זִמְרִי (zim.ri)

zim.ri

Zimri

H2174 · Hebrew · Old Testament · 13 verses

N:N-M-P

Language: Biblical Hebrew
Testament: Old Testament
Occurrences: 13 verses
Root: —
Part of speech: N:N-M-P

Word Overview

The name Zimri, meaning "my music," appears in Scripture as a personal identifier for several distinct individuals across different tribes and eras. In the wilderness narrative, it designates the Simeonite leader whose actions at Baal-peor triggered a plague, requiring Phinehas to intervene (Numbers 25:14). Later genealogical records list other men with this name among the descendants of Judah and Benjamin, linking them to broader tribal lineages.

The most prominent figure bearing this name is the fifth king of the northern Kingdom of Israel. He seized power by assassinating King Elah, ruling for only seven days before being besieged by Omri. Rather than face capture, Zimri burned the royal palace over himself (1 Kings 16:9-20). His brief, violent reign serves as a historical marker for the instability of the northern kingdom during this period.

While the name itself suggests joy or song, its biblical usage is consistently tied to conflict and judgment. The contrast between the meaning "my music" and the violent ends of these characters highlights the narrative irony often found in Hebrew names. Translators retain the proper noun Zimri without attempting to adapt it into English idioms.

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

What This Word Means for Your Faith

The name Zimri carries a quiet irony in Scripture. It means "my music," yet every prominent figure with this name is linked to chaos, judgment, or sudden death. This contrast reminds us that names and titles do not guarantee character. A person may have the appearance of joy or leadership but still choose paths that lead to destruction. The Bible does not shy away from showing how quickly power can turn into tragedy when it is seized by force rather than received with humility.

For your own life, this word offers a sobering check on ambition. It invites you to examine the roots of your desires. Are they built on stability and peace, or on the restless pursuit of control? The narrative of Zimri shows that shortcuts to power often end in isolation. True security comes not from holding onto positions, but from walking faithfully with God, even when the outcome is uncertain.

We see this pattern repeated across generations. From the Simeonite leader who provoked divine wrath to the king who burned his own palace, the story remains consistent. Human effort cannot sustain what God has not ordained. This truth brings comfort, for it means we do not need to strive desperately to secure our own futures. We can rest in the knowledge that our lives are held by a faithful Creator who values integrity over influence.

How it's translated

How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 13 verses where it appears, by frequency.

Zimri11×
and/ Zimri2×
[was] Zimri1×
O Zimri1×

Forms in the text

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

זִמְרִ֔י4×
זִמְרִי֙2×
זִמְרִ֖י2×
זִמְרִ֑י2×
וְ/זִמְרִ֖י2×
זִמְרִ֛י1×
זִמְרִ֗י1×
זִ֠מְרִי1×

Key Verses

I Kings 16:9
His servant Zimri, captain of half his chariots, conspired against him. Now he was in Tirzah, drinking himself drunk in the house of Arza, who was over the household in Tirzah;

This verse introduces Zimri as a military leader whose ambition leads him to conspire against his king, setting the stage for violent instability.
I Kings 16:10
and Zimri went in and struck him and killed him in the twenty-seventh year of Asa king of Judah, and reigned in his place.

Here Zimri completes his coup by killing King Elah, demonstrating how quickly political loyalty can be broken for personal gain.
I Kings 16:18
When Zimri saw that the city was taken, he went into the fortified part of the king’s house and burned the king’s house over him with fire, and died,

Facing capture, Zimri chooses self-destruction by burning the palace, illustrating the ultimate futility of power gained through treason.
Numbers 25:14
Now the name of the man of Israel that was slain, who was slain with the Midianite woman, was Zimri, the son of Salu, a prince of a fathers’ house among the Simeonites.

This earlier Zimri is identified as the instigator of idolatry at Baal-peor, showing that the name is associated with leading people away from God.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the name Zimri mean?

The Hebrew name Zimri means "my music" or "my song." Despite this joyful meaning, the biblical figures who bear it are consistently associated with conflict, judgment, and violent ends.

How many different people named Zimri appear in the Bible?

The name appears for several distinct individuals. Most notably, there is the Simeonite leader in Numbers 25 who provoked a plague, and the king of Israel in 1 Kings 16 who ruled for only seven days before dying. There are also minor genealogical mentions in Chronicles.

Why did King Zimri burn down the palace?

After seizing power through assassination, Zimri faced a siege by Omri's army. Seeing that the city was about to fall and he would be captured, he went into the royal palace and burned it down with himself inside, choosing death over surrender.

Is there a connection between the Old Testament Zimri and the New Testament Zimri?

They share the same name but are separated by centuries. The Old Testament Zimri was an Israelite king or tribal leader involved in political and religious rebellion. The New Testament Zimri (Acts 5:1) was a member of the early church who lied about money, facing immediate judgment for deceit within the community.

Every Occurrence (13 verses across 5 books)

Numbers 1 verse

Numbers 25:14

Now the name of the man of Israel that was slain, who was slain with the Midianite woman, was Zimri, the son of Salu, a…

I Kings 7 verses

II Kings 1 verse

I Chronicles 3 verses

Jeremiah 1 verse