זִמָּה
𐤆𐤌𐤄
Zimah
H2155 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
Zimmâh is a personal name borne by two individuals listed in genealogies of the Israelite tribes. The name likely carries the implication of 'plan' or 'purpose,' though it historically shares its form with a common noun meaning 'plan, device, wickedness.' In personal name usage, the negative connotation often attached to the common noun seems absent, and the name should be understood as a theophoric or neutral reference to intent or purpose.
Semantic Range
plan, device, intention (in general use); personal name (in genealogical contexts)
Root / Etymology
From the root זמם ('z-m-m'), meaning 'to plan, devise, intend.' 'Zimmâh' as a noun means 'plan, device, intention,' often with a negative sense such as 'wickedness' in non-name contexts. In the case of the personal name, it is likely taken in a neutral or positive sense, denoting someone of purpose or intent.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In the Hebrew Bible, 'Zimmâh' appears as the name of two different Israelites: one a Levite in the genealogy of Gershon in 1 Chronicles 6:20, 6:42; and another in the genealogy of the tribe of Simeon (1 Chronicles 4:37). The personal name is identical in form to the noun זִמָּה (zimmâh) that elsewhere refers to an 'intent, plan,' and often 'evil plan or wickedness.' However, in onomastic usage (personal names), the pejorative connotation is typically suspended—personal names with otherwise negative literal meanings are not uncommon in the Hebrew Bible. English translations sometimes obscure this by treating Zimmâh as a proper noun, whereas the underlying Hebrew root conveys a broader semantic field. The use of the name for Levites and Simeonites alike suggests its use as a standard Israelite personal name in genealogical records, not connected to later pejorative readings. This should not be confused with exilic or post-exilic period terminology or later terms like "Jew" (which do not apply here).
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
the same as זִמָּה; Zimmah, the name of two Israelites; Zimmah.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
זמם (z-m-m) — to plan, devise, plot (often with harmful intent)
| Strong's | Lemma | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|
| H2154 | זִמָּה | the wicked scheme |
| H2157 | זַמְזֹם | Zamzummites |
| H2161 | זָמַם | they scheme |
| H2162 | זָמָם | his malicious scheme |
| H4209 | מְזִמָּה | in deliberate plans |
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H2155-01 |
זִמָּ֥ה | zimah | HNp |
Zimmah | premeditated wicked scheme | 3 |
Occurrences in Scripture
3 total occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H2155-01 |
1 Chronicles 6:5 | זִמָּ֥ה | zimah | HNp |
Zimmah | premeditated wicked scheme |
H2155-01 |
1 Chronicles 6:27 | זִמָּ֖ה | zimah | HNp |
Jeroham | premeditated wicked scheme |
H2155-01 |
2 Chronicles 29:12 | זִמָּ֔ה | zimah | HNp |
Zimmah | premeditated wicked scheme |