### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **Karmîy**, represented by `{{H3756}}`, primarily functions as a personal name for three Israelites, with a root meaning of **gardener**. It appears **8 times** across **8 unique verses** in the Bible. The name is used to identify key individuals within the genealogies of the tribes of Israel.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H3756}}` is used to establish two distinct family lines. First, **Carmi** is identified as one of the four sons of **Reuben** `{{H7205}}`, the **firstborn** `{{H1060}}` of **Israel** `{{H3478}}` ([[Genesis 46:9]]; [[Exodus 6:14]]; [[1 Chronicles 5:3]]). This line gives rise to the **family** `{{H4940}}` of the **Carmites** `{{H3757}}`, cementing its place within the tribal structure [[Numbers 26:6]]. Second, another **Carmi** appears in the tribe of **Judah** `{{H3063}}` as the father of **Achan** `{{H5912}}` ([[Joshua 7:1]]; [[Joshua 7:18]]). This lineage is directly linked to Achan's **trespass** `{{H4604}}` involving the **accursed thing** `{{H2764}}`, a pivotal event that brought trouble upon all of Israel. A third mention places **Carmi** among the sons of **Judah** `{{H3063}}` in a genealogical record [[1 Chronicles 4:1]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words clarify the context and lineage associated with **Carmi**:
* `{{H7205}}` **Rᵉʼûwbên** (Reuben): As the **firstborn** `{{H1060}}` son of **Israel** `{{H3478}}`, he is the father of the first **Carmi** mentioned in scripture, establishing one of the main family lines [[Exodus 6:14]].
* `{{H5917}}` **ʻÂkâr** (Achar): This name, meaning "troublesome," is used for the son of **Carmi** who **transgressed** `{{H4603}}`. He is identified as "the **troubler** `{{H5916}}` of **Israel**" [[1 Chronicles 2:7]].
* `{{H3757}}` **Karmîy** (Carmites): This patronymic term identifies the descendants of **Carmi**, son of Reuben. It signifies the establishment of his direct lineage as a distinct **family** `{{H4940}}` within Israel [[Numbers 26:6]].
### Theological Significance
The name `{{H3756}}` carries significant weight in the biblical record, primarily through its genealogical connections.
* **Tribal Foundation:** **Carmi** is listed as a son of **Reuben** `{{H7205}}`, the **firstborn** `{{H1060}}` of Jacob, making his lineage a foundational **family** `{{H4940}}` within the nation of Israel ([[Exodus 6:14]]; [[Numbers 26:6]]).
* **Generational Consequence:** The name is also tied to a severe national crisis through **Carmi**'s son, **Achan** `{{H5912}}`. Achan's sin resulted in the **LORD's** `{{H3068}}` **anger** `{{H639}}` being **kindled** `{{H2734}}` against all of Israel, showing how the actions of an individual from a specific family line can have widespread consequences [[Joshua 7:1]].
* **Genealogical Record:** The repeated mention of **Carmi** in the lists of the sons of **Reuben** `{{H7205}}` and **Judah** `{{H3063}}` underscores the importance of tracking lineage for identity, inheritance, and the historical record of God's people ([[Genesis 46:9]]; [[1 Chronicles 4:1]]).
### Summary
In summary, `{{H3756}}` is a personal name that serves as a vital genealogical marker in the Old Testament. While one **Carmi** establishes a foundational family within the tribe of Reuben, another is remembered as the father of Achan, whose transgression brought judgment upon the entire nation. The name thus illustrates how biblical genealogies are not merely lists, but records that link individuals and their families to key moments of faithfulness and failure in the history of Israel.
TRV