אֲגוֹרָה (a.go.rah)
a.go.rah
piece
H:N-FQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-F
Word Overview
The noun agorah appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, found in 1 Samuel 2:36. In this context, it translates to "piece" or "payment," referring specifically to a small amount of silver given as compensation. The phrase used is agorat kesef, literally meaning "a piece of silver."
This rare word highlights the economic reality faced by Eli’s descendants, who sought menial temple work in exchange for such meager wages. While the exact value is not specified, the term underscores the insignificance of the reward offered to those serving at Shiloh. Its solitary occurrence marks it as a unique lexical item within the Old Testament canon.
Translators typically render this word as "piece" or "coin" to convey its function as a unit of payment rather than a large sum. The scarcity of the term suggests it was not a standard currency name but a descriptive label for a small, specific transaction. This single reference provides insight into the low status and financial desperation of the priestly family during that period.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word agorah appears just once in Scripture, found in 1 Samuel 2:36. It describes a small piece of silver offered as payment for temple service. This detail highlights the humility required in serving God, even when the reward seems meager or the circumstances difficult.
For your faith life, this word reminds us that our worth is not defined by our wages or status. True service comes from a heart willing to give, regardless of what we receive. It invites you to trust God’s provision in every season, knowing that He values your loyalty more than any material gain.
When life feels uncertain, remember that God sees your faithful steps. You are never overlooked, and your devotion is always significant in His eyes.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- for/ a payment of1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- לַ/אֲג֥וֹרַת1×
Key Verses
-
I Samuel 2:36
It will happen that everyone who is left in your house will come and bow down to him for a piece of silver and a loaf of bread, and will say, “Please put me into one of the priests’ offices, that I may eat a morsel of bread.”’”
This verse uses the word to describe the meager payment offered by Eli's descendants, highlighting their desperate need for temple employment.