### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **yᵉqâr**, represented by `{{H3366}}`, denotes value in its various forms. Its definition includes concepts like wealth, costliness, dignity, honour, precious things, and price. It appears 17 times across 15 unique verses, highlighting its use in contexts of both material and abstract worth.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In scripture, `{{H3366}}` is applied in several distinct ways. It often refers to tangible wealth and valuable objects, such as "the precious things" of Judah that were plundered and carried to Babylon [[Jeremiah 20:5]]. Similarly, corrupt prophets are condemned for taking "treasure and precious things" [[Ezekiel 22:25]]. The word also signifies honor and dignity, particularly in the book of Esther, where it describes the "**honour** of his excellent majesty" [[Esther 1:4]] and the "**honour**" bestowed upon Mordecai by the king [[Esther 6:6]]. It can also denote a specific cost, as seen in Zechariah where the LORD refers to "a goodly **price**" [[Zechariah 11:13]]. In the Psalms, the word is used to describe the fleeting nature of human status, stating that a person "in **honour** abideth not" [[Psalms 49:12]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help to frame the meaning of `{{H3366}}`:
* `{{H2633}}` **chôçen** (wealth; riches, strength, treasure): This word often appears alongside `{{H3366}}` to emphasize material wealth that can be seized, as seen in the prophetic warnings in [[Jeremiah 20:5]] and [[Ezekiel 22:25]].
* `{{H3519}}` **kâbôwd** (splendor or copiousness; glorious(-ly), glory, honour(-able)): This term is closely linked to the concept of honor. In [[Esther 1:4]], the king displays the riches of his **glorious** kingdom and the **honour** `{{H3366}}` of his majesty.
* `{{H1420}}` **gᵉdûwlâh** (greatness; (concretely) mighty acts; dignity, great things(-ness), majesty): This word is used in parallel with `{{H3366}}` to express high status. In [[Esther 6:3]], the king asks what "**honour** `{{H3366}}` and **dignity**" had been given to Mordecai.
* `{{H3627}}` **kᵉlîy** (something prepared, i.e. any apparatus... jewel... vessel): This word for a prepared item or utensil is used in [[Proverbs 20:15]], where the lips of knowledge are called a "**precious** `{{H3366}}` **jewel**."
### Theological Significance
The conceptual weight of `{{H3366}}` is seen in the contrast between earthly and intangible value.
* **Royal and Personal Honor:** The word is central to the narrative in Esther, where bestowing **honour** is a key expression of royal favor and public recognition [[Esther 6:9]]. It is also prescribed as the respect wives should give to their husbands [[Esther 1:20]].
* **Tangible and Monetary Value:** `{{H3366}}` is used to quantify worth, whether as "precious things" to be plundered [[Jeremiah 20:5]], the "treasure" taken by the wicked [[Ezekiel 22:25]], or the specific "price" at which someone is valued [[Zechariah 11:13]].
* **The Fragility of Human Dignity:** The Psalms use `{{H3366}}` to deliver a sober warning that human **honour** is temporary and does not save a person from being "like the beasts that perish" ([[Psalms 49:12]], [[Psalms 49:20]]).
* **Knowledge as a Higher Treasure:** [[Proverbs 20:15]] elevates the value of wisdom above material riches by describing "the lips of knowledge" as a "**precious** jewel," contrasting it with gold and rubies.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H3366}}` encompasses a spectrum of meaning from concrete wealth to abstract dignity. It appears in contexts of royal courts, prophetic judgment, and wisdom literature. Through its various applications, **yᵉqâr** illustrates a key biblical theme: the distinction between the temporary, material value of "precious things" and the more profound, lasting worth of honor, dignity, and knowledge.
TRV