Meaning & History
Zimri is a masculine name appearing in the Hebrew Bible, with its meaning probably derived from the Hebrew word zimrah, meaning "music, song." The possessive form suggests "my music" or "my song." This name is associated with two figures in the Old Testament.
Etymology
The name Zimri comes from the Hebrew root zmr, which is related to music and singing. The element zimra denotes "music" or "song," and the suffix indicates a possessive form, giving the meaning "my music."
Notable Bearers
The most prominent Zimri in the Bible was a king of Israel who reigned for only seven days. According to 1 Kings 16, he usurped the throne from King Elah but was soon besieged by the commander Omri. Rather than surrender, Zimri set the palace on fire and died. Another Zimri is mentioned in Numbers 25 as a man from the tribe of Simeon who was involved with a Midianite woman named Cozbi, an incident that led to a plague among the Israelites.
Cultural Significance
In English and Hebrew Bible usage, Zimri carries the dual legacy of a short-lived king and a cautionary tale. The name is rare in modern times but appears in religious contexts.
- Meaning: "My music"
- Origin: Hebrew
- Type: First name
- Usage: English Bible, Hebrew Bible