### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **çâchar**, represented by `{{H5505}}`, refers to an emporium or the profit from trade. It is found **3 times** across **3 unique verses** in the Bible. The term can be translated as **mart** or **merchandise**, signifying a place of commerce or the goods that are traded.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its biblical usage, `{{H5505}}` appears in both prophetic and wisdom literature. In Isaiah, it is used to describe a city's role in global commerce, identifying it as a **mart** of nations whose revenue comes from the harvest of the river [[Isaiah 23:3]]. It is also used prophetically to describe the future submission of nations, where the **merchandise** of Ethiopia and the Sabeans will be brought to Israel as a sign of God's favor [[Isaiah 45:14]]. In Proverbs, the word is used metaphorically to compare the value of wisdom to material wealth, stating that its **merchandise** is better than that of silver [[Proverbs 3:14]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help to frame the concept of commerce and its results:
* `{{H5504}}` **çachar** (merchandise): This closely related word also means **merchandise** or profit from trade. It is used in direct parallel with `{{H5505}}` to contrast the value of wisdom against the value of silver [[Proverbs 3:14]].
* `{{H3018}}` **yᵉgîyaʻ** (labour, work): This term refers to toil or the property gained from it. It appears alongside **merchandise** in Isaiah's prophecy, where both the **labour** of Egypt and the **merchandise** of Ethiopia are foretold to come over to Israel [[Isaiah 45:14]].
* `{{H8393}}` **tᵉbûwʼâh** (fruit, gain, increase, revenue): This word signifies the income or produce resulting from an endeavor. It is used to describe the **revenue** of the **mart** [[Isaiah 23:3]] and the **gain** from wisdom's merchandise [[Proverbs 3:14]].
### Theological Significance
The theological and thematic weight of `{{H5505}}` is seen in its specific contexts:
* **Divine Sovereignty over Nations:** The term is used in prophecy to show God's ultimate control over the world's economies. The wealth and **merchandise** of powerful nations are subject to His will and will be given to His people [[Isaiah 45:14]].
* **The Superiority of Wisdom:** In Proverbs, the concept of **merchandise** serves as a powerful metaphor. It illustrates that the pursuit of wisdom yields a profit far greater and more valuable than any material gain from trading precious metals [[Proverbs 3:14]].
* **Commerce as a Source of Identity:** A city's identity can be defined by its economic activity. By being described as a **mart** of nations, its significance is tied directly to its role as a center for international trade and revenue [[Isaiah 23:3]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H5505}}` provides a specific lens through which to view commerce in the biblical world. While its occurrences are few, it effectively communicates the idea of trade, both as a literal **mart** or the **merchandise** itself. It is used to make profound theological points about God's control over the wealth of the world and to teach that the value of divine wisdom surpasses all material profit.
TRV