אָגַר (a.gar)
a.gar
to gather
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 3 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb agar means to gather, specifically in the context of collecting food or provisions. It appears only three times in the Old Testament, with a notable presence in Proverbs and Deuteronomy. This limited usage suggests it is not a general term for assembly, but rather one tied to practical, everyday survival.
In Proverbs 13:22, the word describes a good man storing up resources for his children, highlighting its connection to foresight and care for future needs. Similarly, in Deuteronomy 28:48, it appears in a curse where enemies gather one’s crops, stripping away that security. The root sense is physical accumulation—bringing scattered items into one place for safekeeping or use.
Unlike broader terms for gathering people or nations, agar focuses on tangible goods. Its rarity in Scripture makes each occurrence significant, often marking moments of blessing or judgment related to material provision. Translators typically render it as "gather" or "store up," preserving the concrete image of collecting what is necessary for life.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word agar speaks to the quiet diligence of gathering provisions. It appears in Proverbs to describe the ant storing food or the wise son harvesting in summer. This is not about hoarding wealth, but about practical care for those who depend on you. It reminds us that preparation is a form of love.
When we look at Deuteronomy 28:48, we see the reverse side of this truth. The absence of gathered food becomes a sign of loss and vulnerability. Scripture does not promise that hard work will always prevent hardship, but it does show that gathering is part of our God-given role as stewards.
For your daily life, this word invites you to look ahead. It encourages small, consistent acts of preparation. Whether you are managing a household or planning for the future, agar reminds us that caring for tomorrow is a faithful way to honor God today.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- you will gather1×
- it gathers1×
- [one who] gathers1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- תֶאֱגֹ֔ר1×
- אֹגֵ֣ר1×
- אָגְרָ֥ה1×
Key Verses
-
Proverbs 6:8
provides her bread in the summer, and gathers her food in the harvest.
This verse uses agar to highlight the ant's instinctive preparation, showing that gathering food in season is a model of wisdom for humans.
-
Proverbs 10:5
He who gathers in summer is a wise son, but he who sleeps during the harvest is a son who causes shame.
Here the word contrasts the wise son who gathers during harvest with the shameful one who sleeps, linking provision directly to character.