נָמֵר
𐤍𐤌𐤓
nâmêr
H5246 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
A large, carnivorous feline (Panthera pardus), commonly rendered 'leopard,' recognized for its spotted or mottled coat pattern. This animal is referenced as a symbol of swiftness, ferocity, and stealth, and appears in both literal zoological contexts and metaphorical uses across biblical literature. The word is not limited to the modern zoological definition, but encompasses any large, spotted wild feline known to the Israelite population.
Semantic Range
leopard, large spotted wild feline, metaphor for swiftness or ferocity, symbol of predatory danger
Root / Etymology
The root is uncertain. Some have hypothesized a connection to a root meaning 'to spot' or 'to stain,' but there is no attested Hebrew verb or noun with this exact root. Related forms such as נִמְרָה (Nimrah) and נִמְרִים (Nimrim) are place names possibly derived from the same or similar stems, likely reflecting an association with leopards or a local abundance of such animals. However, this etymological link is speculative and not securely established.
Historical & Contextual Notes
נָמֵר is attested in Classical Hebrew as the common designation for the leopard, an animal indigenous to the Levant during the biblical period. References to the leopard/nâmêr are primarily found in poetic or prophetic texts to evoke vivid imagery—of speed, ferocity, or predatory danger (e.g., Habakkuk 1:8; Jeremiah 5:6; Isaiah 11:6). The animal served as a metaphor for sudden or relentless attack, craftiness, or untamable wildness. In Isaiah 11:6, the leopard is pictured alongside other predators in an eschatological vision of peace, underscoring its reputation as a typically dangerous creature. Standard English translations as 'leopard' generally capture the primary referent, but readers should note that for the ancient audience, the taxonomy was likely broader, encompassing any large, spotted wild feline (possibly including animals that would now be classified as panthers). Unlike the lion (אַרְיֵה), which sometimes has royal or protective associations, the נָמֵר is consistently linked to qualities of predation and speed. There is no evidence for significant semantic development or major shifts in connotation between the monarchic and later biblical periods. Later translation traditions (including early Greek and Latin) consistently render נָמֵר as 'leopard.' The word does not acquire the metaphorical or ethnic connotations found with some other animal names in the biblical corpus.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from an unused root meaning properly, to filtrate, i.e. be limpid (comp נִמְרָה and נִמְרִים); and thus to spot or stain as if by dripping; 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 spot, to stain, to be mottled
| Strong's | Lemma | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|
| H1039 | בֵּית נִמְרָה | Leopard-Settlement |
| H5245 | נְמַר | leopard |
| H5247 | נִמְרָה | and Nimrah |
| H5249 | נִמְרִים | Clear-Waters |
Word Forms
5 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H5246-05 |
וְ/נָמֵ֖ר | venamer | HC/Ncmsa |
and leopard | spotted leopard | 2 |
H5246-03 |
נָמֵ֤ר | namer | HNcmsa |
a leopard | spotted wild feline | 1 |
H5246-02 |
מִ/נְּמֵרִ֜ים | minemerim | HR/Ncmpa |
than leopards | spotted wild felines | 1 |
H5246-04 |
נְמֵרִֽים | nemerim | HNcmpa |
leopards | spotted wild felines | 1 |
H5246-01 |
כְּ/נָמֵ֖ר | kenamer | HR/Ncmsa |
like a leopard | like a spotted feline | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
6 total occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H5246-05 |
Isaiah 11:6 | וְ/נָמֵ֖ר | venamer | HC/Ncmsa |
and leopard | spotted leopard |
H5246-03 |
Jeremiah 5:6 | נָמֵ֤ר | namer | HNcmsa |
a leopard | spotted wild feline |
H5246-05 |
Jeremiah 13:23 | וְ/נָמֵ֖ר | venamer | HC/Ncmsa |
or leopard | spotted leopard |
H5246-01 |
Hosea 13:7 | כְּ/נָמֵ֖ר | kenamer | HR/Ncmsa |
like a leopard | like a spotted feline |
H5246-02 |
Habakkuk 1:8 | מִ/נְּמֵרִ֜ים | minemerim | HR/Ncmpa |
than leopards | spotted wild felines |
H5246-04 |
Song of Songs 4:8 | נְמֵרִֽים | nemerim | HNcmpa |
leopards | spotted wild felines |