The Hebrew name ʼImrîy, represented by H566, is derived from אִמֵּר and identifies two Israelites in scripture. It appears 2 times across 2 unique verses, where it is used to establish paternal lineage.
The name H566 appears in two distinct contexts related to the history of Israel after the exile. First, in a genealogy listing the descendants of Judah who settled in Jerusalem, Imri is named as an ancestor of Uthai 1 Chronicles 9:4. This places his family line within the tribe of Judah through Pharez. Later, during the rebuilding of Jerusalem's wall under Nehemiah, H566 identifies the father of Zaccur, one of the builders who worked on the section next to the men of Jericho Nehemiah 3:2.
Several related words provide context for the individuals named Imri:
- H1121 bên (a son): Meaning "a son (as a builder of the family name)," this word is essential for establishing Imri's place in genealogies 1 Chronicles 9:4. Its importance is seen in the command to teach God's works to future generations, specifically to "thy sons, and thy sons' sons" Deuteronomy 4:9.
- H1129 bânâh (to build): This root, meaning "to build (literally and figuratively)," describes the work of Imri's son, Zaccur Nehemiah 3:2. It underscores the theme that all building is ultimately dependent on God, as stated in the proverb, "Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it" Psalms 127:1.
- H2139 Zakkûwr (mindful; Zakkur): This is the name of Imri's son, a builder of the wall Nehemiah 3:2. The name is associated with trustworthiness, as a different Zaccur was counted "faithful" and appointed as a treasurer Nehemiah 13:13.
- H3063 Yᵉhûwdâh (Judah): Imri's ancestry is traced to Judah, the "celebrated" tribe 1 Chronicles 9:4. This connects his family to the tribe from which leadership was prophesied to come Genesis 49:10.
The significance of H566 is found in its role within the biblical narrative of lineage and restoration.
- Genealogical Identity: Imri is recorded in the official genealogies of those who returned to Jerusalem from exile. His placement within the descendants of Pharez son of Judah underscores the importance of maintaining tribal and family identity for the remnant of Israel 1 Chronicles 9:4.
- Contribution through Descendants: While Imri is not shown performing any actions himself, his name is preserved because his son, Zaccur, participated in the crucial work of rebuilding Jerusalem's wall Nehemiah 3:2. This illustrates a biblical principle where the faithfulness of one generation contributes to the legacy of the next.
- Aiding National Restoration: Both mentions of Imri occur in passages concerned with the re-establishment of the nation after the Babylonian captivity. One line of his family helps repopulate the holy city, while the other helps fortify it, connecting the name H566 to God's work of restoration.
In summary, H566 ʼImrîy is a personal name that, while mentioned only twice, serves an important function in the scriptural record. It identifies individuals within the tribe of Judah and links them to key events in Israel's post-exilic history. The name appears once to establish a proper genealogy 1 Chronicles 9:4 and a second time to identify the father of one of the wall builders under Nehemiah Nehemiah 3:2. Though a minor figure, Imri is remembered as an ancestor whose descendants played a part in the repopulation and restoration of Jerusalem.
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