Reference: Chemarim

Occurring once only in the English version, Zep 1:4, but frequently in the Hebrew, translated "idolatrous priests," 2Ki 23:5; Ho 10:5. The word is supposed to be derived from a root signifying to burn, and may perhaps denote fire-priests, worshippers of the sun.

black, (Zep 1:4; rendered "idolatrous priests" in 2Ki 23:5, and "priests" in Ho 10:5). Some derive this word from the Assyrian Kamaru, meaning "to throw down," and interpret it as describing the idolatrous priests who prostrate themselves before the idols. Others regard it as meaning "those who go about in black," or "ascetics."

In Zep 1:4 distinct from "the priests," from chamar "to burn" or "blacken," the black-attired ministers of the idol priests, who felled the victim at the altar. Or they were named from branding idol marks on their foreheads, idol fanatics. Others derive it from chmar "to resound," namely, their howling during the rites. Josiah put them down (2Ki 23:5 margin; Ho 10:5). The root in Syriac is "to be sad": an ascetic priest.

In English Version this word is found only in Zep 1:4; but the original of which it is the transliteration is used also at 2Ki 23:5 and Ho 10:5, and in both instances Ch?m

Chema'rim

A Hebrew word signifying some class of 'priests.' Zeph. 1. 4; Ho 10:5, margin. It is translated 'idolatrous priest' in 2Ki 23:5. The derivation of the word is much disputed.

CHEMARIM. This word occurs only once in our version of the Bible: "I will cut off the remnant of Baal, and the name of the Chemarims (Chemarim) with the priests," Zep 1:4; but it frequently occurs in the Hebrew, and is generally translated "priests of the idols," or "priests clothed in black," because chamar signifies blackness. By this word the best commentators understand the priests of false gods, and in particular the worshippers of fire, because they were, it is said, dressed in black. Le Clerc, however, declares against this last opinion. Our translators of the Bible would seem sometimes to understand by this word the idols or objects of worship, rather than their priests. This is also the opinion of Le Clerc. Calmet observes that camar in Arabic signifies the moon, and that Isis is the same deity. "Among the priests of Isis," says Calmet, "were those called melanephori, that is, wearers of black; but it is uncertain whether this name was given them by reason of their dressing wholly in black, or because they wore a black shining veil in the processions of this goddess."