בְּקַר (be.qar)
be.qar
to enquire
A:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 5 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- A:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb baqar, found primarily in Ezra, carries the core meaning of seeking or inquiring. In its Pael stem, it denotes the active process of making an inquiry, often with a sense of diligence. The text highlights this usage in Ezra 5:17 and 6:3, where officials are instructed to search for records or investigate matters of state.
A distinct nuance appears in the Hithpael stem, which translates to "let search be made." This form emphasizes the initiation of a search rather than the act itself. In Ezra 6:1, this construction is used when King Darius commands that the archives be searched for the original decree concerning the temple. The word thus bridges personal inquiry and official investigation.
Its distribution is notably narrow, appearing only five times in the Hebrew Bible, almost exclusively within the historical narratives of Ezra. This limited usage underscores its role in documenting the careful verification of documents and decrees during the post-exilic restoration. The term reflects a culture where written records held significant authority in resolving disputes and confirming rights.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
When we face uncertainty about God's will or historical truth, the Bible shows us that careful inquiry is a valid and necessary step. In Ezra, officials did not rely on assumptions; they searched records to confirm what had been decreed. This diligence reflects a respect for truth and a desire to align actions with established authority. For you, this might mean taking time to study Scripture thoroughly or seeking wise counsel before making significant decisions.
God values clarity and accuracy in His dealings with His people. The search for the original decree in Babylon was not merely bureaucratic; it was an act of restoring God's house based on verified truth. Similarly, your spiritual life benefits from grounding your faith in what is actually written and understood, rather than guessing or relying on hearsay. This approach builds a foundation that can withstand doubt.
As you navigate questions in your own walk, remember that seeking understanding is not a sign of weak faith but of engaged trust. Whether you are looking for answers in ancient texts or modern circumstances, the principle remains: inquire diligently, verify carefully, and rest in the truth that God has provided. This steady pursuit brings peace to the mind and confidence to the heart.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 5 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- and/ they searched2×
- to/ enquire1×
- let it be searched1×
- he will search1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- לְ/בַקָּרָ֥א1×
- יִ֠תְבַּקַּר1×
- יְבַקַּר֩1×
- וּ/בַקַּ֣רוּ\׀1×
- וּ/בַקַּ֣רוּ1×
Key Verses
-
Ezra 6:1
Then Darius the king made a decree, and the house of the archives, where the treasures were laid up in Babylon, was searched.
This verse shows the word used for the official search of archives, highlighting how God's people relied on documented truth to restore worship.
-
Ezra 7:14
Because you are sent by the king and his seven counselors to inquire concerning Judah and Jerusalem, according to the law of your God which is in your hand,
Here the term describes a mission to inquire about Judah and Jerusalem according to God's law, linking investigation directly to divine instruction.
-
Ezra 5:17
Now therefore, if it seems good to the king, let a search be made in the king’s treasure house, which is there at Babylon, whether it is so that a decree was made by Cyrus the king to build this house of God at Jerusalem; and let the king send his pleasure to us concerning this matter.”
The leaders request a search in the king's treasure house to verify Cyrus's decree, demonstrating how inquiry supports legitimate authority and historical continuity.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Hebrew word beqar mean in the Bible?
Why is this word important for understanding Ezra?
How is this word different from simply 'looking'?
Every Occurrence (5 verses across 1 books)
Ezra 5 verses
that search may be made in the book of the records of your fathers. You will see in the book of the records, and know…
Ezra 4:19I decreed, and search has been made, and it was found that this city has made insurrection against kings in the past,…
Ezra 5:17Now therefore, if it seems good to the king, let a search be made in the king’s treasure house, which is there at…
Ezra 6:1Then Darius the king made a decree, and the house of the archives, where the treasures were laid up in Babylon, was…
Ezra 7:14Because you are sent by the king and his seven counselors to inquire concerning Judah and Jerusalem, according to the…