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Rimmon

Biblical
Pronunciation

Understanding ARPABET Pronunciation

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The pronunciation guide uses the ARPABET phonetic system—the same system used in speech recognition and text-to-speech applications.

Vowel Examples:
AE1 = cat, bat
EH1 = bed, head
IY1 = see, me
OW1 = go, boat
UW1 = boot, do
Stress Numbers:
0 = no stress (unstressed)
1 = primary stress (loud)
2 = secondary stress (medium)
Example:
AH0 TH IY1 N AH0
= a-THEE-na (Athena)

The stressed syllable (marked with 1) is pronounced louder and clearer than others.

Quick Definition

Syrian god whose temple housed Naaman and whose priests assassinated King Baasha

Detailed Definition
Though Rimmon is primarily a deity (2 Kings 5:18), the name also appears in place names and as part of human names like Hadad-Rimmon. It signifies pagan worship. In poetry, Rimmon embodies idolatry’s shadow over Israel, the syncretism of foreign gods, and the lingering presence of false worship—often symbolizing the spiritual compromises that haunt even the redeemed, a reminder of competing loyalties.
Example
Example in poetry:
In 2 Kings 5:18, Rimmon is Naaman’s Syrian god—a detail inspiring poetry about syncretism; 19th-century verse depicts Naaman’s request to bow in Rimmon’s temple as diplomatic compromise; Contemporary poems explore Rimmon as tension between foreign duty and true worship; In poems about idolatry, Rimmon represents powerless gods versus Israel’s living God; Some liturgical laments contrast Rimmon’s temples with Elisha’s healing waters; Educational poems cite Rimmon to teach about cultural accommodation.
Additional Notes
Rimmon appears as the father of Naaman (2 Kings 5) and a Moabite deity (Judges 20); context determines meaning—either a personal name or a god associated with pomegranates or storms; poets must clarify usage to avoid confusion, but both offer symbolic potential (e.g., healing through Naaman, idolatry through the god).
Also Known As
Rimmon father of Naaman Rimmon the Syrian
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