### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew noun שֶׂכֶר (seker, `{{H7938}}`) originates from the verbal root שָׂכַר (sakar, `{{H7936}}`), which signifies "to hire" or "to pay wages." Consequently, the foundational and most prevalent meaning of שֶׂכֶר is "wages," "hire," or "payment received for services rendered." This encompasses the remuneration provided to a laborer, the compensation for a completed task, or the profit accrued from an undertaking.
Beyond this direct financial connotation, the semantic scope of שֶׂכֶר extends to "reward" or "recompense" in a broader sense, indicating a beneficial outcome or a just return for actions. This can be understood as a deserved benefit or a consequence, often implying a positive return for righteous behavior.
A less common and seemingly distinct meaning, "sluice" or "dam," appears in a singular context ([[Isaiah 19:10]]). This particular usage is often considered a homonym or a specialized metaphorical extension, perhaps related to the control or regulation of water, which contrasts sharply with the dominant meaning of compensation. However, the primary theological and practical application of שֶׂכֶר centers on the concept of payment and reward.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term שֶׂכֶר (seker, `{{H7938}}`) is found multiple times in the Hebrew Bible, primarily conveying the sense of "wages" or "reward."
In the realm of human labor, שֶׂכֶר denotes the rightful payment due to hired workers, underscoring the ethical imperative of timely and fair compensation. For instance, [[Leviticus 19:13]] commands, "The wages of a hired worker are not to remain with you all night until morning." This principle is reiterated in [[Deuteronomy 24:15]], emphasizing the vulnerability of the poor who rely on their daily wages. The act of withholding שֶׂכֶר is condemned as a severe injustice, as articulated in [[Jeremiah 22:13]] and [[Malachi 3:5]], which highlights God's judgment against those who oppress the hired worker.
Beyond the literal payment for labor, שֶׂכֶר frequently signifies a divine "reward" or "recompense" for faithfulness and righteous deeds. A pivotal instance is found in [[Genesis 15:1]], where God assures Abram, "I am your shield, your exceedingly great reward (שֶׂכֶר)." Here, God Himself is presented as the ultimate recompense, transcending any material gain. This profound concept is echoed in [[Psalm 58:11]], which speaks of a "reward for the righteous." The notion of God providing שֶׂכֶר reinforces His covenantal fidelity and inherent justice.
While less common for this specific term, the broader principle of recompense also implies that actions, whether good or evil, will eventually receive their due, though other Hebrew words more explicitly carry the negative connotation of "wages for wickedness."
The anomalous usage in [[Isaiah 19:10]] refers to "all who make a living from the ponds (שֶׂכֶר) for fish," indicating "sluices" or "fishponds." This context is distinct and generally understood as a separate lexical entry or a highly specialized meaning unrelated to compensation.
### Related Words & Concepts
The concept of שֶׂכֶר (seker, `{{H7938}}`) is intricately linked with several other biblical themes and terms, enriching its meaning:
* **שָׂכַר (sakar, `{{H7936}}`):** The verbal root from which שֶׂכֶר derives, meaning "to hire" or "to pay wages." This direct etymological connection solidifies the primary sense of שֶׂכֶר as that which is earned or paid.
* **גְּמוּל (gemul, `{{H1576}}`):** This noun frequently translates to "recompense," "requital," or "retribution." While שֶׂכֶר often emphasizes a positive or earned reward, גְּמוּל can encompass both positive and negative consequences, highlighting the principle of a just return for actions.
* **פְּעֻלָּה (pe'ullah, `{{H6468}}`):** Meaning "work," "labor," or "recompense for work." This term often appears in contexts related to the fruit of one's labor or the just reward for it, sharing semantic overlap with שֶׂכֶר.
* **צֶדֶק (tzedeq, `{{H6664}}`):** "Righteousness" or "justice." The concept of שֶׂכֶר is frequently connected to divine justice, as God's recompense is always righteous and fair, whether rewarding good or bringing consequences for evil.
* **בְּרִית (berit, `{{H1285}}`):** "Covenant." God's promise of a "great reward" to Abram ([[Genesis 15:1]]) is foundational to the covenant relationship, where faithfulness is met with divine blessing and recompense, underscoring the reciprocal nature of the covenant.
These related terms collectively portray a God who operates according to principles of justice and faithfulness, ensuring that actions, both human and divine, yield appropriate consequences or returns.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of שֶׂכֶר (seker, `{{H7938}}`) is profound, revealing essential facets of God's character and His interaction with humanity.
Firstly, it underscores God's **justice and righteousness**. The divine injunctions concerning the prompt and fair payment of wages to hired laborers ([[Leviticus 19:13]], [[Deuteronomy 24:15]]) establish a fundamental ethical principle rooted in God's own nature. God is depicted as a champion of the vulnerable, demanding equitable treatment and condemning those who exploit others by withholding their rightful שֶׂכֶר ([[Malachi 3:5]]). This reflects a God who actively upholds economic and social justice.
Secondly, שֶׂכֶר illuminates God's **faithfulness and generosity**. The promise to Abram that God Himself is his "exceedingly great reward" ([[Genesis 15:1]]) elevates the concept beyond mere material compensation. It suggests that the ultimate recompense for human faithfulness is God's own presence, protection, and covenantal relationship. This shifts the focus from an earned benefit to a gracious gift, where God's very being is the supreme blessing. It implies that serving God is not merely a duty but an investment that yields eternal, immeasurable returns, intrinsically tied to His covenantal promises.
Thirdly, the concept of שֶׂכֶר reinforces the **principle of divine recompense**. While predominantly positive in its application to the righteous, it subtly reminds humanity that actions have consequences. God is not indifferent to human conduct; He rewards the righteous and, by extension, will bring recompense upon the wicked. This provides both encouragement for obedience and a solemn warning against transgression, affirming divine accountability.
In essence, שֶׂכֶר encapsulates the biblical understanding of a just and faithful God who both demands righteous conduct and graciously provides fitting recompense, with the ultimate reward being the intimate relationship with Himself.
### Summary
The Hebrew word שֶׂכֶר (seker, `{{H7938}}`) primarily signifies "wages" or "payment for service," reflecting the just compensation due to laborers. Its semantic range extends to "reward" or "recompense" more broadly, encompassing both positive and negative outcomes for actions. Biblically, it frequently appears in contexts emphasizing the ethical imperative of paying workers justly and promptly, condemning exploitation. More significantly, שֶׂכֶר is used to describe God's divine reward for faithfulness, culminating in the profound declaration that God Himself is the "exceedingly great reward" to His people ([[Genesis 15:1]]). This usage highlights God's justice, faithfulness, and generosity, portraying Him as the ultimate source of blessing and recompense for those who walk in His ways. While a rare usage refers to "sluices" or "ponds" ([[Isaiah 19:10]]), the dominant theological import of שֶׂכֶר lies in its connection to divine justice and the covenantal promise of God's own presence as the supreme reward.
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