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Chemarim
Excerpt from the Lexham Bible Dictionary, the most advanced Bible dictionary.
A word sometimes translated as “idolatrous priests” (2 Kgs 23:5; Hos 10:5; Zeph 1:4).The word, which is of Aramaic origin, is used unfavorably in the Old Testament to describe the idolatrous priests of the high places in Israel.
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The Lexham Bible Dictionary
Chemarim
Chemarim (כְּמָרִים‎, kemarim). A word sometimes translated as “idolatrous priests” (2 Kgs 23:5; Hos 10:5; Zeph 1:4).The word, which is of Aramaic origin, is used unfavorably in the Old Testament to describe the idolatrous priests of the high places in Israel.
Baker Encyclopedia of the Bible
Chemarim, Chemarims
Chemarim, Chemarims. Hebrew term translated “idolatrous priests” (2 Kgs 23:5; Hos 10:5; Zep 1:4). In the kjv this word appears in Zephaniah 1:4 as a proper name, spelled either Chemarim or Chemarims. The exact meaning of the word is uncertain.
The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, Revised
Chemarims
Chemarims kem̀ə-rims. This word appears once in the AV, in Zeph 1:4; however, the Hebrew term kemārîm (priests) also occurs in 2 K. 23:5 (AV “idolatrous priests”) and Hos. 10:5 (AV “priests”). The RSV consistently translates the term “idolatrous priests,” while the NEB has “heathen priests” or “priestlings.”
Tyndale Bible Dictionary
Chemarim, Chemarims
CHEMARIM*, CHEMARIMS* Hebrew term often translated “idolatrous priests” (2 Kgs 23:5; Hos 10:5; Zep 1:4). In the kjv this word appears in Zephaniah 1:4 as a proper name, spelled either Chemarim or Chemarims. The exact meaning of the word is uncertain.
The Wycliffe Bible Encyclopedia
Chemarim
CHEMARIM. A word of Aramaic origin meaning “priest.” The RSV translates this plural form as “idolatrous priests.” The KJV transliterates the term “chemarims” in Zeph 1:4, but as “idolatrous priests” in 2 Kgs 23:5 and “priests” in Hos 10:5. All three passages show these priests involved in false worship.
Eerdmans Bible Dictionary
Chemarim
Chemarim [kĕmˊə rĭm] (Heb. kemārîm “priests”). A KJV transliteration of the Hebrew word “priests” (“idolatrous priests,” RSV, NIV; JB “spurious priests”), referring to the idolatrous priests at Bethel (cf. KJV mg. 2 Kgs. 23:5; Hos. 10:5).
Smith’s Bible Dictionary
Chemarim the
Chem´arim, The (those who go about in black, i.e., ascetics). In the Hebrew applied to the priests of the worship of false gods. 2 Kings 23:5; Hos. 10:5, in margin; Zeph. 1:4.
The New Unger’s Bible Dictionary
Chemarim
CHEM´ARIM (keʹmā-rim; “servants”?). A KJV term appearing in Zeph. 1:4 to refer to “idolatrous priests” (so NASB and NIV). The Heb. word is found elsewhere (2 Kings 23:5; Hos. 10:5), with the NASB rendering “idolatrous priests,” and the NIV “pagan priests.” The term refers to the priests appointed by
Easton’s Bible Dictionary
Chemarim
Chemarim—black, (Zeph. 1:4; rendered “idolatrous priests” in 2 Kings 23:5, and “priests” in Hos. 10:5). Some derive this word from the Assyrian Kamaru, meaning “to throw down,” and interpret it as describing the idolatrous priests who prostrate themselves before the idols. Others regard it as meaning
Nelson’s New Illustrated Bible Dictionary
Chemarim
CHEMARIM [KEM uh rim] — the KJV transliteration of the Hebrew word kemarim (Zeph. 1:4; idolatrous priests, NRSV, NKJV, NIV, NASB; heathen priests, REB). The word also refers to the idolatrous priests (2 Kin. 23:5, NKJV) appointed by the kings of Judah for the worship at the high places, and to the priests
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
CHEMARIM
CHEMARIM<kem’-a-rim> (כְּמָרִים‎ [kemarim], a plural whose singular komer is not found in the Old Testament): Occurs only once in the text of English Versions of the Bible (Zeph 1:4, the King James Version Chemarims), though the Hebrew word is found also in 2 Kings 23:5 (English Versions “idolatrous
The Westminster Bible Dictionary
Chemarims, The
Chemʹarims, The. This word, transferred from the Hebrew into our English Version, occurs but once in the English Old Testament (Zeph. 1:4). In 2 Kings 23:5 the word is rendered “idolatrous priests,” and in Hos. 10:5, “priests.” In Hebrew usage it is restricted to the priests of a false worship, and in