אֶשְׁכָּר (esh.kar)
esh.kar
gift
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun eshkar denotes a gift, specifically one given as payment for service or labor. It appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, in Psalm 127:2, where it describes the wages earned by those who toil early and late.
This word carries a transactional weight distinct from terms for free gifts or charity. It refers to the reward due for work performed, highlighting the value of human effort. The singular occurrence underscores its specific context: the just recompense for diligence, rather than an unearned favor.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word eshkar points to a specific kind of giving: payment for work done. In Psalm 127:2, it describes the wages earned by those who rise early and stay up late. This is not a random act of kindness or an unearned favor. It is the fair reward due for labor performed.
When we think about our daily efforts, this concept reminds us that our work has value. God acknowledges the sweat and time we invest in our tasks. Whether you are working hard to provide for your family or serving in your community, your diligence is seen and respected. This word grounds our understanding of fairness and justice in how we treat those who labor.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- a gift1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- אֶשְׁכָּ֥ר1×
Key Verses
-
Psalms 72:10
The kings of Tarshish and of the islands will bring tribute. The kings of Sheba and Seba shall offer gifts.
This verse uses the term to describe gifts brought by kings, showing that even royal tribute can be viewed as a form of payment or due offering for service.