or זֶכֶר; from זָכַר; a memento, abstractly recollection (rarely if ever); by implication, commemoration; memorial, memory, remembrance, scent.
Transliteration:zêker
Pronunciation:zay'-ker
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew noun זֵכֶר (zêker, `{{H2143}}`) derives from the verbal root זָכַר (zākar, `{{H2142}}`), meaning "to remember," "to call to mind," or "to mention." This etymological connection is crucial, as זֵכֶר fundamentally denotes the act, object, or state of being remembered. Its semantic range is rich and multifaceted:
1. **Memory/Recollection:** Refers to the mental faculty or act of recalling past events or facts. While the base definition suggests this is rare, it is implicitly present in contexts of remembering God's deeds.
2. **Remembrance/Commemoration:** This is a primary sense, indicating the state of being kept in mind, or the act of honoring and preserving the memory of a person, event, or divine attribute. It often carries a public or lasting dimension.
3. **Memorial/Memento:** Something that serves as a tangible or abstract reminder. This can be a physical object, a name, or even a reputation that endures.
4. **"Scent" or "Fragrance":** A unique and metaphorical usage found in [[Hosea 14:7]]. Here, it likely refers to the enduring and pleasant renown or reputation, akin to a lasting fragrance.
The core essence of זֵכֶר is the enduring impression or lasting impact, whether in the mind, in the collective consciousness, or in the very fabric of existence.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
זֵכֶר appears approximately 50 times in the Old Testament, illuminating various theological and practical dimensions of memory and remembrance.
One of the most profound occurrences is in [[Exodus 3:15]], where God declares His name, Yahweh, to be His זֵכֶר (memorial/remembrance) to all generations. This signifies that God's very essence, His revealed character and covenant faithfulness, is what He desires to be remembered by throughout history. It is not merely a name to be recited, but a divine reality to be perpetually acknowledged and revered. Similarly, [[Hosea 12:5]] reiterates this, stating, "The LORD God of hosts, the LORD is His זֵכֶר."
In other contexts, זֵכֶר refers to human remembrance, often in relation to God's actions or commands:
* [[Psalm 30:4]] exhorts believers to "give thanks at the זֵכֶר of His holy name," linking remembrance with worship and gratitude.
* [[Psalm 97:12]] likewise calls for rejoicing and giving thanks at the זֵכֶר of God's holiness, emphasizing the joy derived from contemplating divine attributes.
* The concept of a "memorial" is also applied to the eradication of enemies, as seen in [[Exodus 17:14]], where the זֵכֶר of Amalek is to be blotted out, indicating a complete removal from history and memory.
The contrast between the lasting זֵכֶר of the righteous and the perishing זֵכֶר of the wicked is a significant theme:
* [[Proverbs 10:7]] states, "The זֵכֶר of the righteous is blessed, but the name of the wicked will rot." This highlights the enduring legacy of a life lived in accordance with God's will versus the ultimate oblivion of the unrighteous.
* [[Ecclesiastes 9:5]] and [[Isaiah 26:14]] speak of the dead having no more זֵכֶר in a general sense, reflecting the finite nature of human life and memory in this world, contrasting with the eternal זֵכֶר of God.
The unique usage in [[Hosea 14:7]] ("His זֵכֶר shall be like the wine of Lebanon") is metaphorical, describing the flourishing and renowned future of a restored Israel. Here, זֵכֶר extends beyond mere memory to encompass the pleasant and enduring reputation or "fragrance" of a people blessed by God.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most immediate and significant cognate is the verbal root זָכַר (zākar, `{{H2142}}`), from which זֵכֶר derives. The verb emphasizes the act of remembering, whether by God (e.g., remembering His covenant) or by humans (e.g., remembering God's commands). The noun זֵכֶר often represents the *result* or *object* of that remembering.
Other related concepts include:
* **Name (שֵׁם, shēm, `{{H8034}}`):** Often intertwined with זֵכֶר, especially in reference to God's name as His memorial ([[Exodus 3:15]]). A name is the primary vehicle through which one is remembered.
* **Covenant (בְּרִית, bĕrît, `{{H1285}}`):** God's remembering of His covenant is a recurring theme, and His זֵכֶר is intrinsically linked to His faithfulness to these promises.
* **Renown/Reputation (שֵׁם, shēm, `{{H8034}}` also carries this meaning):** Especially evident in the metaphorical "scent" usage in [[Hosea 14:7]], where זֵכֶר denotes a lasting, positive impression.
* **Memorial Stone/Pillar (מַצֵּבָה, matstsēbāh, `{{H4676}}`):** Physical objects erected to serve as a זֵכֶר or reminder of an event or person.
* **Forgetting (שָׁכַח, shākhach, `{{H7911}}`):** The antonym of remembering, highlighting the negative consequence of neglecting God's commands or His character.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of זֵכֶר is profound, touching upon the nature of God, human responsibility, and the concept of legacy.
1. **Divine Immutability and Faithfulness:** God's זֵכֶר as His name ([[Exodus 3:15]]) underscores His eternal, unchanging nature and His unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises. He is the God who remembers, and His very being is a perpetual memorial of His power, holiness, and love. This provides immense comfort and assurance to His people.
2. **The Basis for Worship and Obedience:** For humanity, זֵכֶר serves as a call to remember God's deeds, His holiness, and His commands. This remembrance is not merely intellectual recall but a foundational act of worship and the impetus for obedience. To forget God is to stray; to remember Him is to remain in covenant relationship.
3. **Justice and Legacy:** The contrast between the blessed זֵכֶר of the righteous and the fading זֵכֶר of the wicked reveals a theological principle of divine justice. A life lived in devotion to God leaves a lasting, positive impression, a spiritual legacy that endures beyond physical death. Conversely, wickedness leads to oblivion, a blotting out from memory.
4. **Revelation and Presence:** God's name as His זֵכֶר signifies His self-revelation and enduring presence among His people. It is through His revealed name, His character, and His acts that He makes Himself known and remembered across generations.
### Summary
The Hebrew word זֵכֶר (zêker, `{{H2143}}`) is a powerful term deeply rooted in the concept of memory, remembrance, and memorial. It encompasses the act of recalling, the state of being remembered, and that which serves as a reminder. Theologically, זֵכֶר is central to understanding God's eternal nature and His covenant faithfulness, as His very name is His enduring memorial. For humanity, זֵכֶר functions as a divine imperative to remember God's holiness, His deeds, and His commands, leading to worship, gratitude, and obedience. Furthermore, it highlights the lasting legacy of the righteous in contrast to the perishing memory of the wicked. The unique metaphorical usage as "scent" in Hosea extends its meaning to encompass lasting renown or reputation, underscoring the pervasive and enduring impact of God's blessing. זֵכֶר thus speaks to the profound spiritual significance of what is remembered, both by God and by humanity, shaping identity, worship, and destiny.
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