מִרְמָה (mir.mah)
mir.mah
Mirmah
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 Mirmah appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, recorded in 1 Chronicles 8:10 as a son of Shaharaim and Hodesh within the tribe of Benjamin. This brief genealogical mention places him among the descendants who returned from Moab to settle in Jerusalem during the period of the divided monarchy.
Linguistically, the name is derived from the root meaning "deceit" or "fraud." While this etymology might seem unusual for a personal name, it reflects a broader biblical pattern where names serve as descriptive labels or theological statements rather than simple identifiers. The presence of such a name in a royal lineage suggests that the family’s identity was shaped by complex historical circumstances.
The occurrence of Mirmah in this specific genealogy highlights the intricate connections between the tribes of Israel and their neighboring regions, particularly Moab. His inclusion in the records of Benjamin underscores the detailed preservation of tribal heritage, ensuring that even individuals with names carrying heavy semantic weight remained part of the community’s historical memory.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Mirmah appears only once in Scripture, listed among the sons of Shaharaim in the tribe of Benjamin (1 Chronicles 8:10). Its root meaning relates to deceit or fraud, a stark contrast to names that celebrate strength or divine favor. This brief mention reminds us that biblical genealogies are not just dry lists but records of real people living within complex historical and spiritual landscapes.
Even when a name carries a heavy or negative semantic weight, it remains part of the preserved heritage of God’s people. This inclusion shows that no one is erased from the community’s memory, regardless of how their name might be interpreted. It invites us to consider how our own identities are shaped by history and grace, rather than just etymology.
For your faith, this passage offers a quiet comfort: every name in Scripture matters. God preserves the details of His people, ensuring that even those with challenging names are remembered. This attention to detail reflects a God who knows us fully and includes us in His ongoing story.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Mirmah1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- מִרְמָ֑ה1×