### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word H2144 (זֶכֶר, Zeker) functions primarily as a proper noun in the biblical text, specifically identifying an individual. Its definition in Strong's Concordance explicitly states it is "the same as H2146," indicating a direct etymological and semantic link to the more common noun H2146 (זֵכֶר, zeker), which means "remembrance," "memorial," or "memory." Thus, while H2144 itself refers to a person, the name "Zeker" inherently carries the semantic weight of its root, suggesting "one who remembers" or "one who is remembered." Unlike common nouns or verbs with broad semantic ranges, H2144 is confined to its role as a personal identifier, yet its underlying meaning connects it to the profound biblical concept of memory and commemoration.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The proper noun H2144 (Zeker) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, within a genealogical list:
* [[1 Chronicles 8:31]]: "And Gedor, and Ahio, and Zeker, and Mikloth."
This occurrence is found in the extensive genealogies of the tribe of Benjamin, specifically listing descendants of Jeiel, the "father of Gibeon." As a name embedded within a lengthy lineage, "Zeker" is presented without any accompanying narrative or biographical detail. Its presence serves to establish the continuity of tribal and family lines, a crucial aspect of Israelite identity and the preservation of covenant history. The lack of further contextual information means that the individual Zeker remains an obscure figure, yet his inclusion underscores the meticulous record-keeping inherent in the biblical narrative, where every name, no matter how brief its mention, contributes to the larger tapestry of God's people.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related words to H2144 are those from which its meaning is derived:
* H2146 (זֵכֶר, zeker): This noun means "remembrance," "memorial," or "memory." It is the direct semantic antecedent for the name "Zeker," indicating that the individual's name literally means "remembrance" or "memorial."
* H2142 (זָכַר, zakar): This is the foundational verbal root, meaning "to remember," "to recall," "to mention," or "to be mindful of." It is a highly significant verb in the Hebrew Bible, encompassing both divine and human acts of remembering.
Beyond these direct linguistic connections, the concept of "remembrance" (זָכַר/זֵכֶר) is pervasive throughout Scripture. It encompasses:
* **Divine Remembrance:** God's faithful remembrance of His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob ([[Genesis 8:1]], [[Exodus 2:24]], [[Psalm 105:8]]), His people in distress ([[Psalm 106:45]]), and His promises.
* **Human Remembrance:** The imperative for Israel to remember God's mighty acts of deliverance ([[Deuteronomy 8:18]]), His commandments ([[Deuteronomy 6:12]]), and His covenant. This often involves the establishment of physical memorials (e.g., altars, stones like [[Joshua 4:7]]) or ritual observances (e.g., Passover, Sabbath) designed to perpetuate memory across generations.
* **Leaving a Memorial/Name:** The desire for one's name to endure, often tied to a righteous life or significant deed ([[Isaiah 56:5]]).
Thus, while H2144 is a proper name, it is deeply embedded in a rich semantic field concerning memory, identity, and the enduring legacy of God's interaction with humanity.
### Theological Significance
While the individual "Zeker" (`{{H2144}}`) holds no specific theological significance due to the brevity of his mention, his name, "Remembrance" or "Memorial," points to a profound and central theological concept in the Old Testament. The very act of naming in ancient Israel often carried prophetic or descriptive weight, reflecting hopes, circumstances, or spiritual truths.
The theological significance of "remembrance" (זֵכֶר, `{{H2146}}`) and "to remember" (זָכַר, `{{H2142}}`) is multifaceted:
1. **God's Faithfulness:** God's "remembering" is not a retrieval of forgotten information, but an active, covenantal engagement and intervention on behalf of His people. When God "remembers" Noah ([[Genesis 8:1]]), His covenant with Abraham ([[Exodus 2:24]]), or His people's suffering, it signifies His enduring faithfulness, compassion, and commitment to fulfill His promises. This divine remembrance is the bedrock of Israel's hope.
2. **Human Responsibility:** For humanity, "remembering" God involves more than intellectual recall; it demands active obedience to His commands, meditation on His law, and recounting His mighty deeds. Forgetting God leads to apostasy and judgment ([[Deuteronomy 8:11-14]]). Remembering, conversely, fosters gratitude, humility, and continued reliance on the Lord.
3. **The Purpose of Memorials:** Many cultic practices and historical markers in Israel were designed as *zeker* (memorials) to ensure that future generations would remember God's saving acts ([[Exodus 12:14]] for Passover; [[Joshua 4:7]] for the stones from the Jordan). These acts of communal remembrance were vital for maintaining national and religious identity and for transmitting the covenant relationship.
4. **Legacy and Enduring Name:** The desire for a "memorial" or "name" that endures ([[Psalm 112:6]], [[Proverbs 10:7]]) reflects a longing for a lasting impact and recognition, particularly in the context of righteousness. The name "Zeker" itself, though belonging to an obscure figure, subtly echoes this theme of enduring remembrance.
Thus, while Zeker the individual is silent in the biblical narrative, his name resonates with the dynamic interplay between divine faithfulness and human responsibility, centered on the profound act of remembering God's covenant and His mighty works.
### Summary
The Hebrew word H2144 (זֶכֶר, Zeker) is a proper noun, a personal name appearing only once in the biblical genealogies of [[1 Chronicles 8:31]]. While the individual Zeker remains an obscure figure, the name itself is directly linked to H2146 (זֵכֶר), meaning "remembrance" or "memorial," which in turn derives from the foundational verb H2142 (זָכַר), "to remember." This etymological connection imbues the name "Zeker" with the profound theological significance of memory in the biblical worldview. It points to God's unwavering faithfulness in remembering His covenant and His people, as well as humanity's sacred duty to remember God's commands and saving acts. Even in the briefest mention, H2144 serves as a quiet testament to the enduring importance of remembrance in establishing identity, preserving history, and maintaining the covenant relationship between God and His people.
TRV