נְמַר
𐤍𐤌𐤓
nᵉmar
H5245 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
A large, carnivorous, spotted feline; specifically, a leopard. In Aramaic biblical texts, 'nᵉmar' refers to a wild animal recognized for its distinctive spots and predatory qualities. The term is used to describe both the literal creature and, at times, metaphorically to denote characteristics such as stealth, fierceness, or danger.
Semantic Range
leopard (animal); figurative: one with spotted appearance, symbol of agility or ferocity; metaphor (in visions): kingdom or entity with swiftness, cunning, or predatory traits
Root / Etymology
From the Hebrew root נמר (n-m-r), meaning to be spotted or variegated. The Aramaic form shares its root and basic meaning with the Hebrew noun נָמֵר (namēr, 'leopard'). The word conveys the idea of one marked by spots, giving rise to the designation of the animal by its appearance.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In the Aramaic portions of the Hebrew Bible, notably Daniel 7:6, 'נְמַר' appears within apocalyptic imagery. In these contexts, the leopard symbolizes swiftness, agility, and formidable prowess, often within figurative or visionary language. The literal meaning as the animal (leopard, Panthera pardus) is maintained, though contextual metaphoric use broadens its significance. While the root is consistent across Northwest Semitic languages, care should be taken not to conflate the term with later zoological or regional distinctions. Unlike terms such as 'lion' (אַרְיֵה), which may also carry symbolic weight, 'leopard' in biblical Aramaic persists as a symbol of speed and cunning, frequently in opposition to more direct power represented by the lion. English translations generally render 'נְמַר' as 'leopard,' which accurately captures the primary referent though some nuance in metaphorical usage may be lost. In later Jewish Aramaic and Targumic literature, the sense remains consistent, though its symbolic use expands.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
(Aramaic) corresponding to נָמֵר; {a leopard (from its stripes)}; leopard.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
נמר (n-m-r) — to be spotted, to be variegated
| Strong's | Lemma | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|
| H1039 | בֵּית נִמְרָה | Leopard-Settlement |
| H5246 | נָמֵר | like a spotted feline |
| H5247 | נִמְרָה | and Nimrah |
| H5249 | נִמְרִים | Clear-Waters |
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H5245-01 |
כִּ/נְמַ֔ר | kinemar | AR/Ncmsa |
like a leopard | leopard | like a leopard | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H5245-01 |
Daniel 7:6 | כִּ/נְמַ֔ר | kinemar | AR/Ncmsa |
like a leopard | leopard | like a leopard |