### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **çachar**, represented by `{{H5504}}`, defines **profit (from trade)** or **merchandise**. It appears 4 times across 3 unique verses, offering a specific lens through which to view commerce and its value. The term is derived from the root for trade and is used to describe goods or the financial gain resulting from their exchange.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H5504}}` is used to evaluate the worth of different kinds of gain. In the book of Proverbs, the **merchandise** of wisdom is declared to be better than the profit derived from silver and fine gold [[Proverbs 3:14]]. The term is also used to describe the positive outcome of the virtuous woman's labor, as "She perceiveth that her **merchandise** is good" [[Proverbs 31:18]]. In Isaiah's prophecy concerning Tyre, the city's **merchandise** is destined to become "holiness to the LORD," providing for God's people rather than being hoarded [[Isaiah 23:18]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words expand upon the concepts of commerce, gain, and reward:
* `{{H5505}}` **çâchar** (an emporium; abstractly, profit (from trade); mart, merchandise): This closely related term appears alongside `{{H5504}}` in [[Proverbs 3:14]], where it specifically refers to the "merchandise of silver," which is deemed less valuable than the profit of wisdom.
* `{{H8393}}` **tᵉbûwʼâh** (income, i.e. produce (literally or figuratively); fruit, gain, increase, revenue): This word for "gain" is also used in [[Proverbs 3:14]], where the gain from wisdom is valued more than fine gold. It often refers to agricultural increase or revenue [[Proverbs 15:6]].
* `{{H868}}` **ʼethnan** (a gift (as the price of harlotry or idolatry); hire, reward): This term is paired with `{{H5504}}` in [[Isaiah 23:18]], where Tyre's "hire" and "merchandise" are both consecrated to God. However, in other contexts, it is strongly associated with the negative concept of a harlot's hire ([[Micah 1:7]], [[Deuteronomy 23:18]]).
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H5504}}` is centered on the proper valuation and use of material gain.
* **Superiority of Wisdom:** The primary lesson from its use in Proverbs is that the pursuit of wisdom yields a "merchandise" of far greater value than any material profit, setting a clear priority for a righteous life [[Proverbs 3:14]].
* **Sanctified Commerce:** The prophecy in [[Isaiah 23:18]] demonstrates that the profits of worldly trade are not inherently evil but can be sanctified and repurposed for holy use, specifically for the provision and sustenance of God's servants.
* **Righteous Enterprise:** The description of the virtuous woman in [[Proverbs 31:18]] affirms that diligent, skillful, and profitable business ("her merchandise is good") is a component of a righteous and blessed life.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H5504}}` is a specific term for commercial **merchandise** that carries significant thematic weight. While it appears infrequently, its usage provides a nuanced perspective on wealth and trade. It serves as a vehicle to contrast material gain with the superior value of wisdom, while also showing that the profits of commerce can be a sign of virtue and can be consecrated for a holy purpose, shifting the focus from accumulation to sanctified use.
TRV