עִיר הַתְּמָרִים
𐤏𐤉𐤓 𐤄𐤕𐤌𐤓𐤉𐤌
ʻÎyr hat-Tᵉmârîym
H5899
SILEX Entry
Definition
A descriptive place name meaning 'City of the Palm Trees;' refers to a location characterized by an abundance of date palms. The phrase is a compound noun combining the word for 'city' (עִיר) with the definite article and plural of 'palm tree' (תְּמָרִים). In biblical usage, it denotes a specific city or region known for its date palm groves, most commonly associated with the area around Jericho.
Semantic Range
city characterized by palm trees, oasis city, Jericho, region with date palms, lush/garden-like setting
Root / Etymology
עִיר (city) derives from the root ע-ו-ר ('to watch, awaken, guard'), reflecting the notion of a protected or inhabited place. תְּמָרִים is the plural of תָּמָר ('palm tree'), which comes from a root connoting uprightness, but in context refers specifically to the fruit-bearing date palm. The phrase עִיר הַתְּמָרִים is a literal descriptive construction, not a personal name or an abstract designation.
Historical & Contextual Notes
עִיר הַתְּמָרִים appears in Deuteronomy 34:3 and Judges 1:16 and 3:13, where it designates Jericho (or its environs) as 'the city of palm trees,' emphasizing its lush, oasis-like quality. In biblical literature, Jericho was renowned for its abundant date palms, which became a defining feature of the area. Later translations (e.g., 'city of palm trees,' 'palm city') do not always make clear that this phrase refers specifically to Jericho or its immediate locality. The term is a descriptive titular phrase rather than a proper name, and its application in biblical texts signals both geographic and economic characteristics (notably, the presence of valuable date palms). During the monarchic and post-exilic periods, the location continued to be associated with fertility and bounty. No exclusively religious or ethnic connotation is attached to the phrase; it is geographic and horticultural in reference.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from עִיר and the plural of תָּמָר with the article interpolated; city of the palmtrees; Ir-hat-Temarim, a place in Palestine; the city of palmtrees.
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Occurrences in Scripture
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