Topical Encyclopedia
Carmi is a biblical figure mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically within the genealogies of the tribes of Israel. His name, which may mean "vine-dresser" or "my vineyard," is associated with the tribe of Reuben, the firstborn son of Jacob and Leah. Carmi's lineage and the events surrounding his descendants provide insight into the early history of Israel and its tribal structure.
Genealogy and Tribal AffiliationCarmi is identified as the son of Reuben, the firstborn of Jacob. In the genealogical records, he is listed among the descendants of Reuben, which underscores his place within the tribal hierarchy. The tribe of Reuben, as the firstborn, held a significant position among the tribes of Israel, although Reuben himself lost his birthright due to his transgression against his father, Jacob (
Genesis 35:22).
In
1 Chronicles 5:3, the genealogy of Reuben is recorded: "The sons of Reuben the firstborn of Israel: Hanoch, Pallu, Hezron, and Carmi." This passage highlights Carmi as one of the key figures in the lineage of Reuben, contributing to the tribal identity and heritage.
Descendants and Historical ContextCarmi's most notable descendant is Achan, who is infamously known for his transgression during the conquest of Jericho. Achan, the son of Carmi, violated the command of God by taking some of the devoted things from Jericho, which led to Israel's defeat at Ai. This event is recorded in
Joshua 7:1: "But the Israelites acted unfaithfully regarding the devoted things. Achan son of Carmi, the son of Zimri, the son of Zerah, of the tribe of Judah, took some of what was devoted, and the LORD’s anger burned against the Israelites."
The sin of Achan had significant repercussions for the Israelites, as it brought God's judgment upon the entire community. This incident underscores the importance of obedience to God's commands and the collective responsibility of the Israelite community.
Theological SignificanceCarmi's mention in the biblical narrative, though brief, serves as a reminder of the interconnectedness of the tribes of Israel and the importance of faithfulness to God's covenant. The account of Achan, his descendant, illustrates the consequences of disobedience and the need for communal integrity in the pursuit of God's promises.
Carmi's inclusion in the genealogies also reflects the broader biblical theme of God's unfolding plan through the generations of Israel. Each name in the genealogical records contributes to the tapestry of Israel's history, pointing ultimately to the fulfillment of God's promises through the lineage of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
References in Scripture·
Genesis 46:9: "The sons of Reuben: Hanoch, Pallu, Hezron, and Carmi."
·
Exodus 6:14: "These were the heads of their families: The sons of Reuben the firstborn of Israel were Hanoch and Pallu, Hezron and Carmi."
·
1 Chronicles 5:3: "The sons of Reuben the firstborn of Israel: Hanoch, Pallu, Hezron, and Carmi."
·
Joshua 7:1: "But the Israelites acted unfaithfully regarding the devoted things. Achan son of Carmi, the son of Zimri, the son of Zerah, of the tribe of Judah, took some of what was devoted, and the LORD’s anger burned against the Israelites."
Carmi's legacy, though primarily genealogical, is intertwined with the narrative of Israel's journey and the lessons of faithfulness and obedience that resonate throughout the Scriptures.
Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary
Carmimy vineyard; lamb of the waters
Smith's Bible Dictionary
Carmi(vine dresser).
- The fourth son of Reuben, the progenitor of the family of the Carmites. (Genesis 46:9;Exodus 6:14;Numbers 26:6;1 Chronicles 5:3)
- A man of the tribe of Judah, father of Achan, the "troubler of Israel." (Joshua 7:1,18;1 Chronicles 2:7;4:1)
Easton's Bible Dictionary
Vine-dresser.
(1.) The last named of the four sons of Reuben (Genesis 46:9).
(2.) A descendant of Judah (1 Chronicles 4:1). He is elsewhere (2:18) called Caleb (q.v.).
(3.) The son of Zimri, and the father of Achan (Joshua 7:1), "the troubler of Israel."
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
CARMI(1) A son of Reuben who came to Egypt with Jacob (Genesis 46:9Exodus 6:141 Chronicles 5:3). Also the name of a family of which Carmi was the head (Numbers 26:6).
(2) A Judahite (1 Chronicles 2:7), son of Zabdi, according toJoshua 7:1, and father of Achan, who is given the name of "Achar" in1 Chronicles 2:7. This last form "Achar" is preferred to the usual "Achan" in order to bring out the play on the Hebrew word for "troubler." The Hebrew runs `akhar `okher yisra'el, "Achar, the troubler of Israel." As regards the phrase "the sons of Carmi" (1 Chronicles 2:7), Carmi is probably to be taken as the son of Zimri (= Zabdi,Joshua 7:1). The Targum, however, has "Carmi who is Zimri." The Septuagint identifies Zimri and Zabdi.
