from יָקַר; value, i.e. (concretely) wealth; abstractly, costliness, dignity; honour, precious (things), price.
Transliteration:yᵉqâr
Pronunciation:yek-awr'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term `{{H3366}}` (yᵉqâr) derives from the root `{{H3365}}` (yāqar), meaning "to be heavy, weighty, precious, costly, honored." Consequently, `{{H3366}}` encapsulates a rich semantic range centered on the concept of value and esteemed worth. Its core meaning extends from the concrete to the abstract. Concretely, it denotes "wealth," "precious things," or "price," referring to items of high material value. Abstractly, it signifies "costliness," "dignity," and "honor," highlighting an intrinsic or ascribed worth that commands respect and admiration. The word conveys a sense of inherent significance, something not lightly regarded but held in high esteem due to its rarity, beauty, status, or utility.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The occurrences of `{{H3366}}` in the Hebrew Bible, particularly in the later historical books and Aramaic sections, consistently reflect its multifaceted meaning within contexts of royal courts, administrative decrees, and the bestowal of status.
In the book of Esther, `{{H3366}}` frequently describes the magnificent splendor and wealth of the Persian king Ahasuerus. For instance, in [[Esther 1:4]], it refers to "the riches of his glorious kingdom and the honor of his excellent majesty," where "honor" (yᵉqâr) speaks to the king's inherent dignity and the esteem in which he was held. Similarly, [[Esther 6:3]] mentions "what honor and dignity" (yᵉqâr) had been bestowed upon Mordecai, indicating a public acknowledgment of his worth and service. This usage underscores `{{H3366}}` as a measure of royal magnificence and the high regard accorded to individuals.
In Ezra, `{{H3366}}` is used in the context of the king's decree concerning the temple treasury. [[Ezra 7:26]] speaks of "penalty, whether to death, or to banishment, or to confiscation of goods, or to imprisonment," where "confiscation of goods" (yᵉqâr) refers to valuable possessions or wealth. This highlights the concrete aspect of the word, denoting material assets of significant worth.
The book of Daniel, especially in its Aramaic sections, employs `{{H3366}}` to describe the honor and dignity of kings and kingdoms. In [[Daniel 2:6]], Nebuchadnezzar promises "gifts, rewards, and great honor" (yᵉqâr) to those who interpret his dream, signifying a high degree of recognition and material reward. [[Daniel 4:36]] (Aramaic section) describes Nebuchadnezzar's restoration to his "majesty and splendor" (yᵉqâr), emphasizing the re-establishment of his royal dignity and power. This illustrates `{{H3366}}` as an attribute of sovereign authority and esteemed position.
Across these contexts, `{{H3366}}` consistently points to something of high value, whether tangible wealth, royal splendor, or personal dignity and respect. Its usage often highlights the ephemeral nature of earthly glory, especially when contrasted with divine sovereignty, as seen in Daniel's prophetic visions.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary linguistic connection for `{{H3366}}` is its root, `{{H3365}}` (yāqar), which functions as a verb meaning "to be precious, costly, honored, or weighty." This verbal root forms the semantic bedrock for the noun `{{H3366}}`, directly conveying the sense of inherent worth and high estimation.
Conceptually, `{{H3366}}` shares semantic space with several other Hebrew terms:
* `{{H3519}}` (kāvôd): Often translated as "glory" or "honor," `{{H3519}}` also carries the sense of weightiness and significance, particularly divine glory. While `{{H3366}}` can refer to human or material honor, `{{H3519}}` frequently denotes the manifest presence and inherent majesty of God. There is overlap, especially in contexts of royal splendor, where both words might describe the king's magnificence.
* `{{H1926}}` (hādār): Meaning "splendor," "majesty," or "ornament," `{{H1926}}` often describes outward magnificence and impressive appearance, aligning with the "glory" aspect of `{{H3366}}` in royal settings.
* `{{H2634}}` (ḥāmûdōt): Signifying "precious things" or "desirable things," this word focuses more on the desirability and value of objects, similar to the "precious things" or "wealth" aspect of `{{H3366}}`.
* `{{H2426}}` (ḥayil): While often translated as "strength" or "valor," `{{H2426}}` can also mean "wealth" or "substance," particularly in phrases like "a woman of valor" (Eshet Ḥayil), where "valor" encompasses inner worth and capability, including the ability to generate wealth. This connects to the material aspect of `{{H3366}}`.
Conversely, antonyms or contrasting concepts would include terms denoting contempt, worthlessness, or shame, such as `{{H7036}}` (qālôn - ignominy, disgrace) or `{{H959}}` (bûz - contempt, scorn).
### Theological Significance
While `{{H3366}}` is predominantly used in secular contexts to describe earthly wealth, royal honor, and human dignity, its underlying concept of "value" holds significant theological implications.
Firstly, the very notion of "preciousness" or "worth" points to a standard of value. In a biblical worldview, ultimate value is derived from God. God's inherent yᵉqâr is His unassailable dignity, majesty, and worth, which is reflected in His glory (kāvôd). Though `{{H3366}}` is not explicitly applied to God in the same way kāvôd is, the concept of God's "preciousness" or "honor" undergirds His sovereignty and authority.
Secondly, `{{H3366}}` can highlight the preciousness of what God bestows or values. While human yᵉqâr (honor, wealth) is often fleeting and subject to change, God's gifts and promises are of eternal yᵉqâr. For instance, the wisdom of God is described as "more precious than jewels" ([[Proverbs 3:15]]), though a different Hebrew word is used, the concept of inherent, incomparable value aligns with the spirit of `{{H3366}}`. God also bestows yᵉqâr upon His people, granting them dignity and honor through His covenant and redemption, elevating them from a state of worthlessness to one of preciousness in His sight.
Finally, the frequent use of `{{H3366}}` in descriptions of opulent earthly kingdoms serves as a subtle theological contrast. The temporary and often ultimately futile nature of humanly accumulated wealth and honor, as seen in the rise and fall of empires in Daniel, stands in stark contrast to the eternal and unchanging yᵉqâr of God's kingdom. This provides a theological lens through which to evaluate human pursuits versus divine priorities.
### Summary
The Hebrew word `{{H3366}}` (yᵉqâr) is a rich term signifying "value" in its various forms: concrete "wealth," "precious things," and "price," as well as abstract "costliness," "dignity," and "honor." Derived from the root `{{H3365}}` (yāqar, "to be precious, weighty"), it consistently appears in biblical texts, particularly Ezra, Esther, and Daniel, to describe royal splendor, material possessions of high worth, and the esteemed status or dignity bestowed upon individuals. While primarily used in secular and royal contexts, `{{H3366}}` implicitly points to a broader theological understanding of inherent worth, contrasting the ephemeral nature of human yᵉqâr with the enduring and ultimate yᵉqâr of God and His eternal purposes. It underscores the biblical emphasis on what truly holds value, whether in the eyes of humanity or, more significantly, in the divine economy.
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