### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **mᵉchîyr**, represented by `{{H4242}}`, serves as a key biblical term for **price**. It appears 15 times across 15 unique verses. The word's meaning extends beyond simple monetary cost to include the concepts of payment, wages, gain, hire, and the intrinsic worth of an item or service.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In scripture, `{{H4242}}` is used in both literal and figurative contexts. For literal transactions, King Ahab offers to give Naboth the **worth** of his vineyard in money [[1 Kings 21:2]], and King David insists on paying a **price** for Araunah's threshingfloor, refusing to make an offering that cost him nothing [[2 Samuel 24:24]]. The term is also used metaphorically to express value and cost. God's gracious invitation to the thirsty is to come and buy wine and milk "without money and without **price**" [[Isaiah 55:1]], highlighting a gift that transcends commerce. Similarly, God promises to release His captives "not for **price** nor reward" [[Isaiah 45:13]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help define the context of economic and value-based exchanges:
* `{{H7069}}` **qânâh** (to procure, especially by purchase): This is the action of buying that necessitates a price. David uses this word when he declares he will "surely **buy** it of thee at a price" [[2 Samuel 24:24]].
* `{{H4376}}` **mâkar** (to sell): As the direct counterpart to buying, this word is often linked to the concept of price. In a cry of lament, the psalmist says God **sells** His people for nought, not increasing His wealth by their **price** [[Psalms 44:12]].
* `{{H3701}}` **keçeph** (silver, money): This is frequently the medium of exchange. Ahab offers to give the worth of a vineyard in **money** [[1 Kings 21:2]], and the immeasurable value of wisdom is stated as something for which **silver** cannot be weighed for its **price** [[Job 28:15]].
* `{{H7810}}` **shachad** (bribe, gift, reward): This term appears alongside `{{H4242}}` to describe payment, often with a negative connotation. Prophets are condemned for judging for a **reward** and priests for teaching for **hire** [[Micah 3:11]].
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H4242}}` is demonstrated in its use to contrast divine and human economies.
* **The Economy of Grace:** A central theme is that God's greatest gifts are given freely. His provision of spiritual sustenance [[Isaiah 55:1]] and His redemption of captives [[Isaiah 45:13]] are explicitly offered without **price**, establishing grace as something that cannot be earned or purchased.
* **The Cost of Worship:** The principle of meaningful sacrifice is established when David refuses to offer to God that which has no **price** [[2 Samuel 24:24]]. This implies that true worship involves personal cost and value.
* **The Inestimable Value of Wisdom:** The word is used to show that wisdom's value is beyond any earthly **price**. A fool may have the **price** in hand to get wisdom, but lacks the heart for it [[Proverbs 17:16]], and its **price** cannot be met with gold or silver [[Job 28:15]].
* **Condemnation of Tainted Gain:** The law forbids bringing the **price** of a dog into the house of the Lord for a vow, labeling it an abomination [[Deuteronomy 23:18]]. This, along with the rebuke of priests who teach for **hire** [[Micah 3:11]], shows that profiting from profane or sacred duties is condemned.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H4242}}` is a versatile word that moves from the marketplace to the altar. It defines literal transactions, but more importantly, it serves as a theological tool. It helps illustrate the priceless nature of God's grace, the inherent cost of genuine sacrifice, and the corruption that occurs when sacred duties are reduced to a transaction for personal **gain**. The word **mᵉchîyr** ultimately forces a consideration of what can be bought and what must be freely given.
TRV