a primitive root; properly, to penetrate; hence, to examine intimately; find out, (make) search (out), seek (out), sound, try.
Transliteration:châqar
Pronunciation:khaw-kar'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew verb H2713 (חָקַר, *châqar*) is a primitive root whose core meaning is "to penetrate." This foundational sense informs its broader semantic range, which includes "to examine intimately," "to find out," "to search (out)," "to seek (out)," "to sound," and "to try." Unlike a superficial glance or a casual inquiry, châqar implies a thorough, deep, and often exhaustive investigation. It suggests an effort to get to the very bottom of a matter, to uncover hidden truths, or to understand something in its innermost essence. Whether applied to human endeavor or divine knowledge, the term consistently conveys a sense of profound and penetrating scrutiny, seeking to leave no stone unturned in the quest for complete understanding.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb H2713 appears approximately 28 times in the Hebrew Bible, illuminating its diverse applications:
* **Human Inquiry and Investigation:** In several contexts, châqar describes human attempts to investigate or discover information. For instance, in [[Judges 18:2]], the Danites send five men to "search out" (וַיַּחְקְרוּ) the land, implying a thorough reconnaissance. [[Proverbs 25:2]] states, "It is the glory of God to conceal a matter, but the glory of kings is to search out (חֲקֹר) a matter," highlighting the diligent investigative duty of rulers. The Preacher in [[Ecclesiastes 12:9]] is said to have "searched out" (חִקֵּר) and set in order many proverbs, indicating careful intellectual labor. In [[1 Kings 7:47]], Solomon did not "search out" (לֹא נֶחְקַר) the weight of the bronze, implying its immense, immeasurable quantity.
* **The Limits of Human Comprehension:** châqar is frequently used to emphasize the unsearchable nature of God or His ways, underscoring human limitations. Zophar asks Job in [[Job 11:7]], "Can you search out (הַחֵקֶר) the deep things of God? Can you find out the limits of the Almighty?" The rhetorical question implies an emphatic "no." Similarly, [[Psalm 145:3]] declares concerning the LORD, "His greatness is unsearchable (וְלִגְדֻלָּתוֹ אֵין חֵקֶר)," affirming the infinite and incomprehensible nature of God.
* **Divine Omniscience and Intimate Knowledge:** Perhaps the most profound usage of châqar is in describing God's perfect and penetrating knowledge of humanity. [[Psalm 139:1]] famously begins, "O LORD, You have searched me (חֲקַרְתַּנִי) and known me." This is not a superficial acquaintance but an intimate, exhaustive understanding of one's innermost being, as further elaborated in [[Psalm 139:23]]: "Search me (חָקְרֵנִי), O God, and know my heart; try me and know my anxious thoughts." This divine scrutiny extends to the deepest recesses of the human person. [[Jeremiah 17:10]] powerfully states, "I, the LORD, search (חֹקֵר) the heart, I test the mind, even to give to each man according to his ways, according to the fruit of his deeds." Here, châqar is linked to divine judgment, as God's perfect knowledge forms the basis for righteous retribution.
### Related Words & Concepts
H2713 (חָקַר, *châqar*) shares semantic space with several other Hebrew terms related to seeking, testing, and knowing, yet maintains its unique emphasis on deep penetration.
* `{{H1875}}` (דָּרַשׁ, *dārash*): To seek, inquire, consult. Often used for seeking God, His will, or His instruction ([[Deuteronomy 4:29]]). While dārash implies diligent seeking, châqar suggests a more profound, internal examination.
* `{{H1245}}` (בָּקַשׁ, *bāqash*): To seek, desire, require. A general term for seeking something lost or desired ([[Genesis 37:15]]). châqar is a specific *kind* of seeking—one that delves deeply.
* `{{H974}}` (בָּחַן, *bāchan*): To test, examine, prove. Often used in the context of testing metals or, more commonly, testing human character, loyalty, or faith ([[Psalm 7:9]]). While bāchan focuses on proving quality or authenticity, châqar emphasizes the process of intimate discovery.
* `{{H3045}}` (יָדַע, *yādaʿ*): To know, perceive, understand. This is the broad term for knowledge. châqar describes the *process* by which deep knowledge (yādaʿ) is attained, especially by God.
The distinctiveness of châqar lies in its implication of searching to the very core, whether it be a physical location, a complex matter, or the human heart. It is a search that aims to leave nothing unexamined, contrasting with more general terms for seeking or testing.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of H2713 (חָקַר, *châqar*) is profound, touching upon core attributes of God and the nature of human existence.
* **Divine Omniscience and Immanence:** The most striking theological implication is God's perfect and intimate knowledge of His creation, particularly humanity. châqar underscores that God's knowledge is not merely intellectual assent to facts, but a penetrating, exhaustive understanding of our deepest thoughts, intentions, and motivations ([[Psalm 139:1-4]], [[Jeremiah 17:9-10]]). This reveals God as immanent, actively engaged with and intimately aware of every aspect of our being, leaving no hidden corner.
* **Human Accountability and Transparency:** Because God "searches the heart" (חֹקֵר לֵב), humanity is utterly transparent before Him. There is no possibility of deception or concealment from the Divine Gaze. This truth forms the basis for divine justice, as God judges not merely external actions but the very wellsprings of our being—our desires and intentions ([[Jeremiah 17:10]]). This reality calls for a life of sincerity and integrity before God.
* **The Incomprehensibility of God:** While God searches us, He Himself remains ultimately unsearchable to human intellect. [[Job 11:7]] and [[Psalm 145:3]] emphasize that God's wisdom, ways, and greatness are beyond human comprehension or exhaustive investigation. This highlights God's transcendence and mystery, inviting worship and humility rather than exhaustive intellectual conquest.
* **Call to Self-Examination and Dependence:** The Psalmist's prayer, "Search me, O God, and know my heart" ([[Psalm 139:23]]), transforms châqar from a potentially terrifying concept into an invitation for divine purification and guidance. It is a humble request for God to reveal hidden sin or anxious thoughts, leading to repentance and alignment with His perfect will. It signifies a profound dependence on God's discerning eye for spiritual growth.
### Summary
The Hebrew verb H2713 (חָקַר, *châqar*) signifies a deep, penetrating, and exhaustive examination or search. Its core meaning of "to penetrate" extends to intimate investigation, finding out, seeking, sounding, and trying. In biblical usage, châqar describes both human attempts to understand or discover, often highlighting the limits of such endeavors, and, more significantly, God's perfect and intimate knowledge. Theologically, it illuminates God's profound omniscience and immanence, His ability to search and know the innermost being of humanity, which in turn establishes human accountability before Him. Conversely, the term also underscores the ultimate incomprehensibility of God's own nature to human inquiry. Ultimately, châqar invites a reverent awe before the God who knows us completely and yet remains infinitely beyond our full grasp, fostering both humility and a longing for divine purification.
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