חֵ֫קֶר (che.qer)
che.qer
search
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 12 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The noun cheqer denotes a careful search or investigation, often implying an effort to uncover something hidden or complex. In the Hebrew Bible it appears twelve times, primarily in wisdom literature like Job and Proverbs, where it describes the human attempt to grasp divine mysteries. It is not a casual glance but a deliberate inquiry into matters that are difficult to perceive.
A defining feature of this word is its frequent pairing with God as the object of search. For instance, Job 11:7 asks if one can "search out" (cheqer) the limits of the Almighty, highlighting the gap between human understanding and divine infinity. The sources note that while humans may engage in cheqer, the full depth of God’s ways remains beyond reach. This creates a theological tension: the command to seek truth is balanced by the recognition that some realities are too vast for complete comprehension.
Translators often render cheqer as "search," "inquiry," or "examination." In Proverbs 25:2, it describes the glory of God in concealing a matter and the honor of kings to search it out. This usage suggests that the value lies not just in finding answers, but in the respectful pursuit of wisdom itself. The word encourages a humble diligence, acknowledging that while we can investigate, we cannot fully exhaust the depths of creation or the Creator.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word cheqer invites us into a posture of humble inquiry. It describes a careful search for truth, often directed toward mysteries that exceed our full comprehension. When we study Scripture or reflect on God’s nature, we engage in this kind of deliberate investigation. It is not about casual curiosity but a respectful pursuit of wisdom.
This approach shapes how we relate to the unknown. We acknowledge that while God invites us to seek understanding, some aspects of His character remain beyond our grasp. This tension encourages patience and awe rather than frustration. Instead of demanding complete answers, we learn to trust the One who holds all knowledge.
As you encounter difficult passages or questions in your faith journey, remember that seeking is itself a form of honor. The effort to understand reflects reverence for God’s wisdom. Let this perspective guide your study, bringing peace as you rest in His sovereignty.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 12 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- [is] inquiry5×
- inquiry2×
- ¿/ [the] searching of1×
- to/ [the] searching of1×
- searchings of1×
- and/ in/ [the] depth of1×
- and/ [the] search of1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- חֵֽקֶר\׃3×
- חֵ֑קֶר3×
- לְ/חֵ֣קֶר1×
- חֵ֖קֶר1×
- חִקְרֵי\־1×
- וּ/בְ/חֵ֥קֶר1×
- וְ/חֵ֖קֶר1×
- הַ/חֵ֣קֶר1×
Key Verses
-
Job 11:7
“Can you fathom the mystery of God? Or can you probe the limits of the Almighty?
This verse directly questions whether humans can probe the limits of God, highlighting the word's use for searching divine mysteries.
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Proverbs 25:3
As the heavens for height, and the earth for depth, so the hearts of kings are unsearchable.
It compares the unsearchable depth of a king's heart to the heavens and earth, illustrating the word's application to complex human nature.
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Psalms 145:3
Great is Yahweh, and greatly to be praised! His greatness is unsearchable.
This declaration affirms that God’s greatness is unsearchable, emphasizing the infinite scope of His nature beyond human investigation.