The Hebrew word mᵉchîyr, represented by H4242, serves as a key biblical term for price. It appears 15 times across 15 unique verses. The word's meaning extends beyond simple monetary cost to include the concepts of payment, wages, gain, hire, and the intrinsic worth of an item or service.
In scripture, H4242 is used in both literal and figurative contexts. For literal transactions, King Ahab offers to give Naboth the worth of his vineyard in money 1 Kings 21:2, and King David insists on paying a price for Araunah's threshingfloor, refusing to make an offering that cost him nothing 2 Samuel 24:24. The term is also used metaphorically to express value and cost. God's gracious invitation to the thirsty is to come and buy wine and milk "without money and without price" Isaiah 55:1, highlighting a gift that transcends commerce. Similarly, God promises to release His captives "not for price nor reward" Isaiah 45:13.
Several related words help define the context of economic and value-based exchanges:
- H7069 qânâh (to procure, especially by purchase): This is the action of buying that necessitates a price. David uses this word when he declares he will "surely buy it of thee at a price" 2 Samuel 24:24.
- H4376 mâkar (to sell): As the direct counterpart to buying, this word is often linked to the concept of price. In a cry of lament, the psalmist says God sells His people for nought, not increasing His wealth by their price Psalms 44:12.
- H3701 keçeph (silver, money): This is frequently the medium of exchange. Ahab offers to give the worth of a vineyard in money 1 Kings 21:2, and the immeasurable value of wisdom is stated as something for which silver cannot be weighed for its price Job 28:15.
- H7810 shachad (bribe, gift, reward): This term appears alongside H4242 to describe payment, often with a negative connotation. Prophets are condemned for judging for a reward and priests for teaching for hire Micah 3:11.
The theological significance of H4242 is demonstrated in its use to contrast divine and human economies.
- The Economy of Grace: A central theme is that God's greatest gifts are given freely. His provision of spiritual sustenance Isaiah 55:1 and His redemption of captives Isaiah 45:13 are explicitly offered without price, establishing grace as something that cannot be earned or purchased.
- The Cost of Worship: The principle of meaningful sacrifice is established when David refuses to offer to God that which has no price 2 Samuel 24:24. This implies that true worship involves personal cost and value.
- The Inestimable Value of Wisdom: The word is used to show that wisdom's value is beyond any earthly price. A fool may have the price in hand to get wisdom, but lacks the heart for it Proverbs 17:16, and its price cannot be met with gold or silver Job 28:15.
- Condemnation of Tainted Gain: The law forbids bringing the price of a dog into the house of the Lord for a vow, labeling it an abomination Deuteronomy 23:18. This, along with the rebuke of priests who teach for hire Micah 3:11, shows that profiting from profane or sacred duties is condemned.
In summary, H4242 is a versatile word that moves from the marketplace to the altar. It defines literal transactions, but more importantly, it serves as a theological tool. It helps illustrate the priceless nature of God's grace, the inherent cost of genuine sacrifice, and the corruption that occurs when sacred duties are reduced to a transaction for personal gain. The word mᵉchîyr ultimately forces a consideration of what can be bought and what must be freely given.
TRV