from סָחַר; an emporium; abstractly, profit (from trade); mart, merchandise.
Transliteration:çâchar
Pronunciation:saw-khar'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term H5505 (çâchar) is a noun derived from the verb סָחַר (`{{H5503}}`), which signifies "to go about," "to travel around," or "to trade." Consequently, H5505 encapsulates the various facets of commercial activity and its outcomes. Its core semantic range includes:
1. **Emporium/Mart:** A place where trade is conducted, a market center. This denotes a physical location of commercial exchange.
2. **Merchandise/Wares:** The goods or commodities that are bought and sold. This refers to the objects of trade.
3. **Profit/Gain from Trade:** The financial or material benefit derived from commercial transactions. This highlights the outcome or advantage sought through trade.
The word thus points to both the *means* (merchandise, mart) and the *end* (profit) of mercantile endeavors, always rooted in the concept of movement and exchange.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
H5505 appears in several significant contexts within the Hebrew Bible, primarily in prophetic and wisdom literature, shedding light on ancient economic practices and their spiritual implications.
* In **Proverbs 3:14**, the term is used metaphorically to extol the value of wisdom: "For her profit [[çâchar]] is better than the profit of silver, and her gain than fine gold." Here, çâchar refers to the beneficial outcome or advantage, drawing a direct parallel between the tangible gains of commerce and the incomparable, intangible benefits of wisdom. This highlights a theological principle: true and lasting profit is spiritual, not merely material.
* The prophetic books frequently employ H5505 when describing powerful mercantile cities, particularly Tyre. **Isaiah 23:3** states, "And by great waters the grain of Shihor, the harvest of the Nile, was her revenue [[çâchar]]; and she was the mart [[çâchar]] of nations." Here, the word appears twice, denoting both the "revenue" (profit/gain) derived from trade and Tyre's identity as a central "mart" or "emporium" for international commerce. **Isaiah 23:18** further mentions, "And her merchandise [[çâchar]] and her hire will be holy to the LORD," indicating that even the material wealth accumulated through trade could, by divine purpose, be consecrated.
* **Jeremiah 10:17** uses H5505 in a more general sense: "Gather up your merchandise [[çâchar]] from the land, O inhabitant of the siege." This refers to the movable goods or wares that people would attempt to salvage or transport during times of impending judgment or siege.
* In **Ezekiel 27**, a detailed lament over Tyre, H5505 is central to describing its vast commercial network. **Ezekiel 27:15** notes, "The sons of Dedan were your traders; many coastlands were your own special markets [[çâchar]]; they brought you in exchange ivory tusks and ebony." Here, çâchar refers to the "markets" or trading activities themselves. **Ezekiel 28:5** further attributes the king of Tyre's pride to his commercial success: "By your great wisdom, by your trade [[çâchar]], you have increased your wealth and your heart has become proud in your wealth." This verse powerfully links the pursuit of çâchar (trade/profit) with the accumulation of wealth and the subsequent spiritual danger of pride and self-sufficiency.
These occurrences demonstrate H5505's literal application to trade, merchandise, and profit, while also revealing its capacity for metaphorical use and its association with both societal prosperity and spiritual peril.
### Related Words & Concepts
The understanding of H5505 is enriched by examining its linguistic relatives and conceptual neighbors:
* **סָחַר (`{{H5503}}`):** The root verb, meaning "to go about," "to traffic," or "to trade." This verb underscores the active movement and exchange inherent in the concept of H5505.
* **מַסְחָר (`{{H4522}}`) / מִסְחָר (`{{H4524}}`):** Other nouns derived from the same root, also referring to "traffic," "merchandise," or "gain." These terms are often interchangeable with H5505 in describing commercial goods or activity.
* **רָכַל (`{{H7402}}`):** A verb meaning "to go about as a merchant" or "to trade," often associated with peddling or carrying merchandise.
* **מֶרְכֹלֶת (`{{H4819}}`):** A noun referring specifically to "merchandise" or "wares," often carried by a merchant.
* **Concepts of Wealth and Gain:** The word H5505 inherently connects to broader biblical themes of wealth, its acquisition, and its proper use. This includes terms for silver, gold, and other valuable commodities.
* **Wisdom:** As seen in Proverbs, wisdom is presented as a superior "profit" or "gain" compared to material wealth, establishing a crucial spiritual hierarchy.
* **Idolatry and Pride:** In the prophetic critiques of cities like Tyre, the excessive pursuit of çâchar and the pride derived from it are often linked to spiritual rebellion and idolatry, where material gain supplants devotion to God.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of H5505 lies in its portrayal of human economic activity within a divine framework.
1. **Neutrality of Commerce:** The Bible does not inherently condemn trade or the pursuit of çâchar. It is presented as a legitimate means of livelihood and societal interaction. The gain derived from honest labor and exchange is not, in itself, sinful.
2. **Potential for Corruption:** However, H5505 frequently appears in contexts that highlight the spiritual dangers associated with the pursuit of profit and wealth. When the accumulation of çâchar becomes an ultimate goal, it can lead to greed, injustice, and most significantly, pride and self-sufficiency that displace reliance on God. The downfall of Tyre, fueled by its immense çâchar, serves as a potent warning against placing trust in material prosperity rather than divine favor.
3. **Wisdom as True Value:** The contrast drawn in Proverbs between the çâchar of silver and gold versus the çâchar of wisdom is a profound theological statement. It reorients human values, asserting that spiritual and intellectual gain, rooted in God's truth, far surpasses any material profit. This underscores the biblical emphasis on eternal values over temporal ones.
4. **God's Sovereignty over All Spheres:** Even in the realm of commerce and trade, God's sovereignty is affirmed. The ability to gain çâchar ultimately comes from Him, and He can judge or consecrate the fruit of such endeavors, as seen in Isaiah's prophecy about Tyre's future çâchar being holy to the Lord. This reminds believers that all aspects of life, including economic activity, are to be conducted under divine authority and for His glory.
### Summary
The Hebrew word H5505 (çâchar) encompasses the concepts of an "emporium" or "mart," "merchandise" or "wares," and the "profit" or "gain" derived from trade. Rooted in the idea of "going about" for commercial purposes, it accurately reflects the nature of ancient commerce. Biblically, çâchar is seen in both literal applications, describing goods and markets in cities like Tyre, and in metaphorical usage, particularly in Proverbs, where the "profit" of wisdom is deemed superior to material wealth. Theologically, H5505 highlights the inherent neutrality of trade as a human activity, yet it simultaneously serves as a powerful reminder of the spiritual perils associated with the excessive pursuit of material gain, especially when it fosters pride and displaces reliance on God. The word ultimately points believers toward a kingdom perspective, where true and lasting çâchar is found not in earthly possessions, but in the invaluable wisdom and eternal blessings that come from the Lord.
TRV