זֵ֫כֶר (ze.kher)
ze.kher
memorial
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 16 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun zekher refers to a memorial or an act of remembrance that preserves identity across time. In Scripture it is not merely a mental recollection but something tangible—a physical object, a recorded name, or a specific ritual—that ensures a person or event is not forgotten. This concept appears in key passages such as Exodus 17:14, where God commands Moses to write down the defeat of Amalek as a lasting record.
Its root conveys the idea of causing someone to be remembered by others. The word often links memory with action; for instance, in Psalms, God’s mighty deeds are described as zekher, meaning they are actively proclaimed so that future generations recall His faithfulness. It bridges the gap between past history and present experience, ensuring that significant events retain their weight and relevance.
Translators typically render zekher as "memorial," "remembrance," or "memory," depending on context. When used of God’s name or acts, it emphasizes that His character is established permanently in the consciousness of His people. The term underscores that true remembrance in biblical thought involves keeping a promise alive through continuous acknowledgment and practice.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word zekher reminds us that God cares about our story. It is not just a mental note but a tangible act of keeping someone or something alive in the community. When Scripture speaks of a memorial, it points to physical reminders—like an altar or a written record—that help future generations understand who God is and what He has done.
This concept brings comfort because it means our lives and God’s faithfulness are not fleeting. We are invited to participate in this by remembering His deeds and sharing them with others. It turns history into a living witness, ensuring that the love and justice of God remain visible and real for those who come after us.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 16 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- memory/ their3×
- [the] remembrance of3×
- remembrance2×
- to/ [the] remembrance of1×
- remembrance/ your1×
- memory/ his1×
- and/ remembrance/ their1×
- and/ for/ memory/ your1×
- [the] memory of1×
- [is] memorial/ my1×
- <into>/ a memory of1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- זֵ֣כֶר5×
- זִכְרָֽ/ם\׃3×
- לְ/זֵ֥כֶר1×
- לְ/זֵ֣כֶר1×
- זֵ֖כֶר1×
- זִכְרִ֖/י1×
- זִכְרְ/ךָ֥1×
- זִֽכְר/וֹ\־1×
- וּֽ/לְ/זִכְרְ/ךָ֖1×
- וְ/זִכְרָ֖/ם1×
Key Verses
-
Exodus 3:15
God said moreover to Moses, “You shall tell the children of Israel this, ‘Yahweh, the God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, has sent me to you.’ This is my name forever, and this is my memorial to all generations.
This verse establishes God’s name itself as a permanent memorial, linking His identity directly to His enduring presence across all generations.
-
Psalms 111:4
He has caused his wonderful works to be remembered. Yahweh is gracious and merciful.
Here the word describes God’s intentional action to make His wonders known, showing that remembrance is an active proclamation of His grace.
-
Proverbs 10:7
The memory of the righteous is blessed, but the name of the wicked will rot.
This contrast highlights how a life lived with integrity leaves a lasting, positive legacy that continues to bless others long after it ends.