Lexical Summary Dimnah: Dimnah Original Word: דִּמְנָה Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Dimnah Feminine from the same as domen; a dung-heap; Dimnah, a place in Palestine -- Dimnah. see HEBREW domen NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom the same as domen Definition a Levitical city in Zebulun NASB Translation Dimnah (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs דִּמְנָה proper name, of a location Levitical city in Zebulun Joshua 21:35 (but read perhaps רִמֹּנָה +; compare 1 Chronicles 6:62; Joshua 19:13, and see Di). Topical Lexicon Biblical References Joshua 21:35 records the sole appearance of the town: “Dimnah with its pasturelands, and Nahalal with its pasturelands—four cities in all.” The parallel catalog in 1 Chronicles 6:77 reads “Rimmono,” reflecting a common scribal interchange of ד and ר. Location and Allotment Dimnah lay within the tribal inheritance of Zebulun in Lower Galilee, probably west of the Jezreel Valley and near Nahalal. Though the exact site has not been confirmed archaeologically, several scholars connect it with modern Ruʾmânah or a nearby ruin, fitting the topography implied by the Levitical boundary lists. Its placement in fertile hill country explains the emphasis on “pasturelands,” crucial for sustaining the livestock of Levitical households. Levitical Function Dimnah was one of four towns assigned to the clan of Merari, the last-named division of Levi (Numbers 3:33-37). The Merarites cared for the heaviest structural components of the tabernacle—boards, bars, pillars, bases—symbolizing stability and support in Israel’s worship. By granting them towns such as Dimnah, the LORD fulfilled His promise that Levites would have “no inheritance among their brothers” yet would be provided for through scattered dwelling places (Deuteronomy 18:1-2; Numbers 35:1-8). Dimnah therefore illustrates the divine principle that those who serve at the altar live off the altar (cf. 1 Corinthians 9:13-14). Textual Considerations The Chronicles form “Rimmono” does not undermine textual reliability but demonstrates known processes of transmission: Such variations remain minor and do not alter the historical or theological substance of the narrative. Historical Significance After the conquest, Levi’s dispersion through towns like Dimnah ensured that priestly instruction permeated every tribe. From these centers Levites taught Torah (2 Chronicles 17:7-9), led worship (1 Chronicles 16:4-6), and adjudicated legal matters (Deuteronomy 17:9). Dimnah thus contributed to the covenantal fabric by rooting spiritual ministry in daily community life. Theological Themes 1. Covenant Provision: God’s meticulous care for the Levites mirrors His detailed concern for all covenant members (Matthew 6:31-33). Practical Applications • Support for Ministry: Dimnah reminds congregations to provide tangible resources for those devoted to teaching and worship leadership. Dimnah’s brief biblical footprint therefore expands into a rich testimony of God’s provision, the sanctity of place, and the enduring call to serve faithfully wherever He assigns. Forms and Transliterations דִּמְנָה֙ דמנה dim·nāh dimNah dimnāhLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Joshua 21:35 HEB: אֶת־ דִּמְנָה֙ וְאֶת־ מִגְרָשֶׁ֔הָ NAS: Dimnah with its pasture lands, KJV: Dimnah with her suburbs, Nahalal INT: Dimnah pasture Nahalal 1 Occurrence |