from עָקַר; figuratively, a transplanted person, i.e. naturalized citizen; stock.
Transliteration:ʻêqer
Pronunciation:ay'-ker
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew noun עֵקֶר (ʻêqer), Strong's number `{{H6133}}`, is derived from the verb עָקַר `{{H6131}}`, which means "to uproot," "to pluck up," or "to hamstring." While the verbal root signifies removal or destruction, the noun עֵקֶר carries a more nuanced meaning, often referring to that which remains after something has been cut or uprooted, such as a stump or a root. Figuratively, as indicated in its base definition, it can denote a "transplanted person" or "naturalized citizen," suggesting someone who has been moved from their original context but has become established elsewhere. Another significant aspect of its semantic range is "stock," referring to the foundational lineage or family root. In its sole biblical occurrence, this latter sense of "stock" or "lineage" is most prominent, implying an established, foundational presence within a family or group.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The noun עֵקֶר `{{H6133}}` appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, in [[Leviticus 25:47]]:
"And if a sojourner or stranger wax rich by thee, and thy brother that dwelleth by him wax poor, and sell himself unto the stranger or sojourner, or to the stock of the stranger's family."
In this unique context, the phrase is "לְעֵקֶר מִשְׁפַּחַת גֵּר" (leʻêqer mishpaḥat ger), which translates to "to the stock of the family of the sojourner." The passage is part of the extensive legal framework concerning the Jubilee year and the redemption of Israelites who have fallen into servitude. Here, עֵקֶר does not refer to a single "transplanted person" but rather to the established lineage or fundamental basis of a sojourner's family within the land of Israel. It implies that a sojourner, though not native-born, could become sufficiently established to possess wealth and even acquire Israelite servants. The "stock" refers to the enduring, foundational aspect of their family unit, which has taken root and grown, despite their status as non-native residents. This usage highlights the legal and social reality of foreign residents forming stable family units within Israelite society.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary linguistic connection for עֵקֶר `{{H6133}}` is its root verb, עָקַר `{{H6131}}`, which denotes the act of uprooting or removing, as seen in [[Deuteronomy 29:28]] (uprooting a nation) or [[Joshua 11:9]] (hamstringing horses). This etymological link suggests a paradox: a word derived from "uprooting" comes to signify an established "stock" or "root."
Other related concepts and words include:
* שֹׁרֶשׁ `{{H8328}}`: The more common Hebrew word for "root," both literally (e.g., [[Job 14:8]]) and figuratively (e.g., [[Isaiah 11:10]]).
* גֶּזַע `{{H1503}}`: "Stump" or "stem," often used in prophetic contexts to refer to a remnant or new growth from a cut-down tree, as in [[Isaiah 11:1]] ("stem of Jesse").
* גֵּר `{{H1616}}`: "Sojourner," "alien," or "stranger." This term is critically important as עֵקֶר is specifically applied to the "stock of the sojourner" in [[Leviticus 25:47]]. The sojourner's status in Israelite law is a recurring theme, emphasizing both their distinct identity and their rights and responsibilities within the community.
* מִשְׁפָּחָה `{{H4940}}`: "Family," "clan," or "kindred," directly connected to עֵקֶר in the phrase "stock of the family."
### Theological Significance
The single appearance of עֵקֶר `{{H6133}}` in [[Leviticus 25:47]] is deeply embedded within the Mosaic Law, particularly the regulations concerning the Jubilee and the redemption of land and persons. Theologically, this verse underscores several key principles:
1. **God's Provision for the Vulnerable:** The law ensures a mechanism for the redemption of an Israelite who has fallen into poverty and servitude, even if they have sold themselves to a sojourner or the sojourner's "stock." This reflects God's enduring concern for the poor and the preservation of the Israelite family and land inheritance.
2. **Status of the Sojourner:** The term עֵקֶר applied to the sojourner's family indicates that non-Israelites could establish a significant and enduring presence within the land. While they remained distinct from native-born Israelites, the law acknowledged their ability to form a "stock" or lineage, accumulate wealth, and participate in the economic life of the nation. This challenges a simplistic view of sojourners as merely transient figures, indicating a degree of integration and establishment was possible.
3. **Divine Sovereignty over Land and Lineage:** Despite the establishment of a "stock" by a sojourner, the overarching laws of redemption and Jubilee ensured that ultimate ownership and the perpetuation of Israelite lineage remained under God's covenant design. The Israelite servant could always be redeemed, highlighting that no human arrangement could permanently override God's established order for His people.
4. **The Paradox of Rooting:** The use of עֵקֶר, derived from "uprooting," to describe an established "stock," offers a subtle theological insight. It suggests that even those who are "transplanted" or "uprooted" from their original context can, by God's providence and within His laws, become deeply "rooted" in a new place, forming a continuing lineage or foundation.
### Summary
עֵקֶר `{{H6133}}` is a rare but insightful Hebrew noun derived from the verb "to uproot" (עָקַר `{{H6131}}`). Despite its etymological root, עֵקֶר in its sole biblical occurrence in [[Leviticus 25:47]] refers to the "stock" or established lineage of a sojourner (גֵּר `{{H1616}}`). This usage signifies the foundational and enduring aspect of a family line, even for those who are not native to the land of Israel. Theologically, the passage highlights God's provisions for the redemption of the poor, the recognized (though distinct) status of sojourners who could establish significant "stock" within Israel, and the ultimate sovereignty of God's laws over all land and lineage, ensuring the preservation of the covenant people. עֵקֶר thus speaks to the paradox of being "transplanted" yet becoming deeply "rooted" within a new context under divine oversight.
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