מַשְׂכֹּ֫רֶת (mas.ko.ret)
mas.ko.ret
wage
H:N-FQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 4 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-F
Word Overview
The noun maskeoret refers to wages or payment for labor. In the Hebrew Bible, it appears only four times, with significant occurrences in Genesis and Ruth. It denotes the compensation due to a worker, grounding economic exchange in the context of human effort.
This term emphasizes the tangible reward for service rather than abstract value. Its usage in Ruth highlights the dignity of work, where Boaz ensures that the gleaner receives fair payment for her labor. The word underscores the covenantal expectation that those who work should be compensated justly.
Etymologically, maskeoret is linked to the root meaning "to hire" or "to pay." This connection reinforces its role in biblical narratives where economic justice and social responsibility intersect. Translators typically render it as "wages," capturing the straightforward nature of the transaction described in these texts.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word maskeoret simply means wages or payment for labor. It appears only four times in the Hebrew Bible, yet each instance carries significant weight. In Genesis, Jacob negotiates his pay with Laban, highlighting the importance of fair compensation for honest work. This term grounds economic exchange in human effort, reminding us that our labor has tangible value and deserves just reward.
In Ruth, the concept shifts from negotiation to divine blessing. Boaz acknowledges Ruth’s hard gleaning, and Naomi prays that God will repay her work with a full reward. This connects our daily efforts to God’s provision, showing that He sees and honors faithful service. Whether in a workplace or a field, your labor matters to Him.
Understanding maskeoret encourages us to value both the dignity of work and the justice of compensation. It invites trust in God as the ultimate provider who ensures that those who serve faithfully are not left without reward. This perspective brings peace to our daily tasks, knowing they are seen and valued by the Creator.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 4 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- wage[s]/ my2×
- wage[s]/ your1×
- [is] wage[s]/ your1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- מַשְׂכֻּרְתִּ֖/י2×
- מַּשְׂכֻּרְתֶּֽ/ךָ\׃1×
- מַשְׂכֻּרְתֵּ֜/ךְ1×
Key Verses
-
Genesis 29:15
Laban said to Jacob, “Because you are my relative, should you therefore serve me for nothing? Tell me, what will your wages be?”
This verse establishes the baseline for fair labor relations, as Laban asks Jacob to name his wages rather than demanding free service.
-
Genesis 31:7
Your father has deceived me, and changed my wages ten times, but God didn’t allow him to hurt me.
Here, the word highlights injustice, as Jacob accuses Laban of repeatedly changing agreed-upon payments despite God's protection.
-
Ruth 2:12
May Yahweh repay your work, and a full reward be given to you from Yahweh, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge.”
Naomi uses this concept to pray that God will provide a complete reward for Ruth’s faithful refuge-seeking and hard work.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Hebrew word maskeoret mean?
Where does maskeoret appear in the Bible?
How does maskeoret relate to biblical justice?
Every Occurrence (4 verses across 2 books)
Genesis 3 verses
Laban said to Jacob, “Because you are my relative, should you therefore serve me for nothing? Tell me, what will your…
Genesis 31:7Your father has deceived me, and changed my wages ten times, but God didn’t allow him to hurt me.
Genesis 31:41These twenty years I have been in your house. I served you fourteen years for your two daughters, and six years for…