Original Word: נִמְרָה
Part of Speech: Proper Name Location
Transliteration: Nimrah
Pronunciation: nim-RAW
Phonetic Spelling: (nim-raw')
KJV: Nimrah See also H1039, H5249
NASB: Nimrah
Word Origin: [from the same as H5246 (נָמֵר - leopard)]

1. clear water
2. Nimrah, a place East of the Jordan

Nimrah

From the same as namer; clear water; Nimrah, a place East of the Jordan -- Nimrah. See also Beyth Nimrah, Nimriym.

see HEBREW namer

see HEBREW Beyth Nimrah

see HEBREW Nimriym

Word Origin
from the same as namer
Definition
"place of leopard," a place E. of the Jordan
NASB Translation
Nimrah (1).

נִמְרָה proper name, of a location place east of Jordan Numbers 32:3 (+ עֲטָרוֺת, דִּיבֹן, חֶשְׁבּוֺן, etc.), ᵐ5 Ναμβρα, A Αμβραμ, ᵐ5^L Μαμβραν. Perhaps = Tel Nimrîn, approximately 6 miles east of Jordan, nearly opposite Jericho, compare Buhl^{Geogr. 264.} — compare ׳בֵּית נ (q. v.), also in Late Hebrew (compare נמרה proper name, masculine Sinaitic Inscriptions SACook⁸¹ Lzb³²³; meaning dubious; Nö^{ZMG xxix (1875), 437} thinks from spotted or striped appearance of ground; place of leopard also Gray^{Prop. Names 92} (on tribal names from leopard see RS^{K 201} also Sabean proper name אנמרם Levy-Os^{l.c., etc.}); We^{Heid:2, 82} thinks of clear water [compare following]).

Biblical Setting

Nimrah appears in the sole verse Numbers 32:3, where representatives of the tribes of Reuben and Gad petition Moses for the pasturelands east of the Jordan: “Ataroth, Dibon, Jazer, Nimrah, Heshbon, Elealeh, Sebam, Nebo, and Beon” (Numbers 32:3). This request comes immediately after Israel’s victory over Sihon and Og, when the conquered Transjordan territory first becomes available for settlement. The listing of towns—Nimrah among them—highlights the fertility of the region and the suitability of its plains for large herds (Numbers 32:1).

Geographical Context

The city was situated in the Jordan Valley, north of the Dead Sea and opposite Jericho, occupying part of the modern Wadi Numeira area. Its proximity to the perennial springs of the Nimrin/Numeira stream explains the value attached to it by pastoral tribes. When the land grants are finalized, Nimrah lies within Gad’s inheritance (Joshua 13:27), and the built-up “Beth Nimrah” (“House of Nimrah,” Numbers 32:36; Joshua 13:27) becomes one of Gad’s fortified cities, suggesting ongoing strategic and economic importance along the main east-west trade route that crossed the Jordan at Adam (Joshua 3:16).

Theological Significance

1. Covenant Fulfillment: Nimrah’s inclusion in the initial plea and the subsequent allotment underscores the reliability of God’s promise to give Israel the land (Genesis 15:18-21). Even territory east of the Jordan, not originally envisaged by Israel, comes under covenant blessing once conquered and devoted to the Lord (Numbers 32:22).
2. Shepherd Motif: Gad’s desire for Nimrah’s lush pastures echoes the shepherd imagery woven throughout Scripture—from Abraham’s tents (Genesis 13:2-5) to David’s pastures (Psalm 23:2). The Lord’s provision of good grazing land dramatizes His pastoral care for His people.
3. Unity of the Twelve Tribes: Moses grants the request only after Gad and Reuben vow to cross the Jordan and fight alongside their brothers (Numbers 32:20-22). Nimrah therefore symbolizes the balance between individual tribal callings and corporate responsibility—a principle reaffirmed in 1 Corinthians 12:12-26 concerning the Church.

Historical Developments

• Iron Age: Archaeological soundings at Tell el-Numeira and nearby Tell Nimrin display occupation layers from the Late Bronze and Iron Ages, corresponding to the biblical period. Potsherds and fortification walls attest to a thriving settlement with defensive capability—matching the description of “fortified cities” (Numbers 32:36).
• Classical and Byzantine Eras: Later rabbinic traditions note vineyards and date palms in the area, and the Madaba Map lists “Bethnimra,” showing the site’s continued relevance well into the Christian centuries.
• Modern Times: The abundant springs still irrigate citrus groves and farmland in the Jordanian valley, offering a living witness to the enduring fertility that first attracted Gad.

Ministerial Application

• Stewardship of God-given Resources: Nimrah reminds believers that land, skills, and opportunities are granted by the Lord and should be leveraged for His glory, yet never at the expense of communal mission.
• Faithfulness in Agreements: Gad and Reuben’s commitment to fight before settling (Numbers 32:17-18) models integrity and perseverance for ministry teams today.
• Pastoral Care: Just as Nimrah’s green pastures refreshed livestock, so local congregations are called to provide spiritual nourishment, “equipping the saints for works of ministry” (Ephesians 4:12).

Related Names and Texts

• Beth Nimrah (Numbers 32:36; Joshua 13:27) – a fortified development of Nimrah, demonstrating growth and consolidation of Gadite holdings.
• Waters of Nimrim (Isaiah 15:6; Jeremiah 48:34) – a Moabite locale possibly linked by the same root, its judgment contrasting with Gad’s blessed pastureland.
• Jazer (Numbers 32:3; Numbers 32:35) – paired with Nimrah in the Gadite cluster, later assigned Levitical status (Joshua 21:39), highlighting the integration of worship and daily life.

Summary

Though mentioned only once by name, Nimrah stands at the intersection of covenant faithfulness, pastoral provision, and tribal unity. Its fertile fields and strategic position illustrate the Lord’s abundant care, while the Gadites’ conduct around its acquisition offers enduring lessons on stewardship and commitment in the service of God’s people.

וְנִמְרָ֔ה ונמרה venimRah wə·nim·rāh wənimrāhInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts