נָמֵר (na.mer)
na.mer
leopard
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 6 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun na.mer refers specifically to the leopard, an animal known for its spotted coat and swift, stealthy movements. In the Old Testament, it appears in six verses, primarily within the prophetic books of Jeremiah and Isaiah, as well as in the poetic Song of Solomon. The word is straightforward in meaning, identifying this large cat without metaphorical ambiguity.
Scripture often uses the leopard to evoke a sense of sudden danger or fierce beauty. In Jeremiah 13:23 and Isaiah 11:6, the animal symbolizes an inherent nature that cannot be easily changed, highlighting the difficulty of altering deep-seated behaviors. Conversely, in Song of Solomon 4:8, the leopard is part of a list of wild creatures, emphasizing the exotic and untamed aspect of the landscape from which the beloved is called.
Translators consistently render na.mer as "leopard," preserving the specific animal imagery rather than generalizing it to "wild beast." This precision allows readers to visualize the distinct spotted pattern and agile character of the creature, reinforcing the textual emphasis on its unique traits. The Aramaic equivalent ne.mar carries the same meaning, showing consistency in usage across related Semitic languages.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The leopard in Scripture is a creature of distinct markings and swift action. Its spotted coat makes it impossible to hide its nature, which is why Jeremiah uses it to ask if anyone can change their skin or spots. This image reminds us that our habits and character are deeply rooted. It is a honest picture of who we are without God's help.
Yet the Bible also shows a different side of this animal. In Isaiah’s vision of peace, the leopard lies down with the goat. This suggests that even fierce instincts can be transformed in God’s kingdom. The same word describes both danger and restored harmony. We can trust that God sees our true nature but also offers new life.
When we feel stuck in old patterns, this word invites hope. It acknowledges our current state while pointing to a future where peace is possible. You are known fully by God, yet you are loved deeply enough to be changed.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 6 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- more than/ leopards1×
- like/ a leopard1×
- leopards1×
- and/ leopard1×
- and/ a leopard1×
- a leopard1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- וְ/נָמֵ֖ר2×
- נָמֵ֤ר1×
- נְמֵרִֽים\׃1×
- מִ/נְּמֵרִ֜ים1×
- כְּ/נָמֵ֖ר1×
Key Verses
-
Jeremiah 13:23
Can the Ethiopian change his skin, or the leopard his spots? Then may you also do good, who are accustomed to do evil.
This verse uses the leopard’s unchangeable spots to illustrate how hard it is for people to stop doing evil without divine intervention.
-
Isaiah 11:6
The wolf will live with the lamb, and the leopard will lie down with the young goat, the calf, the young lion, and the fattened calf together; and a little child will lead them.
Here the leopard lies down peacefully with prey, showing that God’s future kingdom will transform even natural instincts of fear and aggression.
-
Jeremiah 5:6
Therefore a lion out of the forest will kill them. A wolf of the evenings will destroy them. A leopard will watch against their cities. Everyone who goes out there will be torn in pieces, because their transgressions are many and their backsliding has increased.
The leopard watches against cities to highlight the sudden and inevitable judgment that comes from persistent rebellion against God.