The Hebrew word sâkâr, represented by H7939, signifies the payment of contract. Appearing 28 times across 25 unique verses, its meaning is broad, covering concrete ideas like salary, fare, and maintenance, as well as more abstract concepts such as compensation, benefit, reward, and worth.
In scripture, H7939 is applied in both earthly transactions and divine promises. It is used literally as wages for labor, such as when Leah names her son Issachar, saying, "God hath given me my hire H7939" Genesis 30:18. It can also mean a fare for travel, as when Jonah "paid the fare H7939 thereof" to flee to Tarshish Jonah 1:3. Theologically, the term is elevated to describe God's own nature as a benefactor, when He promises Abram, "I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward H7939" Genesis 15:1. It also describes blessings from the LORD, such as children, who are described as a reward H7939 Psalms 127:3.
Several related words help clarify the concept of payment and compensation:
- H7916 sâkîyr (hired man, servant): This term identifies the person who receives a wage. The relationship is made explicit in Malachi, where the LORD warns against those who oppress "the hireling in his wages" Malachi 3:5.
- H6468 pᵉʻullâh (work, reward, wages): This word often appears alongside H7939 to link the action to its compensation. The promise that one's work will be rewarded is a recurring theme (Jeremiah 31:16, 2 Chronicles 15:7).
- H5414 nâthan (to give): This verb is frequently used to describe the act of paying a wage or bestowing a reward. Pharaoh's daughter tells Moses' mother she will "give thee thy wages" Exodus 2:9, and Jacob asks Laban to appoint his wages which he will then give Genesis 30:28.
The theological weight of H7939 is significant, framing God's relationship with humanity in terms of justice and blessing.
- God as the Reward: The ultimate reward for the faithful is not a material object but God Himself. This is established early in God's covenant with Abram, whom He tells, "I am thy...exceeding great reward" Genesis 15:1.
- Compensation for Faithfulness: Scripture promises that service to God will not be in vain. God assures his people that their "work shall be rewarded" Jeremiah 31:16, linking their labor and endurance directly to a promised benefit.
- Divine Justice: The concept of sâkâr is a cornerstone of biblical social ethics. The LORD commands that a laborer must be paid his hire promptly Deuteronomy 24:15 and stands as a witness against those who oppress the hireling in his wages Malachi 3:5, showing that fair compensation is a matter of divine concern.
In summary, H7939 is a multifaceted term that moves between the mundane and the divine. From a day's wages for a servant to the fare for a ship, it establishes a clear principle of payment for services rendered. Theologically, it expands to define God as the just and generous rewarder of his people, whose ultimate blessing is His own presence. It underscores that both earthly work and spiritual faithfulness have a value that God himself recognizes and compensates.
TRV