### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word `{{H4377}}` (מֶכֶר, *meker*) is a noun derived from the verb `{{H4376}}` (מָכַר, *makar*), which means "to sell." As such, `{{H4377}}` inherently relates to the act of selling and the concepts associated with it. Its primary semantic range encompasses:
* **Merchandise** or **wares**: Referring to the goods or items that are offered for sale or have been sold. This emphasizes the object of a commercial transaction.
* **Price** or **value**: Denoting the monetary or intrinsic worth assigned to an item or even a person in an exchange. This highlights the cost or estimation of worth.
* **Pay**: The compensation received for goods or services rendered.
In essence, `{{H4377}}` encapsulates the economic dimension of exchange, focusing on either the commodity itself or the remuneration involved in its transfer.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term `{{H4377}}` appears in several significant contexts within the Hebrew Bible, illustrating its nuanced usage:
* **Proverbs 31:10**: "Who can find a virtuous woman? For her price is far above rubies." Here, `{{H4377}}` (מִכְרָהּ, *mikrah*, with a pronominal suffix) is translated as "price." The context is not a literal commercial transaction but a metaphorical expression of the inestimable worth of a virtuous woman. This usage extends the word's meaning beyond mere economic value to intrinsic, moral, and spiritual worth, emphasizing the "value" aspect of its semantic range.
* **Nehemiah 13:20**: "So the merchants and sellers of all kinds of wares lodged outside Jerusalem once or twice." In this verse, `{{H4377}}` (מִמְכָּר, *mimkar*) refers to "wares" or "merchandise." The context is Nehemiah's effort to enforce the Sabbath laws, specifically prohibiting commercial activity. This instance clearly aligns with the "merchandise" aspect, denoting goods offered for sale.
* **Leviticus 25:27**: "Then he shall compute the years since its sale and refund the balance to the man to whom he sold it, and he shall return to his possession." Here, `{{H4377}}` (מִמְכָּרוֹ, *mimkaro*) refers to the "sale" itself or the "price of sale." The passage details the laws concerning the redemption of land in the Jubilee year, where the value of the land is prorated based on the number of years remaining until the Jubilee. This usage underscores the "price" or "pay" aspect within a legal and economic framework.
* **Leviticus 25:50**: Similar to 25:27, this verse uses `{{H4377}}` (מִמְכָּרוֹ, *mimkaro*) in the context of calculating the redemption price for a person sold into servitude. Again, it highlights the "price" or "value" in a regulated transaction, emphasizing fairness and the ultimate return to freedom.
These occurrences demonstrate `{{H4377}}`'s flexibility in referring to the object of sale, the act of selling, or the value assigned in an exchange.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most direct lexical relation for `{{H4377}}` is its root verb, `{{H4376}}` (מָכַר, *makar*), "to sell." `{{H4377}}` functions as the nominal derivative, representing the outcome or object of the selling action.
Other related terms and concepts include:
* `{{H4725}}` (מִקְנָה, *miqnah*), "purchase," "possession," or "acquisition." This noun is derived from `{{H7069}}` (קָנָה, *qanah*), "to buy" or "to acquire." While `{{H4377}}` focuses on the "selling" side (merchandise, price of sale), `{{H4725}}` represents the "buying" side (purchase, acquisition). These two terms are complementary, describing the two facets of a commercial transaction.
* `{{H7938}}` (שָׂכָר, *sakhar*), "wages" or "reward," derived from `{{H7939}}` (שָׂכַר, *sakhar*), "to hire." While `{{H4377}}` deals with the exchange of goods, `{{H7938}}` pertains to compensation for labor or service. Both fall under the broader economic domain of exchange and value, highlighting different forms of remuneration.
* The broader concepts of "commerce," "trade," "worth," and "exchange" are intrinsically linked to `{{H4377}}`. Its usage provides insight into the economic practices and legal regulations of ancient Israel.
### Theological Significance
While `{{H4377}}` is fundamentally an economic term, its biblical deployment carries profound theological implications:
* **Divine Justice and Equity in Transactions**: The detailed laws in Leviticus (chapter 25) concerning the "sale" (`{{H4377}}`) and redemption of land and persons underscore God's unwavering concern for justice and fairness in economic dealings. The "price" was not left to arbitrary human discretion but was subject to divine statutes, ensuring that no one would be permanently dispossessed of their ancestral inheritance or enslaved. This reflects God's character as a righteous and merciful Sovereign who establishes order and equity even in commercial spheres.
* **Intrinsic Value Beyond Material Worth**: The metaphorical application of `{{H4377}}` in Proverbs 31:10, describing the "price" of a virtuous woman as "far above rubies," elevates the concept of "value" beyond mere monetary or material assessment. It teaches that true worth, particularly in human character, wisdom, and moral excellence, infinitely surpasses any material "merchandise" or "price." This highlights a theological anthropology where human dignity and virtue are of supreme value in God's eyes, reflecting His own valuation of righteousness.
* **Stewardship and Responsible Economic Conduct**: The presence of divine regulations for "wares" and "prices" (e.g., Nehemiah 13:20) implies a divine expectation for ethical and responsible behavior in economic activity. It reinforces the principle that all resources ultimately belong to God, and their exchange must align with His righteous principles, including the sanctity of the Sabbath and fair dealing.
### Summary
The Hebrew word `{{H4377}}` (מֶכֶר, *meker*) is a significant term rooted in the concept of "selling," denoting "merchandise," "price," or "value." Its biblical occurrences reveal a dual application: a literal reference to commercial transactions, such as the buying and selling of goods or land, and a metaphorical extension to express immeasurable intrinsic worth. Passages in Leviticus demonstrate God's meticulous concern for justice and equity in economic exchanges, regulating "prices" to ensure fairness and prevent exploitation. Conversely, Proverbs 31:10 beautifully illustrates `{{H4377}}`'s capacity to convey the transcendent "value" of a virtuous character, far exceeding any material "wares." Thus, `{{H4377}}` offers not only insight into the economic life of ancient Israel but also profound theological lessons on divine justice, the inherent dignity of humanity, and the supremacy of character over material wealth.
TRV