נִמְרִים (nim.rim)
nim.rim
Nimrim
N:N--LQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N--L
Word Overview
The name Nimrim, meaning "limpid" or "pure," refers to a specific stream located within the territory of Moab. Its occurrence is rare in Scripture, appearing only twice in the prophetic books of Isaiah and Jeremiah.
In these texts, the location serves as a geographical marker for judgment rather than a place of blessing. When the prophet describes the drying up of Nimrim, it symbolizes the loss of water and vitality for the land of Moab, highlighting how even clear, life-giving sources can be removed in times of divine displeasure.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Nimrim carries a meaning that points to clarity and purity, yet its biblical story is one of sudden stillness. In ancient Moab, this stream was likely a reliable source of fresh water, essential for life in the region. When the prophets Isaiah and Jeremiah mention it, they are not describing a spiritual ideal but a physical reality: the water has dried up, leaving the grass withered and the land silent.
For your faith, this image reminds us that our security often rests on tangible things—health, provision, or stability. When these sources feel dry, it can be unsettling. The text does not promise immediate restoration but acknowledges the pain of loss. It invites us to look beyond the visible landscape, trusting that God’s care extends even when the familiar streams seem to vanish.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Nimrim2×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- נִמְרִ֖ים1×
- נִמְרִ֔ים1×
Key Verses
-
Isaiah 15:6
For the waters of Nimrim will be desolate; for the grass has withered away, the tender grass fails, there is no green thing.
This verse establishes Nimrim as a specific geographical marker where the drying of waters signals the beginning of judgment upon Moab.
-
Jeremiah 48:34
From the cry of Heshbon even to Elealeh, even to Jahaz they have uttered their voice, from Zoar even to Horonaim, to Eglath Shelishiyah; for the waters of Nimrim will also become desolate.
Here, the desolation of Nimrim is included in a broader list of cities crying out, emphasizing the widespread nature of the disaster.