כִּמְרִיר
𐤊𐤌𐤓𐤉𐤓
kimrîyr
H3650 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
A term signifying extreme darkness, blackness, or turbidity; used specifically to denote the obscurity associated with the eclipse or fading of light. In context, it refers to a condition or phenomenon characterized by deep shadow or lack of illumination.
Semantic Range
blackness, deep darkness, obscuration (especially as in an eclipse), murk, gloom, a condition of being deprived of light
Root / Etymology
From the root כמר (K-M-R), meaning 'to be black, to darken, to be turbid.' The formation כִּמְרִיר (kimrîyr) appears to be a reduplicated or intensive form, emphasizing the state of being intensely dark or murky. The reduplication may serve to intensify the base meaning of darkness or obscuration. This formation is attested only in its plural form, indicating it is likely a collective or abstract noun.
Historical & Contextual Notes
The term כִּמְרִיר occurs only in poetic or highly figurative language, particularly in the Book of Job (Job 3:5), describing the darkest night as deeply obscured or eclipsed—invoking the sense of oppressive and total darkness. The word's precise referent is debated: it may indicate the darkness associated with a lunar or solar eclipse, or more generally the state of deep gloom or obscurity, perhaps describing metaphorical affliction or despair. Its usage remains limited in the Hebrew Bible, with no evidence for the term in later Hebrew or cognate languages, suggesting it was a rare and poetic expression. English versions vary: 'blackness,' 'gloom,' and 'deep darkness' attempt to render the semantic nuance, but none capture the cosmic or ominous connotations that would have accompanied the image of an eclipse in ancient thought. The term is connected with deep existential loss or calamity, rather than ordinary night or shadow.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
redupl. from כָּמַר; obscuration (as if from shrinkage of light, i.e. an eclipse (only in plural); blackness.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
כמר (k-m-r) — to darken, to be black, to become turbid or obscure
| Strong's | Lemma | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|
| H3648 | כָּמַר | they were kindled |
| H3649 | כָּמָר | the somber pagan priests |
| H4364 | מַכְמָר | concealing net |
| H4365 | מִכְמֶרֶת | in his ensnaring-net |
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H3650-01 |
כִּֽמְרִ֥ירֵי | kimerirey | HNcmpc |
like the bitterness of | intense darkenings of | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 total occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H3650-01 |
Job 3:5 | כִּֽמְרִ֥ירֵי | kimerirey | HNcmpc |
like the bitterness of | intense darkenings of |