ka.mar denotes a group associated with incense, Baal, and other cultic observances in the cited verses.

The attested plural noun denotes cultic personnel identified in contexts of incense-burning and Baal-related observance, and it is also named among those to be cut off; Hosea places the same group in mourning and rejoicing over Beth-aven’s departed glory.

1. Cultic personnel in idolatrous settings · dominant

   In 2 Kings 23:5, the masculine plural absolute form identifies people appointed to burn incense on high places and to Baal, the sun, moon, constellations, and the host of heaven; the APB renders the clause “pagan priests.” In Zephaniah 1:4, another masculine plural absolute form occurs in the announced cutting off of Baal’s remnant and their name, alongside priests; Hosea 10:5 uses the masculine plural construct form for the group that mourns and rejoices concerning Beth-aven’s glory.

   2 Kings 23:5Hosea 10:5Zephaniah 1:4

In the Anselm Project Bible: Across all three cited verses, the APB presents the group as “pagan priests.” That wording confirms the verses’ presentation without isolating every nuance of the Hebrew term.