עֵ֫רֶךְ (e.rekh)
e.rekh
valuation
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 25 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The noun erekh denotes something arranged in order, whether that be a physical row or a calculated value. Its core sense involves setting things in place, which explains its use for the orderly rows of showbread on the table in the sanctuary (Exodus 40:23) and the layered armor described as a coat of mail in Job 41:12.
In legal contexts, particularly Leviticus 27, the word shifts to mean a formal valuation or estimate. Here it refers to the monetary worth assigned to persons or property dedicated to the Lord, determined by the priest’s assessment rather than market fluctuation (Leviticus 27:8). This usage highlights a structured system of exchange where value is fixed by religious authority.
The term derives from a root meaning to arrange or line up, linking physical order with financial proportion. Translators often render it as "estimation," "value," or "order" depending on context. It appears most frequently in the priestly codes of Leviticus and Numbers, underscoring its role in maintaining sacred structure and equitable practice.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word erekh connects physical arrangement with spiritual value. In the sanctuary, it described the orderly rows of showbread on the table before God. This image reminds us that worship is not chaotic but structured and intentional. When we bring our lives into God’s presence, He brings order to our disorder.
In legal contexts, erekh meant a fixed valuation assigned by the priest rather than market price. This shows that true worth is determined by divine authority, not human fluctuation. Whether dedicating property or offering oneself in a vow, the value was set by God’s standard of holiness. We are valued by His assessment, not our own.
This concept invites us to trust God’s measure of our lives. When we feel uncertain about our worth, we can look to the One who sets the standards. His valuation is just, consistent, and rooted in His covenant love. We find peace when we rest in His defined value for us.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 25 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- valuation/ your9×
- by/ valuation/ your5×
- valuation of/ your3×
- <the>/ valuation/ your2×
- valuation/ its1×
- from/ valuation/ your1×
- for/ valuation/ your1×
- by/ valuation of/ your1×
- arrangement/ its1×
- and/ an order of1×
- an arrangement of1×
- according to/ valuation/ your1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- עֶרְכְּ/ךָ֛3×
- עֶרְכְּ/ךָ֔3×
- עֶרְכְּ/ךָ֙2×
- עֶרְכְּ/ךָ֖2×
- בְּ/עֶרְכְּ/ךָ֥2×
- עֶרְכָּ֑/הּ1×
- עֶרְכֶּֽ/ךָ\׃1×
- עֶרְכְּ/ךָ֗1×
- עֶרְכּ֑/וֹ1×
- עֵ֥רֶךְ1×
- מֵֽ/עֶרְכֶּֽ/ךָ\׃1×
- מֵֽ/עֶרְכֶּ֔/ךָ1×
Key Verses
-
Exodus 40:23
He set the bread in order on it before Yahweh, as Yahweh commanded Moses.
The bread is set in order (erekh) on the table, showing that worship requires intentional arrangement before God.
-
Leviticus 27:8
But if he is poorer than your valuation, then he shall be set before the priest, and the priest shall assign a value to him. The priest shall assign a value according to his ability to pay.
The priest assigns a value based on ability to pay, demonstrating that God’s valuation considers human circumstance and grace.
-
Leviticus 27:25
All your valuations shall be according to the shekel of the sanctuary: twenty gerahs to the shekel.
All valuations are tied to the sanctuary shekel, establishing that spiritual worth is measured by holy standards, not worldly currency.