or (by permutation) סָכַר; (Ezra 4:5), a primitive root (apparently akin (by prosthesis) to כָּרָה through the idea of temporary purchase; compare שָׁכַר); to hire; earn wages, hire (out self), reward, [idiom] surely.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **sâkar**, represented by `{{H7936}}`, means **to hire**. It appears 21 times across 18 unique verses in the Bible. Its meaning extends beyond a simple transaction to include earning wages, being hired for a task, receiving a reward, or being used idiomatically to mean "surely."
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H7936}}` is frequently used in the context of hiring for military or political purposes. The children of Ammon **hired** Syrian mercenaries to fight against David [[2 Samuel 10:6]]. This is also seen when they sent a thousand talents of silver to **hire** chariots and horsemen from Mesopotamia [[1 Chronicles 19:6]]. The word can also describe obtaining services for corrupt ends, such as when Tobiah and Sanballat **hired** someone to pronounce a false prophecy against Nehemiah [[Nehemiah 6:12]]. In a context of futility, it describes those who **earneth wages** only to put them into a bag with holes, signifying labor without God's blessing [[Haggai 1:6]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words expand upon the concept of hiring, its purpose, and its outcome:
* `{{H7043}}` **qâlal** (curse): This word describes the intended outcome of hiring Balaam, who was paid to **curse** the children of Israel ([[Deuteronomy 23:4]], [[Nehemiah 13:2]]).
* `{{H2015}}` **hâphak** (to turn about or over): This demonstrates God's sovereignty over a hired transaction. Though Balaam was hired to curse, God **turned** the curse into a blessing [[Nehemiah 13:2]].
* `{{H2318}}` **châdash** (to rebuild; renew, repair): This shows a positive use of hiring, where masons and carpenters were **hired** to **repair** the house of the LORD [[2 Chronicles 24:12]].
* `{{H2398}}` **châṭâʼ** (to miss; to sin): A man was hired so that Nehemiah would be afraid, **sin**, and give his enemies a reason to reproach him [[Nehemiah 6:13]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H7936}}` is seen in several key principles.
* **Consequences of Human Schemes:** The act of hiring often initiates a plan with significant moral consequences. Abimelech **hired** vain and light persons to follow him [[Judges 9:4]], and opponents of the returning exiles **hired** counselors to frustrate their purpose [[Ezra 4:5]].
* **Divine Reversal:** Scripture shows that human efforts to hire agents for evil can be overturned by God. The plan to **hire** Balaam to curse Israel failed when God **turned** the intended curse into a blessing, demonstrating His ultimate authority [[Nehemiah 13:2]].
* **Principle of Reward and Futility:** The concept of earning wages is tied to divine blessing. Labor without God's favor is portrayed as earning wages that are immediately lost [[Haggai 1:6]]. The term is also used when God **rewardeth** the fool and transgressors, linking payment to consequence [[Proverbs 26:10]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H7936}}` moves beyond a simple economic term. It illustrates the use of resources to achieve a goal, whether it is constructive, like repairing the temple, or destructive, like hiring armies or false prophets. It serves as a powerful illustration of the conflict between human plans and divine sovereignty, showing that while people may be hired to carry out a certain task, God's will ultimately prevails.
TRV