עַמְרָמִי (am.ra.mi)
am.ra.mi
Amramite
N:N--PGQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N--PG
Word Overview
The Hebrew word amramî is a gentilic adjective meaning "Amramite," referring to a descendant of Amram within the tribe of Levi. It functions as a collective noun for this specific branch of the Kohathite family, which held significant responsibility for the sacred furnishings of the tabernacle during the wilderness wanderings.
Its usage is rare, appearing only twice in the Hebrew Bible: once in Numbers 3:27 to designate the Amramite clan’s duties, and again in 1 Chronicles 26:23 where it identifies the leaders overseeing temple service under David. The term anchors these individuals to their patriarchal lineage, distinguishing them from other Kohathite groups like the Izharites or Hebronites.
Etymologically, the name Amram likely combines elements meaning "exalted people" or "high kin," reflecting the elevated status of this family line. By identifying servants as Amramites, the text emphasizes their specific hereditary role in Israel’s worship structure, linking the leadership of Moses and Aaron directly to the ongoing maintenance of holy space.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The term Amramite identifies a specific branch of Levi, tracing back to Amram, the father of Moses and Aaron. In the wilderness, this family was entrusted with the care of the most sacred items in the tabernacle. This role required great trust and precision, as they handled the holy objects that represented God’s presence among His people.
Centuries later, under King David, Amramite leaders continued to serve in the temple. Their enduring responsibility shows how faithful service passes through generations. When we read about these individuals, we see a community committed to honoring God through disciplined stewardship and reverence for what is set apart.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- to the/ Amramite[s]1×
- the/ Amramite[s]1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- לַֽ/עַמְרָמִי֙1×
- הַֽ/עַמְרָמִי֙1×
Key Verses
-
Numbers 3:27
Of Kohath was the family of the Amramites, the family of the Izharites, the family of the Hebronites, and the family of the Uzzielites. These are the families of the Kohathites.
This verse lists the Amramites as one of four main Kohathite clans, highlighting their distinct hereditary duty to manage the tabernacle's sacred furnishings.
-
I Chronicles 26:23
Of the Amramites, of the Izharites, of the Hebronites, of the Uzzielites:
Here the text records Amramite leaders among those appointed by David to oversee temple service, showing the continuity of their role from wilderness to established monarchy.