(3) In1 Chronicles 4:1, Carmi, elsewhere called son of Zabdi or Zimri, is made son of Judah; but Wellhausen correctly changes "Carmi" to "Chelubai" (compare1 Chronicles 2:9).
Horace J. Wolf
Strong's Hebrew
3757. Karmi -- descendant ofCarmi... Karmi. 3758 . descendant of
Carmi. Transliteration: Karmi Phonetic Spelling:
(kar-mee') Short Definition: Carmites.
... of
Carmi NASB Word Usage Carmites (1).
...3756. Karmi -- two Israelites
... 3755, 3756. Karmi. 3757 . two Israelites. Transliteration: Karmi Phonetic Spelling:
(kar-mee') Short Definition:Carmi.... NASB Word UsageCarmi (8).Carmi....
Library
Receiving and Rejecting.
... and he brought the family of the Zarhites man by man; and Zabdi was taken: and he
brought his household man by man; and Achan, the son ofCarmi was taken...
Achan's Sin, Israel's Defeat
... THE BOOK OF JOSHUA ACHAN'S SIN, ISRAEL'S DEFEAT. 'But the children of Israel committed
a trespass in the accursed thing: for Achan, the son ofCarmi, the son of...
Two Coverings and Two Consequences
... on the unerring lot that would come home to the tribe of Judah, to the family of
the Zarhites, to the house of Zabdir, and at last to the son ofCarmi, so that...
Two Coverings and Two Consequences
... the unerring lot that would come home to the tribe of Judah, to the family of the
Zarhites, to the house of Zabdir, and, at last, to the son ofCarmi, so that...
Chapter xlvi
... his sons: Reuben, Jacob's first-born. And the sons of Reuben: Hanoch and
Pallu and Hezron andCarmi. And the sons of Simeon: Jemuel...
Ephesians ii. 17-22
... Ye know, doubtless, the history I mean? I am speaking of Acham the son
ofCarmi, the man who stole the consecrated spoil. (Joshua...
1 Thessalonians iv. 15-17
... [1024] [This is an error in the documents, or a slip of memory in the preacher,
for he means Achan the son ofCarmi, Joshua 7:1.--JAB]....
Letter cxxxiii. To Ctesiphon.
... were still in the womb, He said: "Jacob have I loved, but Esau have I hated." [3859]
Accuse Him of injustice because, when Achan the son ofCarmi stole part of...
The Barren Fig-Tree;
... 'And he brought his household, man by man, and Achan, the son ofCarmi, the son
of Zabdi, the son of Zera, of the tribe of Judah, was taken' (Joshua 7:17,18)....
Thesaurus
Carmi (8 Occurrences)... (3.) The son of Zimri, and the father of Achan (Joshua 7:1), "the troubler
of Israel.". Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia.
CARMI. (1
...Hezron (19 Occurrences)
... Genesis 46:9 The sons of Reuben: Hanoch, Pallu, Hezron, andCarmi.... Numbers 26:6 of
Hezron, the family of the Hezronites; ofCarmi, the family of the Carmites....
Phallu (5 Occurrences)
... See PALLU. Multi-Version Concordance Phallu (5 Occurrences). Genesis 46:9 And the
sons of Reuben; Hanoch, and Phallu, and Hezron, andCarmi. (KJV DBY WBS YLT)....
Pallu (6 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Pallu (6 Occurrences). Genesis 46:9 The sons of Reuben:
Hanoch, Pallu, Hezron, andCarmi. (WEB JPS ASV BBE NAS RSV NIV)....
Hanoch (6 Occurrences)
... (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). Genesis 46:9 The sons of Reuben: Hanoch,
Pallu, Hezron, andCarmi. (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)....
Achan (7 Occurrences)
... Joshua 7:1 But the children of Israel committed a trespass in the devoted things;
for Achan, the son ofCarmi, the son of Zabdi, the son of Zerah, of the tribe...
Enoch (18 Occurrences)
... All these were sons of Keturah. (DBY). Genesis 46:9 And the sons of Reuben:
Enoch, and Phallu, and Hezron, andCarmi. (DBY). Exodus...
Zabdi (17 Occurrences)
... Joshua 7:1 But the children of Israel committed a trespass in the devoted things;
for Achan, the son ofCarmi, the son of Zabdi, the son of Zerah, of the tribe...
Ban (12 Occurrences)
... Joshua 7:1 But the children of Israel committed a trespass in the devoted things;
for Achan, the son ofCarmi, the son of Zabdi, the son of Zerah, of the tribe...
Carmite (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Carmite (1 Occurrence). Numbers 26:6 of Hezron, the
family of the Hezronites; ofCarmi, the family of the Carmites....
Resources
Who was Reuben in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgBible Concordance •
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