זַמָּר (zam.mar)
zam.mar
singer
A:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- A:N-M
Word Overview
The noun zammār refers to a professional singer, specifically one who performs in a liturgical or official capacity. In the Hebrew Bible, it denotes someone whose role is to lead musical worship, distinct from general poets or composers. The word appears only once in the canonical text, highlighting its specific and limited usage within the scriptural record.
This single occurrence is found in Ezra 7:24, where it describes individuals exempted from royal taxes. The context suggests that these singers held a recognized status within the restored community, supported by the Persian administration for their service in the temple. This rare appearance underscores the importance placed on organized music and vocal leadership in post-exilic Jewish worship.
While the term itself is straightforward, its solitary presence in Ezra points to a specialized class of worshippers. Unlike broader terms for praise or song, zammār identifies the person rather than the act, emphasizing the human instrument through which corporate worship was expressed. This distinction helps readers understand the structured nature of temple service during this historical period.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word zammār points to a dedicated singer in ancient Israel, one who led worship with professional care. In Ezra 7:24, these singers received tax exemptions from the Persian king, showing that their role was valued by both God and government. This recognition highlights how important music was in restoring community life after exile.
For your faith today, this reminds us that worship is not just about personal feelings but involves wholehearted service. When you sing or lead others in praise, you participate in a long tradition of faithful devotion. Your voice matters in the church’s story, offering hope and unity to those around you.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- singers/ the1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- זַמָּ֨רַיָּ֤/א1×
Key Verses
-
Ezra 7:24
Also we inform you that it shall not be lawful to impose tribute, custom, or toll on any of the priests, Levites, singers, gatekeepers, temple servants, or laborers of this house of God.
This verse uniquely identifies singers as a distinct group exempt from royal taxes, underscoring their official status in temple worship.