Skip to main content
herem

herem

9.9
A person or thing set apart for religious use
  • noun
  • /ˈhɛrɛm/
  • Specialized
translation icon : herem
  • The ancient community placed the golden vessel under herem as an offering to their deity.

Examples

  • The priest explained the significance of herem in the context of religious dedication.

  • According to tradition, land declared as herem could not be used for personal gain.

  • The community declared a herem against those who broke the rules.

  • In ancient times, a person could be placed under a herem for serious offenses.

  • The priest explained the significance of herem in the context of religious dedication.

  • According to tradition, land declared as herem could not be used for personal gain.

  • In ancient times, a person could be placed under a herem for serious offenses.

Synonyms

corban
vsherem
  • Archaic
9.9

A gift offered to God in ancient Jewish worship

applies to people formally set apart as holy, not only to ritual gifts

Surface Forms

herem singular
herems plural

Etymology

Herem comes from the Hebrew word cherem, originally meaning 'to set apart' or 'dedicate' to God, and it is related to Arabic haram 'forbidden'. So something declared herem was given to God and not for personal use.