Lexical Summary Zemirah: Song, Psalm Original Word: זְמִירָה Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Zemira Feminine of zamiyr; song; Zemirah, an Israelite -- Zemira. see HEBREW zamiyr NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originof uncertain derivation Definition a Benjamite NASB Translation Zemirah (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs זְמִירָה proper name, masculine a Benjamite, 1 Chronicles 7:8, ᵐ5 Ἀμαριας; ᵐ5A, ᵐ5L Ζαμαρια(ς). Topical Lexicon Name and Meaning זְמִירָה (Zemirah) carries the sense of “song,” “music,” or “melody,” conveying an identity shaped by praise and worship. Biblical Occurrence 1 Chronicles 7:8 lists Zemirah among “the sons of Becher,” a Benjaminite family line: “The sons of Becher: Zemirah, Joash, Eliezer, Elioenai, Omri, Jeremoth, Abijah, Anathoth, and Alemeth”. This is the sole reference. Historical and Genealogical Context Chronicles, compiled after the exile, re-anchors Israel in its covenant heritage. By preserving even lesser-known descendants of Benjamin, the chronicler affirms that every branch of the covenant community still stands after judgment and restoration. Benjamin’s proximity to Jerusalem and its earlier royal associations (through Saul) heighten the tribe’s relevance in post-exilic worship life; Zemirah’s clan helped repopulate and re-legitimize the land. Thematic Significance 1. Continuity of Praise The very name “Song” embedded in Israel’s genealogical fabric highlights that worship is not an appendage but an inheritance, threaded from Miriam’s timbrel (Exodus 15:20) through David’s psalms and into the restored temple worship envisioned by Chronicles. 2. Worth of the Obscure A single-verse life demonstrates that obscurity in the human record does not equal insignificance in God’s. The Lord “knows those who are His” (2 Timothy 2:19) and records them in His book (Malachi 3:16). 3. Tribal Unity in Worship With Levites leading temple music, Benjamin’s adjacent territory meant its clans—Zemirah’s included—could readily participate in corporate praise, showing that worship transcended tribal roles and integrated the whole nation. Ministry Insights • Family Praise Legacy: Christian households can emulate the Chronicler’s vision by treating worship as a family heritage, passing along songs of the faith to succeeding generations (Ephesians 5:19). • Pastoral Record-Keeping: Faithful membership rolls and genealogies echo the chronicler’s diligence, underscoring shepherdly care for every believer (Acts 20:28). • Encouragement for Hidden Servants: Those who labor without public acclaim can find solace in Zemirah’s recorded name; God remembers every note of service. Christological Connections Benjamin bordered Judah, the messianic tribe. The Benjaminite named “Song” anticipates the Savior who is both the Singer and the Song. Hebrews 2:12 cites Christ declaring, “I will sing Your praise,” and Revelation 5:9 shows the Lamb leading the redeemed in a new song. Zemirah’s meaning thus foreshadows the Messiah whose redemptive work elicits eternal praise. Lessons for Today 1. Cultivate a personal and communal identity centered on praise. Zemirah may appear only once, yet his name sings across Scripture’s pages, reminding the church that every believer’s voice belongs in the chorus glorifying God. Forms and Transliterations זְמִירָ֡ה זמירה zə·mî·rāh zemiRah zəmîrāhLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance 1 Chronicles 7:8 HEB: וּבְנֵ֣י בֶ֗כֶר זְמִירָ֡ה וְיוֹעָ֡שׁ וֶ֠אֱלִיעֶזֶר NAS: of Becher [were] Zemirah, Joash, KJV: of Becher; Zemira, and Joash, INT: the sons of Becher Zemirah Joash Eliezer 1 Occurrence |