What Does the Name Tamara Mean in the Bible?

Choosing a name for your child is a significant decision that requires careful consideration. Many parents look to the Bible for inspiration, as it contains a wealth of names with deep meanings and significance. One such name is Tamara, which has a rich history and meaning in the Bible. In this article, we will explore the origin and significance of the name Tamara, as well as its various references in the Bible.

The name Tamara is of Hebrew origin and means "palm tree" or "date palm." In the Bible, the palm tree is a symbol of victory, triumph, and peace. It is also associated with the city of Jericho, which was known for its abundance of palm trees. The name Tamara is derived from the Hebrew word tamar, which means "palm tree."

The name Tamara appears several times in the Bible, both in the Old and New Testaments. Here are some of the most notable references:

In 2 Samuel 13, Tamara is the daughter of King David and sister of Absalom. She is known for her beauty, and her half-brother Amnon becomes obsessed with her. He eventually rapes her, which leads to a series of tragic events within David's family.

In Genesis 38, Tamara is the wife of Er, the firstborn son of Judah. Er is wicked in the sight of the Lord, and he is put to death by God. According to the law of levirate marriage, Er's brother Onan is supposed to marry Tamara and raise up offspring for his brother. However, Onan refuses to fulfill this duty and is also put to death by God. Tamara then disguises herself as a prostitute and seduces Judah, her father-in-law, in order to conceive a child. She gives birth to twin sons, Perez and Zerah, who become ancestors of King David and ultimately Jesus Christ.

In Mark 15:40, Tamara is mentioned as one of the women who witnessed the crucifixion of Jesus. She is described as a follower of Jesus from Galilee who had come to Jerusalem with him.

In Ezekiel 47:12, the palm tree (tamar) is used as a symbol of restoration and healing. The prophet Ezekiel describes a vision of a river flowing from the temple, which brings life and healing to everything it touches. Along the banks of the river, there are many trees, including the palm tree (tamar), which bears fruit and provides shade. This vision is a powerful symbol of God's restoration and healing power, which is available to all who seek it.

The name Tamara has a rich history and meaning in the Bible. It is derived from the Hebrew word tamar, which means "palm tree," a symbol of victory, triumph, and peace. The name appears several times in the Bible, including as the daughter of King David, the wife of Er, a disciple of Jesus, and a symbol of restoration. If you are considering the name Tamara for your child, you can take comfort in its deep roots and significance in the Bible.