אִמֵּר (im.mer)
im.mer
Immer
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 10 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
The name Immer appears ten times in the Hebrew Bible, primarily within the genealogical records of Ezra, Nehemiah, and First Chronicles. It identifies a specific line of Levitical priests who served during the periods of David’s reign, Jeremiah’s ministry, and the post-exilic restoration. The term itself carries the meaning "he has said," though in these contexts it functions strictly as a proper noun rather than a descriptive phrase.
Lexical sources distinguish several individuals bearing this name across different eras. One prominent figure is listed among the priests returning from Babylonian exile, where he serves as the father of Meshillemith (1 Chronicles 9:12). Other entries trace the lineage back to earlier times, identifying an Immer who was a contemporary of the prophet Jeremiah and another who was the ancestor of Zadok the priest. These references anchor the name within the historical continuity of Israel’s worship leadership.
Because the word occurs exclusively as a personal name in these texts, it does not offer broader theological vocabulary or metaphorical depth. Its significance lies entirely in its role as a marker of identity and lineage, connecting specific families to the sacred duties of the priesthood across centuries of Jewish history.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Immer appears ten times in the Hebrew Bible, marking specific families within Israel’s history. It identifies Levitical priests who served during David’s reign, Jeremiah’s ministry, and the post-exilic restoration. The meaning 'he has said' anchors this lineage to a time when God’s word was actively spoken through prophets and leaders.
These references are not merely genealogical footnotes. They show how ordinary families remained connected to sacred duties across centuries. When Ezra lists the children of Immer returning from exile, it reminds us that faithfulness often looks like showing up, even after long periods of displacement. The name stands as a quiet witness to continuity.
For readers today, these names invite reflection on how our own stories fit into God’s larger narrative. We may not share these ancient lineages, but we are part of a community that carries forward the same call to serve and remember. The persistence of these names suggests that no act of faith is forgotten.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 10 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Immer8×
- to/ Immer1×
- and/ Immer1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- אִמֵּ֔ר3×
- אִמֵּֽר\׃2×
- לְ/אִמֵּ֖ר1×
- וְ/אִמֵּ֑ר1×
- אִמֵּ֣ר1×
- אִמֵּ֖ר1×
- אִמֵּ֑ר1×
Key Verses
-
Jeremiah 20:1
Now Pashhur, the son of Immer the priest, who was chief officer in Yahweh’s house, heard Jeremiah prophesying these things.
This verse identifies Immer as a priest and chief officer, showing his high status in Jerusalem’s religious leadership before the exile.
-
Ezra 2:37
The children of Immer, one thousand fifty-two.
The count of one thousand fifty-two children of Immer returning from Babylon highlights the size and importance of this priestly family in the restoration.
-
Nehemiah 3:29
After them, Zadok the son of Immer made repairs across from his own house. After him, Shemaiah the son of Shecaniah, the keeper of the east gate, made repairs.
Zadok, son of Immer, repairs the wall near his own house, illustrating personal investment in the community’s physical and spiritual renewal.