אִמַּר (im.mar)
im.mar
lamb
A:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 3 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- A:N-M
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun immar refers specifically to a young sheep, or a lamb. This term appears only three times in the entire Old Testament, making it a rare word in biblical literature. Its limited usage suggests it was not a common everyday term for general pastoral life, but rather reserved for specific contexts.
In every instance where immar occurs, it is found within the book of Ezra. The word describes lambs offered as part of the sacrificial system during the restoration of the temple and worship in Jerusalem. This exclusive association with post-exilic ritual highlights its role in the formal religious observances of that period.
While other Hebrew words like keves or tson can also mean lamb or sheep, immar stands apart due to its scarcity and specific liturgical setting. Its presence in Ezra underscores the careful attention given to restoring proper worship practices after the Babylonian exile, marking a return to established covenantal duties.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word immar points to a young sheep, specifically a lamb, used in the sacrificial system of ancient Israel. It appears only three times in the Old Testament, all within the book of Ezra. This rarity highlights its specific role in the formal worship practices restored after the Babylonian exile.
In these verses, lambs are listed alongside bulls and rams as essential offerings for burnt sacrifices and sin offerings. The text emphasizes that these animals were to be provided daily or at significant events like the dedication of the temple. This reflects a community deeply committed to restoring proper covenantal duties and maintaining reverence for God through established rituals.
For believers today, this word reminds us of the seriousness with which ancient Israel approached worship. It invites reflection on how we honor God in our own lives, not through complex rituals alone, but through sincere devotion and obedience. The careful provision of these lambs shows a people eager to reconnect with their Creator after a time of separation.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- lambs2×
- and/ lambs1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- וְ/אִמְּרִ֣ין\׀1×
- אִמְּרִ֖ין1×
- אִמְּרִ֔ין1×
Key Verses
-
Ezra 6:9
That which they have need of, including young bulls, rams, and lambs, for burnt offerings to the God of heaven; also wheat, salt, wine, and oil, according to the word of the priests who are at Jerusalem, let it be given them day by day without fail,
This verse specifies that lambs were part of the daily provisions for burnt offerings, showing the regularity of worship restored by Persian decree.
-
Ezra 6:17
They offered at the dedication of this house of God one hundred bulls, two hundred rams, four hundred lambs; and for a sin offering for all Israel, twelve male goats, according to the number of the tribes of Israel.
Here, four hundred lambs are offered during the temple dedication, illustrating the scale of communal celebration and atonement for all Israel.
-
Ezra 7:17
Therefore you shall with all diligence buy with this money bulls, rams, and lambs with their meal offerings and their drink offerings, and shall offer them on the altar of the house of your God which is in Jerusalem.
The command to buy lambs with official funds demonstrates the state's support for religious observance and the importance of sin offerings in maintaining spiritual health.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Hebrew word immar mean?
Why is this word so rare in the Bible?
How is immar different from other words for lamb?
Every Occurrence (3 verses across 1 books)
Ezra 3 verses
That which they have need of, including young bulls, rams, and lambs, for burnt offerings to the God of heaven; also…
Ezra 6:17They offered at the dedication of this house of God one hundred bulls, two hundred rams, four hundred lambs; and for a…
Ezra 7:17Therefore you shall with all diligence buy with this money bulls, rams, and lambs with their meal offerings and their…