זִמָּה (zim.mah)
zim.mah
Zimmah
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
The name Zimmah identifies several Levites from the Gershonite clan during the era of the Divided Monarchy. It appears primarily in the genealogical records of 1 Chronicles and 2 Chronicles, serving as a link between ancestors like Shimei or Jahath and descendants such as Joah. These individuals were part of the temple service structure established under King Hezekiah.
Etymologically, the name derives from a root meaning "to plot" or "plan." While this might suggest negative connotations in other contexts, here it functions simply as a personal identifier within a priestly lineage. The sources note that some scholars consider the Zimmah mentioned in 1 Chronicles 6:20 to be the same person as the one listed in 2 Chronicles 29:12, though the texts present him with different paternal lineages.
Its rarity is notable, occurring in only a handful of verses. The name highlights the meticulous record-keeping of Israel’s religious leaders, preserving the identities of those who facilitated worship and temple maintenance during a turbulent period in 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 Zimmah appears in the genealogical records of 1 Chronicles and 2 Chronicles, identifying a Levite from the Gershonite clan. While the root word can mean to plot or plan, here it serves as a simple personal identifier within a priestly lineage. This highlights how God values every individual in His service, regardless of the meaning behind their name.
During King Hezekiah’s reforms, these Levites played a crucial role in restoring temple worship. Their names were carefully recorded, showing that God remembers those who facilitate worship and maintain the house of the Lord. This preservation of identity offers comfort, reminding us that our service is seen and valued by God.
Even in turbulent times, faithful individuals like Zimmah contributed to the spiritual renewal of Israel. Their story encourages us to remain steadfast in our duties, knowing that every act of service, no matter how small, is part of a larger divine plan. We can trust that God honors those who serve Him with integrity.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Zimmah1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- זִמָּ֔ה1×
Key Verses
-
II Chronicles 29:12
Then the Levites arose: Mahath, the son of Amasai, and Joel the son of Azariah, of the sons of the Kohathites; and of the sons of Merari, Kish the son of Abdi, and Azariah the son of Jehallelel; and of the Gershonites, Joah the son of Zimmah, and Eden the son of Joah;
This verse lists Joah the son of Zimmah among the Gershonite Levites who arose to help King Hezekiah restore temple worship, showing the name's connection to active service during a time of religious reform.