Lexical Summary
Tamar: Tamar
Original Word:תָּמָר
Part of Speech:proper name; location
Transliteration:Tamar
Pronunciation:tah-MAHR
Phonetic Spelling:(taw-mawr')
KJV: Tamar
NASB:Tamar
Word Origin:[the same asH8558 (תָּמָר - palm trees)]
1. Tamar, the name of three women and a place
Strong's Exhaustive Concordance
Tamar
The same astamar; Tamar, the name of three women and a place -- Tamar.
see HEBREWtamar
NAS Exhaustive Concordance
Word Originfrom the same as
tomerDefinitiondaughter-in-law of Judah, also two Isr. women, also a place S. of the Dead Sea
NASB TranslationTamar (25).
Brown-Driver-Briggs
II.
25Genesis 38:6,11 (twice in verse);Genesis 38:13,24;1 Chronicles 2:4;Ruth 4:12.
2 Samuel 13:1,211t. 13, 2 Chronicles 3:9.
2 Samuel 14:27.
Ezekiel 47:19;Ezekiel 48:28;1 Kings 9:18 Kt ( > Qr q. v.), so read also "" 2Chronicles 8:4 (for ); site not certain, compare BuhlG 184. — see .
Topical Lexicon
Etymology and SymbolismThough Tamar literally evokes the graceful palm, Scripture’s interest in the name lies less in botany than in the moral and redemptive scenes played out by those who bear it. The palm tree’s upright trunk and life-sustaining fruit quietly echo the themes of righteousness, resilience and hope that surface in each narrative.
Women Named Tamar
Tamar, Judah’s Daughter-in-Law (Genesis 38;Ruth 4:12;1 Chronicles 2:4)
Introduced in the patriarchal period, she enters salvation history when “Judah acquired a wife for Er, his firstborn, and her name was Tamar” (Genesis 38:6). Widowed through the deaths of Er and Onan, she is twice denied her levirate right to an heir. Her bold decision to pose as a prostitute exposes Judah’s failure, yet God vindicates her: “She is more righteous than I” (Genesis 38:26). The twins she bears—Perez and Zerah—secure the messianic line (Ruth 4:12;Matthew 1:3). Thus Tamar exemplifies covenant faithfulness, persistence, and the unexpected ways God preserves His promises.
Ministry significance:
• Upholds the sanctity of covenant obligations.
• Demonstrates that divine election transcends ethnicity and social station.
• Encourages ministries serving widows and the marginalized to champion justice with courage and purity.
Tamar, Daughter of David (2 Samuel 13)
“Now David’s son Absalom had a beautiful sister named Tamar” (2 Samuel 13:1). Her tragedy unfolds when Amnon’s lust culminates in rape (13:14). Tamar’s torn robe and ashes (13:19) testify to violated innocence and to Israel’s legal demand for restitution that never comes. Absalom’s simmering anger births rebellion; David’s passivity magnifies pain. The account exposes generational consequences of unchecked sin and the need for righteous intervention.
Ministry significance:
• Calls leaders to respond decisively to abuse within the covenant community.
• Affirms the dignity of survivors and the biblical mandate to defend them.
• Warns of familial and national fallout when justice is delayed.
Tamar, Daughter of Absalom (2 Samuel 14:27;1 Chronicles 3:9)
Absalom commemorates his sister by naming his own daughter Tamar, described as “a beautiful woman.” Though Scripture supplies only this glimpse, her presence signals remembrance, restoration, and a father’s attempt to reclaim honor after family disgrace.
Ministry significance:
• Illustrates the healing practice of memorializing past sorrows with future hope.
• Encourages families wounded by sin to cultivate new legacies grounded in grace.
Geographical Tamar (Ezekiel 47:19; 48:28)
On the south border of the renewed land, the prophet marks “Tamar to the waters of Meribah Kadesh” (47:19). This frontier palm outpost anchors Israel’s inheritance in the millennial vision, assuring exiles that God’s apportionment is sure and expansive.
Ministry significance:
• Strengthens confidence in God’s eschatological promises.
• Inspires believers to view present geography—church plants, mission fields, neighborhoods—as territories awaiting the King’s full redemption.
Theological Themes
1. Covenant Fidelity: Each Tamar account spotlights God’s commitment to His covenant even when human agents act treacherously.
2. Justice and Protection of the Vulnerable: From Mosaic levirate law to prophetic land grants, Tamars stand where God defends the powerless.
3. Messianic Lineage: Through Judah’s Tamar the lineage of David—and ultimately Jesus Christ—is preserved, showcasing sovereign grace overruling human failings.
Practical and Pastoral Applications
• Uphold biblical justice systems within family, church, and society, especially regarding sexual sin and care for widows.
• Teach that God redeems broken stories; personal shame can become a conduit of divine blessing.
• Foster memorial practices (names, testimonies, ministries) that transform grief into generational hope.
• Anchor discipleship in the assurance that God’s territorial and spiritual promises will be fulfilled in Christ’s coming kingdom.
Summary
The name Tamar threads through Scripture as a witness to righteousness amid unrighteousness, healing amid trauma, and promise amid exile. Whether a courageous widow, a violated princess, a memorialized daughter, or a southern border town, Tamar directs hearts to the God who sees, vindicates, and secures His redemptive purposes.
Forms and Transliterations
וְתָמָ֥ר וְתָמָר֙ ותמר לְתָמָ֖ר לְתָמָ֨ר לתמר מִתָּמָ֗ר מתמר תָּמָ֑ר תָּמָ֔ר תָּמָ֖ר תָּמָ֗ר תָּמָ֣ר תָּמָ֥ר תָּמָֽר׃ תָּמָר֙ תָמָ֖ר תָמָ֨ר תמר תמר׃ lə·ṯā·mār letaMar ləṯāmār mit·tā·mār mittaMar mittāmār tā·mār ṯā·mār taMar tāmār ṯāmār vetaMar wə·ṯā·mār wəṯāmār
Links
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