גְּמַרְיָ֫הוּ (ge.mar.yah)

ge.mar.yah

Gemariah

H1587 · Hebrew · Old Testament · 5 verses

N:N-M-P

Language: Biblical Hebrew
Testament: Old Testament
Occurrences: 5 verses
Root: —
Part of speech: N:N-M-P

Word Overview

The name Gemariah, meaning "Jehovah has accomplished," appears five times in the Hebrew Bible, exclusively within the book of Jeremiah. It identifies two distinct men from the tribe of Levi during the final days of Judah’s monarchy. The more prominent figure is the son of Shaphan the scribe and father of Micaiah, a nobleman who held an official chamber in the temple complex.

This Gemariah plays a crucial role in the narrative of Jeremiah 36. When Baruch reads the prophet’s warning scroll aloud to the assembled people, he does so from this specific room (Jeremiah 36:10). The name itself serves as a fitting backdrop for these events, suggesting that despite the coming judgment, God’s purposes are being fulfilled. A second man with the same name, son of Hilkiah, is mentioned in Jeremiah 29:3 as carrying Jeremiah’s letter to the exiles in Babylon.

Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).

What This Word Means for Your Faith

The name Gemariah means "Jehovah has accomplished." In a time when Judah faced imminent destruction, this title offered a quiet anchor. It reminds us that God’s plans move forward regardless of how chaotic the surrounding world appears. Even when leaders and prophets warned of coming judgment, the underlying reality was that God was fulfilling His word.

One Gemariah held a room in the temple where Baruch read Jeremiah’s scroll to the people. Another carried messages to exiles in Babylon. Both men were part of a larger story where human failure met divine purpose. Their lives show us that even in dark seasons, God is working out His intentions.

When we face uncertainty, we can look to this name as a reminder that what God says will stand. We do not need to control the outcome. We simply need to trust that He is faithful to His promises, even when the path ahead seems unclear.

How it's translated

How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 5 verses where it appears, by frequency.

and/ Gemariah3×
Gemariah2×

Forms in the text

The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.

וּ/גְמַרְיָ֧הוּ1×
וּ/גְמַרְיָ֙הוּ֙1×
וּ/גְמַרְיָ֖ה1×
גְּמַרְיָהוּ֩1×
גְּמַרְיָ֧הוּ1×

Key Verses

Jeremiah 36:10
Then Baruch read the words of Jeremiah from the book in Yahweh’s house, in the room of Gemariah the son of Shaphan the scribe, in the upper court, at the entry of the new gate of Yahweh’s house, in the ears of all the people.

This verse identifies the specific location where Baruch read Jeremiah’s warning scroll, showing how Gemariah’s home became a place of public hearing for God’s word.
Jeremiah 29:3
by the hand of Elasah the son of Shaphan and Gemariah the son of Hilkiah, (whom Zedekiah king of Judah sent to Babylon to Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon). It said:

Here Gemariah acts as a messenger to Babylon, illustrating that God’s communication extended even to those in exile.
Jeremiah 36:25
Moreover Elnathan and Delaiah and Gemariah had made intercession to the king that he would not burn the scroll; but he would not listen to them.

Gemariah joins other officials in pleading with the king not to destroy the scroll, highlighting the tension between human authority and divine revelation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the name Gemariah mean?

The name means "Jehovah has accomplished." It combines the divine name Yahweh with a verb form indicating completion or fulfillment. This suggests a belief that God’s purposes are being realized.

Is there more than one Gemariah in the Bible?

Yes, two distinct men share this name in Jeremiah. One is the son of Shaphan and father of Micaiah, who hosted Baruch reading the scroll. The other is the son of Hilkiah, who carried letters to Babylon.

Why is Gemariah important in Jeremiah 36?

His room provided the setting for Baruch to read Jeremiah’s prophecy to the people and later to the king’s officials. This event set in motion the chain of events leading to the scroll’s preservation despite the king’s attempt to burn it.

Every Occurrence (5 verses across 1 books)

Jeremiah 5 verses

Jeremiah 29:3

by the hand of Elasah the son of Shaphan and Gemariah the son of Hilkiah, (whom Zedekiah king of Judah sent to Babylon…

Jeremiah 36:10

Then Baruch read the words of Jeremiah from the book in Yahweh’s house, in the room of Gemariah the son of Shaphan the…

Jeremiah 36:11

When Micaiah the son of Gemariah, the son of Shaphan, had heard out of the book all Yahweh’s words,

Jeremiah 36:12

he went down into the king’s house, into the scribe’s room; and behold, all the princes were sitting there, Elishama…

Jeremiah 36:25

Moreover Elnathan and Delaiah and Gemariah had made intercession to the king that he would not burn the scroll; but he…