Zemarites צְמָרִי

Group Early Patriarch H6786 2 books

Canaanite people group

Who is Zemarites in the Bible?

The Zemarites were a Canaanite people group listed in the Table of Nations found in Genesis 10:18 and 1 Chronicles 1:16. They are positioned between the Arvadites and Hamathites in these genealogies, indicating they inhabited the northern region of Phoenicia, likely in the coastal area. The name may correspond to the ancient town of Sumra, situated on the coast between Tripolis and Arvad in what is now Lebanon. Beyond these genealogical mentions, little is known about the Zemarites' history or extent, as they appear only in these biblical records of Noah's descendants and the nations that emerged after the flood.

Biography

The Zemarites were a Canaanite people group mentioned in the Table of Nations in Genesis 10 and 1 Chronicles 1. They are listed between the Arvadites and Hamathites, suggesting they lived in the northern region of Phoenicia. The name may be associated with the town of Sumra, located on the coast between Tripolis and Arvad, about 1.5 miles north of the Nahr el-Kebir River. This town is likely the same as Cumur, which is mentioned in the Tell el-Amarna Letters along with Arvad. The exact extent and history of the Zemarites is unknown, as they are only mentioned in these genealogical passages.

Family

In Scripture

2 biblical books ; 1 with study content
Genesis 1 verse
  • Genesis 10:18

    "the Arvadites, the Zemarites, and the Hamathites. Later the Canaanite clans were scattered,"

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1 Chronicles 1 verse
  • 1 Chronicles 1:16

    "the Arvadites, the Zemarites, and the Hamathites."

Names & Aliases

Form Language Script
Group Hebrew צְמָרִי