יַרְמוּת (yar.mut)
yar.mut
Jarmuth
N:N--LQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 7 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N--L
Word Overview
The proper noun yar-mut refers to Jarmuth, a specific Canaanite city situated in the lowlands of Judah. The name itself carries the meaning of "heights," which presents an interesting geographical contrast since the city was located in the valley region rather than on a mountain peak. This location placed it strategically between two other significant centers, Hebron and Lachish.
Historical records within the Bible mention Jarmuth primarily as a royal seat. It appears in lists of cities conquered during the Israelite settlement, notably when Joshua defeated its king (Joshua 10:3, 31). Later texts, such as Nehemiah 11:29, reference it again as part of the land assigned to the tribe of Benjamin. These seven occurrences anchor the word in the narrative of territorial division and military history.
Unlike abstract theological terms, yar-mut functions as a concrete marker of place. Its inclusion in biblical lists serves to document the extent of Israelite control and the specific boundaries of tribal inheritance. The repetition of the name across different books highlights its enduring significance in the historical memory of Judah’s settlement.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
Jarmuth appears in the Bible as a specific place name, marking a city in the lowlands of Judah. Its name suggests "heights," yet it sat in a valley between Hebron and Lachish. This contrast reminds us that God’s plans often unfold in unexpected places. The text records Jarmuth as a royal seat during the time of Joshua, showing how real geography shapes biblical history.
For your faith, this word grounds the story of Israel in actual soil. It is not an abstract idea but a concrete location where kings gathered and tribes settled. When you read these lists, remember that God cares about specific lands and people. His promises were fulfilled in real towns like Jarmuth, anchoring hope in tangible reality.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 7 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Jarmuth6×
- and/ in/ Jarmuth1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- יַרְמוּת֙4×
- יַרְמ֜וּת1×
- יַרְמ֔וּת1×
- וּ/בְ/יַרְמֽוּת\׃1×
Key Verses
-
Joshua 10:5
Therefore the five kings of the Amorites, the king of Jerusalem, the king of Hebron, the king of Jarmuth, the king of Lachish, and the king of Eglon, gathered themselves together and went up, they and all their armies, and encamped against Gibeon, and made war against it.
This verse highlights Jarmuth’s political weight by listing its king among the five Amorite rulers who united against Gibeon.
-
Joshua 12:11
the king of Jarmuth, one; the king of Lachish, one;
Here Jarmuth is counted among defeated kings, serving as a brief but clear marker of Israel’s military progress in the region.
-
Nehemiah 11:29
in En Rimmon, in Zorah, in Jarmuth,
This later reference shows Jarmuth still inhabited and significant enough to be listed among towns repopulated after the exile.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Jarmuth mean?
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Every Occurrence (7 verses across 2 books)
Joshua 6 verses
Therefore Adoni-Zedek king of Jerusalem sent to Hoham king of Hebron, Piram king of Jarmuth, Japhia king of Lachish,…
Joshua 10:5Therefore the five kings of the Amorites, the king of Jerusalem, the king of Hebron, the king of Jarmuth, the king of…
Joshua 10:23They did so, and brought those five kings out of the cave to him: the king of Jerusalem, the king of Hebron, the king…
Joshua 12:11the king of Jarmuth, one; the king of Lachish, one;
Joshua 15:35Jarmuth, Adullam, Socoh, Azekah,
Joshua 21:29Jarmuth with its pasture lands, En Gannim with its pasture lands: four cities.