a primitive root; to travel round (specifically as a pedlar); intensively, to palpitate; go about, merchant(-man), occupy with, pant, trade, traffick.
Transliteration:çâchar
Pronunciation:saw-khar'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew root `{{H5503}}` (çâchar) is a primitive root with a fascinating and dual semantic range. Its most fundamental meaning is "to travel round" or "to go about," suggesting a circular or itinerant movement. From this primary sense, it develops a specialized application related to commerce: "to trade," "to traffick," or "to engage in business," often implying the activity of a traveling merchant or pedlar. This commercial aspect is pervasive in its biblical usage.
In an intensive or less common sense, çâchar can also mean "to palpitate" or "to pant." This usage describes a rapid, forceful, or distressed movement, typically of the heart or in a state of physical exertion or emotional turmoil. Thus, the root spans a spectrum from external, purposeful commercial activity to internal, involuntary physical or emotional states. Additional nuances include "to occupy with" (in the sense of engaging in business) and a more general "to go about."
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The occurrences of `{{H5503}}` in the Hebrew Bible highlight its distinct semantic applications:
* **Commercial Activity:**
* In the patriarchal narratives, çâchar describes the act of trading. Laban encourages Jacob's sons to "trade" (çâchar) and "occupy" (çâchar) the land of Canaan, implying free commercial interaction and settlement ([[Genesis 34:10]], [[Genesis 34:21]]). Similarly, Joseph instructs his brothers to "trade in the land" of Egypt, indicating a legitimate and expected economic activity ([[Genesis 42:34]]).
* The book of Proverbs alludes to the diligence of the virtuous woman whose "merchandise" (a derivative noun, *səḥōrāh*, `{{H5507}}`, but intrinsically linked to the verb's activity) is good, showcasing the positive aspect of industrious trade ([[Proverbs 31:18]]).
* The most extensive and vivid portrayal of çâchar in its commercial sense is found in Ezekiel's lament over Tyre. The prophet repeatedly uses the root and its derivatives to describe Tyre's vast and intricate network of "trafficking" and "trading" with numerous nations ([[Ezekiel 27:9]], [[Ezekiel 27:13]], [[Ezekiel 27:15]], [[Ezekiel 27:17]], [[Ezekiel 27:21]], [[Ezekiel 27:27]]). Here, çâchar underscores Tyre's identity as a global commercial hub, whose wealth and pride ultimately lead to its downfall.
* **Intensive/Physical State:**
* In a starkly different context, çâchar appears in [[Psalm 38:10]] to describe an internal physical sensation: "My heart pants" (literally, "my heart goes about" or "reels"). This usage conveys intense physical or emotional distress, a feeling of being overwhelmed or in turmoil, where the heart is in a state of agitated, irregular movement. This demonstrates the root's capacity to describe not just external movement but also internal, visceral experience.
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic field of `{{H5503}}` is enriched by its relationship to other Hebrew terms:
* **Derived Nouns:** The most direct cognates are the nouns derived from this root: *sōḥēr* (`{{H5503}}`), meaning "merchant" or "trader," and *səḥōrāh* (`{{H5507}}`), meaning "merchandise," "traffic," or "trade." These nouns directly embody the commercial activity implied by the verb.
* **Other Commercial Terms:** Other verbs and nouns related to trade and commerce include `{{H7402}}` (rakal, "to trade," "to traffick") and `{{H4376}}` (makkar, "merchandise," "trade"). These terms share the semantic domain of economic exchange and mercantile activity.
* **Terms of Movement:** While less directly related, verbs of general movement such as `{{H1980}}` (halak, "to walk," "to go") and `{{H7725}}` (shuv, "to return," "to turn") share the underlying concept of motion inherent in çâchar's primary sense of "traveling round."
* **Terms of Distress/Panting:** For the intensive meaning of "panting" or "fainting," related terms include `{{H607}}` (amem, "to be faint") and `{{H5968}}` (alaph, "to faint," "to grow weak"). These terms describe states of physical or emotional debilitation.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H5503}}` is multifaceted, touching upon both human enterprise and human vulnerability.
* **Commerce and Divine Order:** The widespread use of çâchar for trade underscores the legitimate and integral role of commerce in human society, even within a divinely ordered world. The virtuous woman of Proverbs exemplifies how diligent and wise engagement in business can be a commendable aspect of a righteous life. However, the extensive portrayal of Tyre's trade in Ezekiel offers a profound theological caution. It demonstrates how commerce, when pursued with excessive pride, greed, and self-reliance, can lead to spiritual hubris and ultimately divine judgment. The downfall of Tyre serves as a powerful reminder that material prosperity, if not stewarded righteously, can become an idol and a source of spiritual corruption.
* **Human Fragility and Dependence:** The intensive meaning of "panting" or "palpitating" in [[Psalm 38:10]] offers a poignant theological insight into the human condition. It vividly portrays physical and emotional distress, demonstrating the raw vulnerability of humanity before God. In this context, the "panting heart" signifies a state of profound turmoil, helplessness, and often, a desperate longing for divine intervention and solace. It highlights that even in moments of intense suffering, the human spirit's deepest movements are known to God.
* **Diligence and Engagement:** In its broader sense of "going about" or "occupying with," çâchar can implicitly commend diligent engagement in one's calling or sphere of influence. This aligns with biblical principles of stewardship and productivity, encouraging active participation in the world while maintaining a posture of dependence on God.
### Summary
The Hebrew root `{{H5503}}` (çâchar) is a versatile and significant term in the biblical lexicon, primarily denoting "to travel round" or "to go about." Its most common application is in the realm of commerce, signifying "to trade," "to traffick," or "to act as a merchant." This commercial dimension is richly illustrated in narratives from Genesis to the prophetic books, particularly in Ezekiel's detailed description of Tyre's vast mercantile activities. Secondarily, in an intensive sense, çâchar conveys the physical or emotional state of "panting" or "palpitating," as seen in the Psalms, depicting distress or turmoil. Theologically, çâchar invites reflection on the moral complexities of human enterprise—the potential for both blessing and corruption in commerce—and also offers a vivid portrayal of human vulnerability and the heart's deepest longings before God.
TRV