plural of a masculine corresponding to נִמְרָה; clear waters; Nimrim, a place East of the Jordan; Nimrim. Compare בֵּית נִמְרָה.
Transliteration:Nimrîym
Pronunciation:nim-reem'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma נִמְרִים (Nimrîym), Strong's `{{H5249}}`, is a plural noun, primarily understood as a geographical place name. Its etymology points to a connection with נִמְרָה (Nimrah), `{{H5247}}`, which is often associated with the concept of "clear waters" or "leopard." In the context of נִמְרִים, the "clear waters" interpretation is dominant, indicating a place known for its springs or streams. Thus, the core meaning of Nimrîym refers to a specific location characterized by its clear or bright waters, situated east of the Jordan River. It functions exclusively as a proper noun, designating a significant water source in ancient Moabite territory.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The place name Nimrîym appears twice in the Hebrew Bible, both times in prophetic pronouncements concerning the judgment of Moab:
* In [[Isaiah 15:6]], as part of an oracle against Moab, the prophet declares, "For the waters of Nimrim are desolate, for the grass is withered, the tender grass fails, there is no green thing." This verse paints a vivid picture of divine judgment, where a once-vital water source becomes barren. The desolation of Nimrim's waters signifies a comprehensive destruction, impacting the very sustenance of life in the region. The lack of grass and vegetation underscores the severity of the drought and the ensuing famine, directly linked to God's wrath.
* Similarly, in [[Jeremiah 48:34]], within another extensive prophecy against Moab, it is stated, "...from Zoar even to Horonaim, as far as Eglath-shelishiyah. For the waters of Nimrim also shall be desolate." This passage reinforces the theme of widespread devastation across Moabite territory. The mention of Nimrim alongside other significant cities and regions emphasizes its importance as a landmark and a vital resource. Its desolation is presented as a definitive sign of Moab's impending doom, part of a larger divine judgment that leaves no aspect of life untouched.
In both contexts, Nimrîym is not merely a geographical location but a symbol of Moab's prosperity and, subsequently, its ruin. Its desolation is a concrete manifestation of God's judgment, highlighting the vulnerability of even the most essential resources in the face of divine decree.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related terms to נִמְרִים (Nimrîym) are:
* נִמְרָה (Nimrah), `{{H5247}}`: This is the singular form, also a place name east of the Jordan, often identified with Nimrîym or a nearby locality. Its meaning is likewise connected to "clear waters" or potentially "leopard."
* בֵּית נִמְרָה (Beth-Nimrah), `{{H1039}}`: Meaning "House of Nimrah," this was a fortified city in the tribal territory of Gad, also located east of the Jordan. It is highly probable that Nimrîym refers to the waters or the general area associated with Beth-Nimrah, suggesting a cluster of settlements and water sources bearing similar names due to their shared characteristic of clear springs.
Conceptually, Nimrîym is linked to:
* **Water** (מַיִם, `{{H4325}}`): As a source of "clear waters," it embodies the life-giving essence of water in an arid land.
* **Desolation** (שָׁמֵם, `{{H8074}}`): The prophetic texts explicitly state its waters will be desolate, connecting it to themes of divine judgment, drought, and the cessation of life and prosperity.
* **Divine Judgment**: The narrative surrounding Nimrîym is inextricably tied to God's judgment against nations, particularly Moab.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of Nimrîym lies not in its inherent nature as a place, but in its role within the prophetic pronouncements of divine judgment. Water, throughout Scripture, is a potent symbol of life, blessing, provision, and spiritual sustenance (e.g., [[Psalm 23:2]], [[John 4:10]]). Conversely, the desolation or drying up of water sources signifies curse, judgment, and the withdrawal of divine favor (e.g., [[Isaiah 42:15]], [[Amos 8:11-12]]).
The prophecies concerning the waters of Nimrim becoming desolate serve as a tangible and powerful metaphor for the comprehensive nature of God's judgment upon Moab. This is not merely a natural disaster, but a divinely orchestrated consequence of Moab's pride and opposition to Yahweh and His people. The drying up of a vital resource like Nimrim's waters illustrates how God's judgment impacts the very foundations of a nation's existence, leading to famine, societal collapse, and the loss of any semblance of security or prosperity. It underscores the biblical principle that all life and sustenance ultimately depend on God's provision, and His withdrawal of that provision can bring about utter ruin.
### Summary
נִמְרִים (Nimrîym), `{{H5249}}`, refers to a place east of the Jordan River, noted for its "clear waters." Its two biblical occurrences in [[Isaiah 15:6]] and [[Jeremiah 48:34]] consistently depict the "waters of Nimrim" as becoming desolate. This desolation is presented as a direct consequence and a vivid symbol of God's severe judgment against Moab. The theological significance of Nimrîym thus transcends its geographical identity, serving as a powerful illustration of the comprehensive nature of divine wrath, where the very sources of life are removed, underscoring humanity's ultimate dependence on God's sustaining hand. It is closely related to נִמְרָה `{{H5247}}` and בֵּית נִמְרָה `{{H1039}}`, suggesting a cluster of water-rich locations in the region.
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