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Kimham

biblical_person theological_term standard

Kimham was a man associated with Barzillai the Gileadite in the account of David’s return to Jerusalem. Jeremiah later mentions the lodging place of Chimham near Bethlehem, likely connected with him or his family.

At a Glance

A minor biblical man connected with Barzillai and David’s return to Jerusalem.

Key Points

Description

Kimham appears in the historical narrative of 2 Samuel 19 in connection with Barzillai the Gileadite, one of the men who had supported David during Absalom’s revolt. When David invited Barzillai to come with him to Jerusalem, Barzillai declined because of his age and instead asked that Kimham go with the king. David accepted the request and expressed his intent to show him favor. Jeremiah 41:17 later refers to the lodging place of Chimham near Bethlehem, which most interpreters understand as connected to the same Kimham or to a property associated with his descendants. Because the biblical text does not spell out the relationship in detail, the identification should be stated carefully, but the figure is best treated as a proper name entry rather than a theological concept.

Biblical Context

Kimham belongs to the post-Absalom-restoration narrative in 2 Samuel and is remembered in Jeremiah through a place-name near Bethlehem. His brief appearance highlights David’s gratitude toward those who had shown him loyalty.

Historical Context

The reference comes from the period of David’s restored kingship after Absalom’s rebellion. The later mention in Jeremiah suggests that the name Kimham/Chimham may have been attached to a lodging place or property in the Bethlehem area.

Jewish and Ancient Context

The later place-name in Jeremiah may reflect family land, a memorial association, or a local lodging site bearing the name of Kimham. The text itself does not require a more detailed historical reconstruction.

Primary Key Texts

Original Language Note

The Hebrew name is commonly rendered Kimham or Chimham in English Bibles; the variation reflects transliteration differences.

Theological Significance

Kimham is not a major doctrinal figure, but the narrative underscores David’s gratitude, covenant loyalty, and the honoring of those who had served faithfully.

Philosophical Explanation

As a proper-name entry, Kimham illustrates how biblical history preserves even minor individuals whose names become linked to memory, land, and communal loyalty.

Interpretive Cautions

Jeremiah 41:17 mentions the lodging place of Chimham, but the text does not explicitly explain the exact relationship between the place and the person named in 2 Samuel. The connection is probable, not certain, and should not be overstated.

Major Views

Most readers identify the Chimham of Jeremiah 41 with the Kimham of 2 Samuel 19 or with his family, though the precise link remains inferential.

Doctrinal Boundaries

This entry concerns a biblical person and a likely related place-name, not a doctrine or theological system.

Practical Significance

Kimham’s brief mention reminds readers that Scripture often preserves the names of ordinary people whose faithfulness, loyalty, or associations mattered in redemptive history.

Related Entries

See Also

Data

Machine-readable JSON for Kimham

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