy of judgment underscore God's unwavering condemnation of idolatry and His demand for exclusive, pure worship from His people. The term thus serves as a powerful biblical marker distinguishing the defiling practices of paganism from the holy and righteous worship of the God of Israel.
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