Lexical Summary Immer: Immer Original Word: אִמֵּר Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Immer From 'amar; talkative; Immer, the name of five Israelites -- Immer. see HEBREW 'amar NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom amar Definition the name of several Isr., perhaps also a place in Bab. NASB Translation Immer (10). Brown-Driver-Briggs אִמֵּר proper name, masculine 1. a priest assigned to David's time 1 Chronicles 24:14 perhaps = 2 ancestor of priest 1 Chronicles 9:12 compare Nehemiah 11:13; Ezra 2:37; Ezra 10:20; Nehemiah 7:40. 3 priest in Jeremiah's time Jeremiah 20:1. 4 father of Zadok Nehemiah 3:29. 5. proper name, of a location (?) Ezra 2:59 = Nehemiah 7:61. Topical Lexicon Identity and Meaning Immer designates a priestly house tracing its roots to Aaron through Eleazar. Members of this clan appear in pre-exilic, exilic, and post-exilic records, demonstrating the continuity of the priesthood the Lord established in the wilderness and preserved through Israel’s turbulent history. Temple Service before the Exile 1 Chronicles preserves two snapshots of Immer’s early importance. The genealogical summary in 1 Chronicles 9:12 lists “Maasai son of Adiel … son of Immer” among the skilled men who oversaw “the service of the house of God.” A few chapters later the division of priestly orders under King David assigns “the sixteenth lot to Immer” (1 Chronicles 24:14). This establishes the family as one of the twenty-four rotating courses responsible for regular ministry in the sanctuary—an arrangement later revived by the returning exiles. Confrontation with Jeremiah Jeremiah 20:1 introduces “Pashhur son of Immer, the priest, chief officer in the house of the LORD.” He arrests and beats Jeremiah for proclaiming judgment on Jerusalem, then binds the prophet in stocks at the Benjamin Gate. This dark episode reveals that priestly heritage alone does not guarantee faithfulness; individuals must embrace the word of God they are called to steward. Yet the text also underscores God’s sovereignty: even opposition from a high-ranking Immer priest could not silence the prophetic message. Return from Exile and Covenant Renewal Ezra’s register counts “the descendants of Immer, one thousand fifty-two” among the first returnees (Ezra 2:37; Nehemiah 7:40). Their sizeable number testifies to divine preservation in Babylon and eagerness to re-establish worship in Jerusalem. By contrast, Ezra 2:59 and Nehemiah 7:61 mention others “from … Immer” who lacked documented ancestry, reminding us that covenant privileges cannot rest on uncertain claims. The post-exilic reforms required holiness within the priesthood. “From the sons of Immer: Hanani and Zebadiah” are named among those who had taken foreign wives and pledged repentance (Ezra 10:20). Their willingness to obey highlights corporate accountability within priestly families and God’s merciful readiness to restore. Builders of the Wall and Settlers in Jerusalem During Nehemiah’s reconstruction, “Zadok son of Immer made repairs opposite his house” (Nehemiah 3:29). Personal investment in the wall illustrates how Immer descendants combined priestly office with practical service to secure the city God chose. Later, when Nehemiah repopulated Jerusalem, “Amashsai son of Azarel … son of Immer” settled there with 242 fellow priests (Nehemiah 11:13). Their presence ensured continuous temple ministry and daily sacrifices, vital for the spiritual life of the restored community. Theological and Ministry Significance 1. Preservation of Covenant Offices: The recurring appearance of Immer across centuries demonstrates God’s faithfulness to maintain a functioning priesthood despite exile and opposition. Summary The house of Immer embodies the continuity, privilege, and responsibility of the priesthood in Israel’s story. From Davidic worship schedules to Babylonian returnees, from sinful compromise to earnest repentance, and from persecuting Jeremiah to repairing Jerusalem’s walls, the Immer narrative calls God’s servants in every age to faithful, holy, and wholehearted service in the place He assigns. Forms and Transliterations אִמֵּ֑ר אִמֵּ֔ר אִמֵּ֖ר אִמֵּ֣ר אִמֵּֽר׃ אמר אמר׃ וְאִמֵּ֑ר ואמר לְאִמֵּ֖ר לאמר ’im·mêr ’immêr imMer lə’immêr lə·’im·mêr leimMer veimMer wə’immêr wə·’im·mêrLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance 1 Chronicles 9:12 HEB: מְשִׁלֵּמִ֖ית בֶּן־ אִמֵּֽר׃ NAS: of Meshillemith, the son of Immer; KJV: of Meshillemith, the son of Immer; INT: of Meshillemith the son of Immer 1 Chronicles 24:14 Ezra 2:37 Ezra 2:59 Ezra 10:20 Nehemiah 3:29 Nehemiah 7:40 Nehemiah 7:61 Nehemiah 11:13 Jeremiah 20:1 10 Occurrences |
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