dual of צֶמֶר; double fleece; Tsemarajim, a place in Palestine; Zemaraim.
Transliteration:Tsᵉmârayim
Pronunciation:tsem-aw-rah'-yim
Detailed Word Study
AI-Generated
Loading Study...
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma צְמָרַיִם (Tsᵉmârayim, `{{H6787}}`) is a proper noun, a geographical place name. Its etymology provides insight into its potential meaning. It is derived from the root צֶמֶר (tsemer, `{{H6785}}`), which means "wool" or "fleece." The suffix -ayim indicates a dual form, suggesting "two fleeces" or "double fleece." As a place name, Tsᵉmârayim likely described a characteristic feature of the location, perhaps alluding to its role in sheep farming or wool production, or possibly a topographical feature resembling "two fleeces," such as twin hills or valleys. Its semantic range is therefore primarily geographical, identifying a specific settlement within ancient Palestine.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word צְמָרַיִם (Tsᵉmârayim, `{{H6787}}`) appears only once in the entire Hebrew Bible, specifically in the book of Joshua.
* In [[Joshua 18:22]], Tsᵉmârayim is listed as one of the cities allotted to the tribe of Benjamin. The verse reads: "And Beth-arabah, and Zemaraim, and Bethel." This placement within a list of towns defines its geographical context, situating it among other known Benjaminite settlements such as Beth-arabah and Bethel. The inclusion of Tsᵉmârayim in this detailed tribal inventory underscores its existence as a recognized and significant location during the period of Israelite settlement in Canaan. Its singular occurrence, while limiting extensive contextual analysis, firmly establishes its historical reality as part of the divinely apportioned land.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **צֶמֶר (tsemer):** The foundational word (`{{H6785}}`) from which Tsᵉmârayim is derived. This direct linguistic link suggests a connection to "wool" or "fleece," implying a pastoral or agricultural aspect to the place's identity.
* **Toponymy:** The study of place names. Tsᵉmârayim is an example of a biblical toponym whose name likely reflects a physical characteristic or economic activity of the location, a common practice in ancient naming conventions.
* **Tribal Allotments:** The appearance of Tsᵉmârayim in [[Joshua 18:22]] is directly tied to the division of the land of Canaan among the Israelite tribes. This broader concept highlights God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises to Abraham's descendants by providing them with a specific, detailed inheritance.
* **Geographical Markers:** Like other towns listed in Joshua, Tsᵉmârayim served as a geographical marker, helping to delineate the boundaries and extent of the tribal territories. Its proximity to places like Beth-arabah and Bethel (`{{H1008}}`) further aids in reconstructing the ancient landscape.
### Theological Significance
As a proper noun designating a specific place, Tsᵉmârayim (`{{H6787}}`) does not possess an inherent theological meaning in the same way that words for divine attributes or redemptive acts do. Its theological significance lies primarily in its role within the larger narrative of God's covenant faithfulness and the historical grounding of the biblical account. The meticulous listing of towns like Tsᵉmârayim in the book of Joshua serves as tangible evidence of the precise fulfillment of God's promises to Israel regarding their inheritance of the land of Canaan. This detailed geographical record underscores the historical veracity and concrete nature of the biblical narrative, affirming that God's actions are not abstract but unfold in real time, in real places, among real people. The inclusion of such specific, seemingly minor, place names contributes to the overall witness of Scripture as a reliable historical document of divine activity.
### Summary
צְמָרַיִם (Tsᵉmârayim, `{{H6787}}`) is a Hebrew proper noun, a place name derived from צֶמֶר (tsemer, `{{H6785}}`), meaning "wool" or "fleece," and appearing in the dual form, suggesting "double fleece." It occurs only once in the Hebrew Bible, in [[Joshua 18:22]], where it is listed as one of the cities allotted to the tribe of Benjamin. While its name likely reflects a characteristic related to wool or a topographical feature, its primary significance is its role in meticulously documenting the fulfillment of God's covenant promises concerning the land of Canaan. The inclusion of Tsᵉmârayim in the tribal allotments underscores the historical precision and divine faithfulness inherent in the biblical narrative.
TRV