יְקָר (ye.qar)
ye.qar
honor
A:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 5 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- A:N-M
Word Overview
The Aramaic noun yeqar denotes honor or high esteem, functioning as a direct cognate of the Hebrew yeqar (H3366), which carries the sense of preciousness. In the biblical text, it appears exclusively in the Book of Daniel, reflecting the linguistic shift to Aramaic for portions of that narrative.
Its usage is concrete and public-facing. The word describes the tangible respect accorded to individuals by authority figures or peers. For instance, Nebuchadnezzar commands that Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego be honored after their deliverance (Daniel 3:26), and later, Darius issues a decree that all people should fear and reverence those who serve the God of Daniel (Daniel 6:26). In these contexts, yeqar is not merely an internal feeling but a recognized status elevated by royal decree or communal acknowledgment.
Because it is restricted to Daniel, the term highlights the theme of divine vindication in a foreign court. The honor bestowed on God’s servants stands in sharp contrast to the humiliation they previously faced, serving as a public testament to God’s sovereignty over earthly powers.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word for honor in Daniel often appears alongside power and glory, describing a visible status given by earthly rulers. When Nebuchadnezzar promises great honor to Daniel, he is offering public recognition and tangible rewards. This reflects how society measures worth through external validation and royal decree.
Yet the narrative shows that true dignity comes from God alone. Kings may grant titles or gifts, but they can also strip them away when pride takes hold. The story reminds us that our standing before God does not depend on human applause or political favor.
In a world that often equates value with visibility, this word invites a different perspective. We find our worth not in the awards we collect, but in the One who gives us our place. His approval remains steady even when earthly courts change their minds.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 5 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- and/ honor/ the3×
- and/ honor2×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- וִ/יקָ֣ר2×
- וִֽ/יקָרָ֖/ה1×
- וִֽ/יקָרָ֖/א1×
- וִ/יקָרָ֣/א1×
Key Verses
-
Daniel 2:6
But if you show the dream and its interpretation, you will receive from me gifts, rewards, and great honor. Therefore show me the dream and its interpretation.”
This verse shows honor as a tangible reward promised by the king for interpreting the dream, highlighting its concrete nature in the court.
-
Daniel 5:18
“To you, king, the Most High God gave Nebuchadnezzar your father the kingdom, and greatness, and glory, and majesty.
Here honor is listed with kingdom and glory as gifts from God to Nebuchadnezzar, establishing that earthly prestige originates from heaven.
-
Daniel 7:14
Dominion was given him, and glory, and a kingdom, that all the peoples, nations, and languages should serve him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion, which will not pass away, and his kingdom one that will not be destroyed.
The Son of Man receives an everlasting dominion and glory, contrasting temporary royal honors with eternal divine vindication.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Hebrew word yeqar mean?
Where does this word appear in the Bible?
How is honor different from glory in these verses?
Every Occurrence (5 verses across 1 books)
Daniel 5 verses
But if you show the dream and its interpretation, you will receive from me gifts, rewards, and great honor. Therefore…
Daniel 2:37You, O king, are king of kings, to whom the God of heaven has given the kingdom, the power, the strength, and the glory.
Daniel 5:18“To you, king, the Most High God gave Nebuchadnezzar your father the kingdom, and greatness, and glory, and majesty.
Daniel 5:20But when his heart was lifted up, and his spirit was hardened so that he dealt proudly, he was deposed from his kingly…
Daniel 7:14Dominion was given him, and glory, and a kingdom, that all the peoples, nations, and languages should serve him. His…