Lexical Summary
Meremoth: Meremoth
Original Word: מְרֵמוֹת
Part of Speech: Proper Name Masculine
Transliteration: Mremowth
Pronunciation: meh-reh-MOTH
Phonetic Spelling: (mer-ay-mohth')
KJV: Meremoth
NASB: Meremoth
Word Origin: [plural from H7311 (רוּם - exalted)]
1. heights
2. Meremoth, the name of two Israelites
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
MirmahDefinitiontwo Isr. priests, also an Isr.
NASB TranslationMeremoth (6).
Brown-Driver-Briggs
Nehemiah 12:3 (= , q. v.,
Nehemiah 12:15)
L .
, Ezra 8:33; Nehemiah 3:4,21; Nehemiah 10:6 (probably same). , , etc.
Ezra 10:36. , A .
see .
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).
2. Meremoth (likely of the family of Binnui) listed among those who set aside foreign wives (Ezra 10:36) and later sealed the covenant (Nehemiah 10:5).
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.
• Whole-hearted service: His willingness to repair two wall segments exhorts believers to exceed expectations for the sake of God’s house and city.
• Repentance and renewed commitment: The other Meremoth’s journey from compromise to covenant sealing demonstrates that genuine repentance restores usefulness in ministry.
• Intergenerational faithfulness: The persistence of the Meremoth family among Temple leaders illustrates how consistent obedience safeguards spiritual heritage.
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 mərêmōwṯ
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