תַּמְרוּר (tam.rur)
tam.rur
bitterness
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun tamrur denotes a state of bitterness, appearing only twice in the Old Testament within the book of Jeremiah. In these contexts, it describes the sharp, painful consequences of sin or divine judgment, rather than just an emotional feeling. The word captures the harsh reality of a life turned sour by rebellion against God.
Its rarity makes its usage significant. When Jeremiah employs this term, he is highlighting the severe and corrosive nature of the covenant breach. Unlike more common words for sorrow, tamrur suggests a lingering, acrid quality to the suffering experienced by Judah. It serves as a stark reminder that turning away from God results in a life that tastes of ash and gall.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word tamrur describes a deep, lingering bitterness that comes from life turning away from God. It is not just a momentary sadness, but a harsh reality that settles in when we reject His ways. In Jeremiah, this term highlights the painful consequences of breaking our covenant with Him, showing how sin can sour our hearts and relationships over time.
Yet even in these stark warnings, there is hope for restoration. When we acknowledge our bitterness and turn back to God, He offers healing and comfort. This word reminds us that while rebellion leads to pain, returning to Him brings the sweetness of forgiveness and peace, restoring what was lost.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- bitterness<es>2×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- תַּמְרוּרִ֑ים1×
- תַמְרוּרִ֔ים1×
Key Verses
-
Jeremiah 6:26
Daughter of my people, clothe yourself with sackcloth, and wallow in ashes! Mourn, as for an only son, most bitter lamentation, for the destroyer will suddenly come on us.
This verse uses tamrur to describe the intense, lingering grief of Judah facing judgment, emphasizing the depth of sorrow from covenant breach.
-
Jeremiah 31:15
Yahweh says: “A voice is heard in Ramah, lamentation and bitter weeping, Rachel weeping for her children. She refuses to be comforted for her children, because they are no more.”
Here, tamrur characterizes Rachel's weeping for her children, portraying bitterness as a profound, unending pain that resists comfort due to loss.