Bible Dictionary
Carmi
Carmi was the name of several men, including a son of Reuben, a Judahite, and the father of Achan, whose sin troubled Israel.
Definition
Carmi is the name of several men. It refers to a son of Reuben, a Judahite, and the father of Achan, whose sin troubled Israel. The name means “vine-dresser.”
Biblical Usage
Carmi appears in genealogical records and in the account of Achan’s offense during Israel’s conquest.
Historical Background
The supplied genealogical passages associate the Judahite Carmi with Zabdi or Zimri, and one passage uses the name Achar to emphasize the meaning “troubler.”
Scripture References
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Easton's Bible Dictionary
Vine-dresser. (1.) The last named of the four sons of Reuben (Gen. 46:9). (2.) A descendant of Judah (1 Chr. 4:1). He is elsewhere (2:18) called Caleb (q.v.). (3.) The son of Zimri, and the father of Achan (Josh. 7:1), “the troubler of Israel.”
Smith's Bible Dictionary
(vine dresser).
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>(1) A son of Reuben who came to Egypt with Jacob (Ge 46:9; Ex 6:14; 1Ch 5:3). Also the name of a family of which Carmi was the head (Nu 26:6).</p><p>(2) A Judahite (1Ch 2:7), son of Zabdi, according to Jos 7:1, and father of Achan, who is given the name of "Achar" in 1Ch 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" (1Ch 2:7), Carmi is probably to be taken as the son of Zimri (= Zabdi, Jos 7:1). The Targum, however, has "Carmi who is Zimri." The Septuagint identifies Zimri and Zabdi.</p><p>(3) In 1Ch 4:1, Carmi, elsewhere called son of Zabdi or Zimri, is made son of Judah; but Wellhausen correctly changes "Carmi" to "Chelubai" (compare 1Ch 2:9).</p><p>Horace J. Wolf</p>