lemma בּוֹקִר second vowel, corrected to בּוֹקֵר; xlit bôwkêr corrected to bôwqêr; properly, active participle from בָּקַר as denominative from בָּקָר; a cattle-tender; herdman.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **bôwqêr**, represented by `{{H951}}`, denotes a **cattle-tender** or **herdman**. This term is exceptionally specific, appearing just **1 time** in a single verse in the entire Bible. Its significance is derived from its unique context, where it defines the background of a key biblical figure.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The sole appearance of `{{H951}}` is in the book of Amos. When confronted by Amaziah `{{H558}}`, the prophet Amos `{{H5986}}` uses this word to describe his origins. He states, "I was no prophet, neither was I a prophet's son; but I was an **herdman**, and a gatherer of sycomore fruit" [[Amos 7:14]]. This declaration establishes Amos's identity not as a man trained in a prophetic school or from a priestly lineage, but as a common laborer.
### Related Words & Concepts
The context of `{{H951}}` in Amos's declaration is clarified by several related words:
* `{{H5030}}` **nâbîyʼ** (a prophet or (generally) inspired man): Amos uses this term to explicitly deny that he belongs to the formal prophetic class, contrasting it with his actual occupation as a herdman [[Amos 7:14]].
* `{{H1121}}` **bên** (a son): By stating he was not a "prophet's **son**," Amos emphasizes that he did not inherit his role through family lineage, a common way for trades and offices to be passed down [[Amos 7:14]].
* `{{H1103}}` **bâlaç** (gatherer): This word is used in parallel with **herdman** to describe Amos's dual occupation, specifying that he tended sycamore figs, a task of a humble agricultural worker [[Amos 7:14]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H951}}` comes entirely from its role in defining the prophet Amos.
* **Divine Authority Over Human Credentials:** By identifying as a **herdman**, Amos makes it clear that his authority to prophesy comes directly from God, not from a human institution, a prophetic guild, or family background. He was called while engaged in his humble work.
* **A Critique of the Establishment:** Amos's self-identification as a **herdman** is a sharp response to Amaziah `{{H558}}`, a representative of the official religious system at Bethel [[Amos 7:10]]. It highlights the contrast between a simple servant of God and a politically-appointed priest.
* **God's Choice of the Humble:** The use of **bôwqêr** illustrates the biblical theme that God often chooses unlikely individuals for His purposes. He did not select a priest or a nobleman, but a simple **herdman** to deliver a message of judgment and repentance to the nation of Israel [[Amos 7:14]].
### Summary
In summary, **bôwqêr** `{{H951}}` is more than just a word for **herdman**; it is a vocational title that carries significant theological weight in its only biblical appearance. Used by Amos to describe himself, it serves to validate his divine commission by contrasting his humble, secular origins with the formal religious establishment. The word powerfully encapsulates the principle that God's call is not limited by social standing or professional training, but is sovereignly bestowed upon whomever He chooses.
TRV