יְקָר (ye.qar)
ye.qar
preciousness
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 12 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun yeqar denotes weighty value, encompassing both material worth and social honor. It appears in twelve verses, frequently in Proverbs where it contrasts earthly riches with wisdom, and in Esther to describe royal splendor. The term captures what is highly esteemed, whether that is the price of a commodity or the dignity accorded to a person.
Its semantic range bridges the tangible and the abstract. In Proverbs 11:22, it describes the preciousness of fine gold, while in Esther 1:4, it refers to the glorious pomp of Ahasuerus’s feast. This duality suggests that true value in biblical thought often merges intrinsic quality with recognized status.
The word shares a root with yiqqar, its Aramaic equivalent found in Daniel. Translators typically render it as "preciousness," "honor," or "splendor" depending on context. This flexibility highlights how ancient Hebrew speakers viewed worth not just as a market price, but as a reflection of inherent dignity and public recognition.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
In a culture that often measures worth by visible status or material accumulation, this Hebrew word offers a different perspective on value. It describes something held in high esteem, whether that is the glittering splendor of a royal court or the quiet dignity of wisdom. The biblical narrative shows us that while earthly honors fade, true preciousness endures because it is rooted in character and divine approval rather than public applause.
Consider how this concept applies to your daily life. When you seek honor from others, it can feel fleeting and unstable. However, when you value what God values—such as integrity, knowledge, and kindness—you discover a lasting worth that no decree or circumstance can take away. This shift in focus allows us to rest in the assurance that our identity is secure in His eyes, not dependent on the shifting opinions of people.
Ultimately, this word invites us to examine what we truly treasure. Are we chasing temporary glory, or are we cultivating a life of substance? By aligning our hearts with what is genuinely precious, we find a peace that transcends external validation. May you find comfort in knowing that your worth is established by the Creator, who sees and honors the hidden depths of your spirit.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 12 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- in/ honor/ his5×
- honor3×
- the/ value1×
- preciousness1×
- precious thing/ its1×
- precious thing1×
- and/ honor1×
- [the] honor of1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- בִּ/יקָרֽ/וֹ\׃3×
- יְ֝קָ֗ר2×
- יְקָרָ֑/הּ1×
- יְקָר֙1×
- יְקָ֧ר1×
- יְקָ֖ר1×
- יְקָ֔ר1×
- וִ/יקָֽר\׃1×
- הַ/יְקָ֔ר1×
- בִּֽ/יקָר֑/וֹ1×
- בִּ/יקָר֑/וֹ1×
Key Verses
-
Esther 1:4
He displayed the riches of his glorious kingdom and the honor of his excellent majesty many days, even one hundred eighty days.
This verse highlights the word's use for outward royal splendor, showing how it can describe temporary, visible majesty that ultimately serves a larger divine narrative.
-
Proverbs 20:15
There is gold and abundance of rubies, but the lips of knowledge are a rare jewel.
Here the term contrasts material wealth with wisdom, illustrating that true preciousness lies in intangible virtues rather than gold or rubies.
-
Esther 6:3
The king said, “What honor and dignity has been given to Mordecai for this?” Then the king’s servants who attended him said, “Nothing has been done for him.”
The king’s question reveals how honor is often sought for personal gain, yet the narrative shows how God reverses human expectations regarding who receives true dignity.
-
Zechariah 11:13
Yahweh said to me, “Throw it to the potter—the handsome price that I was valued at by them!” I took the thirty pieces of silver and threw them to the potter in Yahweh’s house.
This poignant reference uses the word to describe a contemptible price paid for the Shepherd, highlighting the tragic irony of undervaluing what is sacred.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does yeqar mean in the Bible?
How is yeqar different from other words for value?
Where does this word appear most frequently?
Every Occurrence (12 verses across 5 books)
Esther 8 verses
He displayed the riches of his glorious kingdom and the honor of his excellent majesty many days, even one hundred…
Esther 1:20When the king’s decree which he shall make is published throughout all his kingdom (for it is great), all the wives…
Esther 6:3The king said, “What honor and dignity has been given to Mordecai for this?” Then the king’s servants who attended him…
Esther 6:6So Haman came in. The king said to him, “What shall be done to the man whom the king delights to honor?” Now Haman said…
Esther 6:7Haman said to the king, “For the man whom the king delights to honor,
Esther 6:9Let the clothing and the horse be delivered to the hand of one of the king’s most noble princes, that they may array…
Esther 6:11Then Haman took the clothing and the horse, and arrayed Mordecai, and had him ride through the city square, and…
Esther 8:16The Jews had light, gladness, joy, and honor.