Lexical Summary Meremoth: Meremoth Original Word: מְרֵמוֹת Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Meremoth Plural from ruwm; heights; Meremoth, the name of two Israelites -- Meremoth. see HEBREW ruwm NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom the same as Mirmah Definition two Isr. priests, also an Isr. NASB Translation Meremoth (6). Brown-Driver-Briggs מְרֵמוֺת proper name, masculine 1. priest, time of Zerubbabel Nehemiah 12:3 (= מְרָיוֺת, q. v., Nehemiah 12:15) ᵐ5L Μαρειμωθ. 2 priest, time of Ezra and Nehemiah, Ezra 8:33; Nehemiah 3:4,21; Nehemiah 10:6 (probably same). ᵐ5 Μερειμωθ, Μεραμωθ, etc. 3 one of those who had taken strange wives Ezra 10:36. ᵐ5 Ιεραμωθ, A Μαρεμωθ. מִרְמַס see רמס. Topical Lexicon Occurrences and Historical Setting Meremoth appears six times in the post-exilic books of Ezra and Nehemiah (Ezra 8:33; Ezra 10:36; Nehemiah 3:4; Nehemiah 3:21; Nehemiah 10:5; Nehemiah 12:3). These references span roughly the first two generations after the return from Babylon, a formative period in which the Temple was rebuilt, the wall of Jerusalem restored, and the nation recommitted to covenant fidelity. The name is borne by at least two men: 1. Meremoth son of Uriah, a leading priest (Ezra 8:33; Nehemiah 3:4, 3:21; Nehemiah 12:3). Priestly Stewardship of Temple Treasures Upon arrival in Jerusalem with Ezra’s caravan, “the silver and gold and the articles were weighed out into the hand of Meremoth son of Uriah the priest” (Ezra 8:33). The weighty offering had traversed 900 miles without military escort; its safe delivery and accurate accounting underscore Meremoth’s integrity. His acceptance of the treasures in the “house of our God” positions him as a trustworthy guardian of sacred resources, affirming that faithful stewardship is central to priestly vocation. Builder of the Wall During Nehemiah’s wall project, Meremoth son of Uriah is twice singled out. First, he repairs a section next to Jeshua son of Jozadak (Nehemiah 3:4). Later he is credited with a second, distinct stretch opposite his own house (Nehemiah 3:21), demonstrating zeal that went beyond minimal duty. This dual mention highlights a pattern: those invested in worship (the priests) are also invested in the physical and communal well-being of God’s people. Participation in National Repentance Another Meremoth is recorded among “the priests” who put away foreign wives (Ezra 10:36). The same name reappears when the covenant is renewed under Nehemiah: “the priests… Meremoth” affix their seals (Nehemiah 10:5). The sequence models genuine repentance—renouncing disobedience, then publicly ratifying obedience. It also shows continuity: priests who correct their course can still serve prominently, illustrating restoration rather than disqualification. Continuity in Worship Leadership In the list of priests serving in the days of Joiakim, “Meremoth” heads his family division (Nehemiah 12:3). The chronology suggests that the priest who received Ezra’s treasures later became the patriarch of an ongoing priestly line. This continuity affirms that faithful service in one generation contributes to stability in the next. Ministry Significance and Lessons • Integrity with resources: Meremoth’s careful weighing of treasures encourages present-day leaders to handle offerings transparently. Summary Meremoth embodies faithful stewardship, energetic labor, humble repentance, and enduring leadership in the critical era of Israel’s restoration. His example invites God’s people in every age to guard sacred trust, build diligently, repent quickly, and serve so that future generations may inherit both the work accomplished and the faith that inspired it. Forms and Transliterations מְרֵמ֖וֹת מְרֵמ֤וֹת מְרֵמ֧וֹת מְרֵמֹֽת׃ מרמות מרמת׃ mə·rê·mō·wṯ mə·rê·mōṯ mereMot mərêmōṯ mərêmōwṯLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Ezra 8:33 HEB: עַ֠ל יַד־ מְרֵמ֤וֹת בֶּן־ אֽוּרִיָּה֙ NAS: into the hand of Meremoth the son KJV: by the hand of Meremoth the son INT: into the hand of Meremoth the son of Uriah Ezra 10:36 Nehemiah 3:4 Nehemiah 3:21 Nehemiah 10:5 Nehemiah 12:3 6 Occurrences |
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