### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **çâchar**, represented by `{{H5503}}`, is a primitive root with a dual meaning. Primarily, it means **to travel round (specifically as a pedlar)**, which gives rise to its frequent use as **trade, traffick,** and **merchant(-man)**. It also carries an intensive meaning, **to palpitate** or **pant**. It appears 21 times across 20 unique verses in the Bible, illustrating its role in both economic and personal contexts.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In biblical narratives, `{{H5503}}` is central to the concept of commerce and interaction between peoples. It appears in the story of Joseph, where Midianite **merchantmen** `{{H582}}` `{{H5503}}` sell him to the Ishmeelites [[Genesis 37:28]]. It is also used to define legitimate economic activity, as when Abraham purchases a field with silver that is "current money with the **merchant**" `{{H5503}}` [[Genesis 23:16]]. The word can signify a basis for peace and settlement, as when the sons of Hamor offer Jacob's family the right to **trade** `{{H5503}}` in their land [[Genesis 34:10]]. In a different context, the word expresses intense personal distress, as in the Psalms where the author's heart **panteth** `{{H5503}}` and his strength fails [[Psalms 38:10]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words expand on the themes of commerce, wealth, and movement associated with `{{H5503}}`:
* `{{H1952}}` **hôwn**: This word for **wealth** or **riches** is often the result of the activity of merchants. The merchants of Tyre and Damascus trade in a "multitude of all riches" `{{H1952}}` ([[Ezekiel 27:12]], [[Ezekiel 27:18]]).
* `{{H3667}}` **Kᵉnaʻan**: While known as a place name, this word's definition also includes **merchant** and **traffick**. It is used in parallel with `{{H5503}}` to describe Tyre's "traffickers" `{{H3667}}` as the honorable of the earth [[Isaiah 23:8]].
* `{{H7075}}` **qinyân**: Meaning **goods** or **substance**, this word describes the items that are moved and traded. In Ezekiel's prophecy, aggressors gather to take away cattle and **goods** `{{H7075}}` as part of a great spoil [[Ezekiel 38:13]].
* `{{H8446}}` **tûwr**: This root, meaning to **search out** or **seek**, also carries the definition of a **merchant(-man)** or **chapman**. It appears alongside `{{H5503}}` in the list of those who brought goods to Solomon [[2 Chronicles 9:14]].
### Theological Significance
The use of `{{H5503}}` highlights several key themes regarding commerce, prosperity, and human experience.
* **Commerce as a Foundation of Society:** The right to **trade** `{{H5503}}` or **traffick** `{{H5503}}` is presented as a fundamental part of peaceful coexistence and settlement between different peoples ([[Genesis 34:21]], [[Genesis 42:34]]).
* **Prosperity and Worldly Honor:** International trade brings great status. The **merchants** `{{H5503}}` of the city of Tyre are described as being esteemed as **princes** `{{H8269}}` and the "honourable of the earth" `{{H3513}}` [[Isaiah 23:8]]. Similarly, the virtuous woman's resourcefulness is compared to that of **merchants'** `{{H5503}}` ships [[Proverbs 31:14]].
* **The Agitation of Body and Spirit:** The word's dual meaning connects physical travel with internal states. In a state of judgment, prophets and priests "go about" `{{H5503}}` in a land they do not know, reflecting confusion and displacement [[Jeremiah 14:18]]. This mirrors the internal, agitated state of a heart that "panteth" `{{H5503}}` from sorrow and failing strength [[Psalms 38:10]].
* **Judgment on Worldly Commerce:** While trade can bring honor, reliance on it invites judgment. The **merchants** `{{H5503}}` of Babylon are warned they will "wander" `{{H8582}}` and find no one to save them [[Isaiah 47:15]], and the successful merchants of the nations will ultimately "hiss" at a fallen Tyre [[Ezekiel 27:36]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H5503}}` **çâchar** provides a lens through which to view human activity, from the large-scale international trade that defines nations to the intimate, internal palpitation of a distressed heart. It connects the physical journey of the wandering pedlar to the spiritual wandering of a people under judgment. By encompassing both the prosperous merchant and the panting soul, the word demonstrates how scripture uses the language of everyday commerce to explore profound truths about wealth, society, and the human condition.
TRV