עִיר הַתְּמָרִים (ir hat.t.ma.rim)
ir hat.t.ma.rim
Ir-hatmarim
N:N--LQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 4 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N--L
Word Overview
The phrase `ir hat-tmarim` literally translates to "city of palms." It serves as a descriptive title for Jericho, highlighting the oasis-like quality of the settlement in the Jordan Valley. The Hebrew word for palm tree, tamar, was abundant in this region due to its reliable water source, making the landscape distinctive compared to the surrounding arid hills.
Scripture uses this name four times, primarily in Judges and Chronicles, to identify Jericho by its most defining natural feature. This epithet underscores the city's agricultural richness and strategic value as a fertile stronghold. The title appears in historical narratives that recount Israel’s conquest and later restoration efforts, anchoring the location in its physical reality.
Translators typically render this phrase directly to preserve the imagery of a lush, green settlement surrounded by desert. The name functions less as a formal proper noun and more as a vivid geographical marker, reminding readers of Jericho’s unique status as a productive center in an otherwise dry terrain.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The phrase 'city of palms' offers a vivid picture of Jericho as an oasis in the Jordan Valley. This description highlights how God provides sustenance and beauty even in dry, difficult landscapes. The abundance of date palms symbolizes life flourishing where water is found, reminding us that spiritual fruitfulness often grows in unexpected places.
When we encounter challenges that feel barren or harsh, this imagery encourages hope. Just as Jericho stood out for its greenery amidst the desert, God can bring renewal and provision into our own 'wilderness' seasons. It invites us to look for the signs of life and care that surround us, trusting in His ability to sustain us.
Ultimately, this title points to God’s faithfulness in providing for His people. Whether in times of conquest or restoration, the city remains a symbol of His provision. We can find comfort in knowing that He is present in both the fertile and the arid parts of our journey, offering peace and strength.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 4 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- the/ palm trees4×
- [the] city of3×
- from/ [the] city of1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- עִ֥יר2×
- הַ/תְּמָרִ֖ים2×
- עִיר\־1×
- מֵ/עִ֤יר1×
- הַ/תְּמָרִים֙1×
- הַ/תְּמָרִֽים\׃1×
Key Verses
-
Deuteronomy 34:3
and the south, and the Plain of the valley of Jericho the city of palm trees, to Zoar.
Moses sees this location from a distance, marking it as the final view of the Promised Land before his death.
-
Judges 3:13
He gathered the children of Ammon and Amalek to himself; and he went and struck Israel, and they possessed the city of palm trees.
Eglon uses the city's strategic value and resources to establish a stronghold against Israel during a time of oppression.
-
II Chronicles 28:15
The men who have been mentioned by name rose up and took the captives, and with the plunder clothed all who were naked among them, dressed them, gave them sandals, gave them something to eat and to drink, anointed them, carried all the feeble of them on donkeys, and brought them to Jericho, the city of palm trees, to their brothers. Then they returned to Samaria.
Men from Samaria bring captives back to Jericho, demonstrating an act of mercy and restoration after conflict.