Original Word: שֶׁמֶר
Part of Speech: Noun Masculine
Transliteration: shemer
Pronunciation: SHEH-mer
Phonetic Spelling: (sheh'-mer)
Definition: Dregs, lees, sediment
Meaning: something preserved, the settlings, of wine

dregs, wines on the lees

From shamar; something preserved, i.e. The settlings (plural only) of wine -- dregs, (wines on the) lees.

see HEBREW shamar

Word Origin
from an unused word
Definition
lees, dregs
NASB Translation
aged wine (2), dregs (2), spirit (1).

II. [שֶׁ֫מֶר] noun masculine^{Isaiah 25:6} only plural lees, dregs (figurative); — absolute שְׁמָרִים Isaiah 25:6 (twice in verse) (in both = wine matured by resting undisturbed on the lees); suffix שֹׁקֵט הוּא אֶלשְֿׁמָרָיו Jeremiah 48:11 (of Moab's undisturbed life), compare (of careless men) הַקֹּפְאִים עַלֿ שִׁמְרֵיהֶם Zephaniah 1:12; שְׁמָרֶיהָ Psalm 75:9 (of ׳יs cup of judgment). 1. שֶׂ֫מֶר

III. שׁמר (√ of following; meaning dubious; Late Hebrew שָׁמִיר diamond, so Aramaic שָׁמִירָא (also flint), ; Arabic = mimosa gummifera, Lane^1425b).

שׁמור see 111. שָׁמִיר.

Word Origin: Derived from the root שָׁמַר (shamar), meaning "to keep, guard, observe, give heed."

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: The corresponding Greek entry related to the concept of wine and its properties is Strong's Greek Number G3631, οἶνος (oinos), which means "wine." While "oinos" does not specifically refer to the dregs or lees, it encompasses the broader concept of wine, which can include various stages of fermentation and aging, similar to the Hebrew "shemer."

Usage: The word "shemer" is used in the Hebrew Bible to describe the dregs or lees of wine, which are the sediment that settles at the bottom of a container of wine. This term is often used metaphorically to describe something that is stagnant or has been left undisturbed for a long period.

Context: The Hebrew word "shemer" appears in several passages within the Old Testament, often in the context of wine and its production. In Isaiah 25:6, the term is used to describe a feast prepared by the LORD, featuring "well-aged wine" or "wine on the lees," indicating a rich and full-bodied wine that has been allowed to mature. The imagery of wine on the lees suggests a process of refinement and depth, as the wine develops complexity over time.

In Zephaniah 1:12, "shemer" is used metaphorically to describe complacency and stagnation. The verse speaks of those who are "settled on their lees," indicating a state of spiritual apathy and indifference. This metaphor highlights the danger of becoming too comfortable and unresponsive to God's call, much like wine that has been left undisturbed and has become thick and syrupy.

The concept of "shemer" underscores the importance of vigilance and active engagement in one's spiritual life, avoiding the pitfalls of complacency and stagnation. It serves as a reminder of the need for continual growth and renewal, both in the physical and spiritual realms.

מריה שְׁ֭מָרֶיהָ שְׁמָרִ֑ים שְׁמָרִ֖ים שְׁמָרָ֔יו שִׁמְרֵיהֶ֔ם שמריהם שמריו שמרים mā·re·hā mārehā mareiha šə·mā·rāw šə·mā·rîm šəmārāw šəmārîm shemaRav shemaRim shimreiHem šim·rê·hem šimrêhemInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts