הֲדַדְרִמּוֹן (ha.dad.rim.mon)
ha.dad.rim.mon
Hadad-rimmon
N:N--LQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N--L
Word Overview
The name Hadad-rimmon refers to a specific location in the valley of Megiddo, recorded in Zechariah 12:11. Its meaning, "Hadad of the pomegranates," combines two elements: Hadad, a prominent Syrian storm god, and Rimmon, another deity often associated with thunder or possibly fruitfulness. This etymology suggests the place was named after local pagan shrines or idols that once stood there.
Zechariah uses this site to evoke the memory of King Josiah’s death at Megiddo, which had become a national tragedy for Judah. By mentioning Hadad-rimmon, the prophet contrasts past mourning over a human king with future mourning over the Messiah. The reference highlights how deeply ingrained these pagan names were in the landscape, even as the people turned back to Yahweh.
This single occurrence serves as a historical marker, reminding readers of the spiritual compromises of earlier generations. It underscores the theme of repentance and renewed devotion that runs through Zechariah’s vision for Israel’s restoration.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Hadad-rimmon appears only once in Scripture, located in Zechariah 12:11. It refers to a place in the valley of Megiddo where ancient Israelites once mourned for King Josiah. The name itself reflects the spiritual confusion of that era, combining the name of a storm god with another deity associated with thunder or fruitfulness.
For your faith today, this verse offers a powerful contrast. Zechariah uses this historical site to describe a future time when Israel will mourn for the Messiah. It reminds us that the places and names we carry can hold deep emotional weight. Yet God invites us to direct our deepest sorrows toward Him, transforming grief into a profound connection with Christ.
This single reference highlights how God works within human history. He takes familiar landmarks and repurposes them for His redemptive plan. Even when the world around us is marked by idolatry or confusion, God remains faithful to bring about true restoration and hope through Jesus.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Rimmon1×
- Hadad-1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- רִמּ֖וֹן1×
- הֲדַדְ\־1×
Key Verses
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Zechariah 12:11
In that day there will be a great mourning in Jerusalem, like the mourning of Hadadrimmon in the valley of Megiddo.
This verse uses the historical mourning at Hadad-rimmon as a metaphor for the future spiritual awakening and grief over the pierced Messiah.