from the same as נָמֵר; clear water; Nimrah, a place East of the Jordan; Nimrah. See also בֵּית נִמְרָה, נִמְרִים.
Transliteration:Nimrâh
Pronunciation:nim-raw'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma נִמְרָה (Nimrâh, `{{H5247}}`) is primarily a geographical designation, referring to a specific place located east of the Jordan River. Its base definition explicitly links it to "clear water," deriving from the same root as נָמֵר (namer, `{{H5246}}`), which typically denotes a "leopard." While the etymological connection to "leopard" might suggest a root meaning related to "spotted" or "bright," the primary semantic range for Nimrâh itself is tied to the quality of its water. This suggests a place renowned for its pristine, unpolluted water sources, a vital resource in the ancient Near East. The name thus conveys a sense of fertility, refreshment, and a desirable location due to its hydrological characteristics.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
Nimrâh (`{{H5247}}`) appears in the biblical text in the context of the Israelite conquest and settlement of the Transjordanian region. Its sole direct occurrence is in [[Numbers 32:3]], where it is listed among the cities that the tribes of Reuben and Gad found suitable for their abundant livestock due to the excellent pasture land. The verse states: "Ataroth, and Dibon, and Jazer, and Nimrah, and Heshbon, and Elealeh, and Sebam, and Nebo, and Beon." This context underscores Nimrâh's reputation as a well-watered and fertile area, ideal for pastoralists.
Furthermore, the base definition points to related place names:
* בֵּית נִמְרָה (Beth-Nimrah, `{{H1039}}`), meaning "house of Nimrah," appears in [[Numbers 32:36]] and [[Joshua 13:27]]. This suggests that Nimrâh may have been the name of the general region or a prominent feature, while Beth-Nimrah was a specific town within that area. In [[Numbers 32:36]], it is listed as one of the fortified cities rebuilt by the Gadites. In [[Joshua 13:27]], it is part of the inheritance allotted to the tribe of Gad.
* נִמְרִים (Nimrim, `{{H5249}}`), identified as "the waters of Nimrim," appears in prophetic laments concerning Moab in [[Isaiah 15:6]] and [[Jeremiah 48:34]]. These passages describe the desolation of Moab, with the "waters of Nimrim" becoming a "desolation" or a "waste." This indicates that Nimrim was a significant and well-known water source in Moab, whose drying up or ruin symbolized the judgment upon the land. While Nimrah is specifically associated with the Gadite territory, the shared root and "water" connotation suggest a broader regional understanding of such names for vital water sources.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related words are those explicitly mentioned in the definition:
* **נָמֵר (namer, `{{H5246}}`)**: While meaning "leopard," its connection to Nimrâh (`{{H5247}}`) is likely at the root level, perhaps implying "bright" or "clear" as a common characteristic, whether of an animal's spots or clear water.
* **בֵּית נִמְרָה (Beth-Nimrah, `{{H1039}}`)**: "House of Nimrah," a specific town, likely the primary settlement in the region named Nimrâh. Its inclusion in the tribal inheritance lists highlights its significance as a settled area.
* **נִמְרִים (Nimrim, `{{H5249}}`)**: "Waters of Nimrim," referring to a body of water in Moab. This reinforces the core meaning of "clear water" and expands the geographical scope of names associated with significant water sources.
Concepts related to Nimrâh include:
* **Water sources and fertility**: The name itself points to the presence of clear water, crucial for agriculture and pasturage.
* **Pastoral lands**: Its desirability to the tribes of Reuben and Gad underscores its value as grazing land for livestock.
* **Tribal inheritance and settlement**: Nimrâh and Beth-Nimrah are integral to the description of the land allotted to the Transjordanian tribes.
* **Divine provision**: The presence of such fertile areas highlights God's provision for His people's needs.
* **Prophetic judgment**: The mention of "waters of Nimrim" in prophetic contexts demonstrates how even vital natural resources can be affected by divine judgment, symbolizing the desolation of a land.
### Theological Significance
As a place name, the theological significance of Nimrâh is primarily derived from its context within the broader narrative of God's covenant with Israel and His providential care. The desire of the tribes of Reuben and Gad for the fertile lands of Nimrâh and its surroundings ([[Numbers 32]]) illustrates God's abundant provision for His people. Even before entering Canaan proper, the Lord provided rich, well-watered territories for the tribes who sought them, demonstrating His faithfulness to bless and sustain.
The emphasis on "clear water" within the name itself subtly points to a fundamental aspect of divine blessing in the arid ancient world. Water is a consistent biblical metaphor for life, purity, and spiritual sustenance (e.g., [[Psalm 23:2]], [[John 4:10]], [[Revelation 22:1]]). While Nimrâh is a physical location, its name evokes the life-giving nature of water, a gift from God.
Furthermore, the desolation of the "waters of Nimrim" in prophetic literature (e.g., [[Isaiah 15:6]]) serves as a stark reminder of divine judgment. What was once a source of life and prosperity can become a symbol of ruin when a people turn away from God. This highlights the transient nature of earthly blessings apart from the sustaining hand of the Almighty and the consequences of rebellion against His will.
### Summary
Nimrâh (`{{H5247}}`) is a Hebrew place name, primarily designating a location east of the Jordan River, whose meaning is rooted in "clear water." Its single direct biblical occurrence in [[Numbers 32:3]] places it within the fertile Transjordanian lands desired by the tribes of Reuben and Gad for their livestock. Related terms like Beth-Nimrah (`{{H1039}}`) and the Waters of Nimrim (`{{H5249}}`) further solidify its association with vital water sources and significant settlements. Theologically, Nimrâh serves as a quiet testament to God's abundant provision for His people, offering a desirable land for their sustenance. Conversely, the prophetic lament over the desolation of the "waters of Nimrim" underscores the severe consequences of divine judgment, reminding us that even the most life-sustaining resources can be affected by God's righteous hand.
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