שָׁחַר (sha.char)
sha.char
to seek
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 11 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb shaḥar carries a dual sense of seeking: it means both to look for something and to do so with urgency, often before dawn. In the Psalms and Proverbs, this word describes a persistent, earnest search. It is not a casual inquiry but a determined effort to find what is valuable or necessary.
This intensity distinguishes it from more general terms for seeking. The sources note its use in contexts where one looks early or diligently, suggesting that the timing and manner of the search matter. For instance, when a psalmist seeks God "early," the word shaḥar conveys both the time—before daybreak—and the wholehearted attention given to the task.
Its root likely relates to dawn or morning light, which explains why it often appears in verses about seeking wisdom or divine guidance at the start of the day. Translators sometimes render it simply as "seek," but this can miss the nuance of eagerness and priority that the Hebrew original carries.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word shaḥar invites us to consider the posture of our hearts when we look for God or wisdom. It is not a casual glance or a routine check-in. Instead, it describes an urgent, persistent search that often begins before the day starts. This intensity suggests that what we are seeking is vital, something worth waking up early for and pursuing with all our energy.
In Job 8:5, this word encourages us to make supplication to the Almighty with diligence. It reminds us that God responds to earnest effort. When we seek Him with such focus, we align ourselves with His presence. This kind of seeking is not about earning favor but about prioritizing a relationship that brings true stability and peace.
Proverbs 8:17 offers a gentle promise for those who pursue wisdom in this way. It assures us that those who seek diligently will find the One who loves them. This search transforms our daily routine into an opportunity for connection. Let your heart rest in the assurance that God values your earnest pursuit.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 11 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- you will seek1×
- to/ seek1×
- they will seek earnestly/ me1×
- they will earnestly seek/ me1×
- seeking1×
- he seeks early/ him1×
- and/ you will look for/ me1×
- and/ they sought earnestly1×
- and/ [those who] earnestly seek/ me1×
- [one who] seeks diligently1×
- I will seek/ you1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- תְּשַׁחֵ֣ר1×
- שֹׁ֣חֵֽר1×
- שִֽׁחֲר֥/וֹ1×
- מְשַׁחֲרֵ֣י1×
- לְ/שַׁחֵ֥ר1×
- יְשַׁחֲרֻֽ/נְנִי\׃1×
- יְ֝שַׁחֲרֻ֗/נְנִי1×
- וּ֝/מְשַׁחֲרַ֗/י1×
- וְ/שִֽׁחֲרוּ\־1×
- וְ/שִׁ֖חֲרְתַּ֣/נִי1×
- אֲשַֽׁחֲרֶ֑/ךָּ1×
Key Verses
-
Job 8:5
If you want to seek God diligently, make your supplication to the Almighty.
This verse directly links diligent seeking with making supplication to the Almighty, showing that urgency in prayer is a key part of this word's meaning.
-
Proverbs 8:17
I love those who love me. Those who seek me diligently will find me.
Here the personification of Wisdom promises that those who seek diligently will find her, highlighting the reward inherent in persistent spiritual pursuit.
-
Isaiah 26:9
With my soul I have desired you in the night. Yes, with my spirit within me I will seek you earnestly; for when your judgments are in the earth, the inhabitants of the world learn righteousness.
The psalmist seeks God earnestly at night, demonstrating that this word applies to deep, personal longing even in times of darkness or judgment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does shaḥar mean in the Bible?
How is shaḥar different from other words for seeking?
Where does this word appear in Scripture?
Every Occurrence (11 verses across 5 books)
Job 3 verses
Why do you not pardon my disobedience, and take away my iniquity? For now will I lie down in the dust. You will seek me…
Job 8:5If you want to seek God diligently, make your supplication to the Almighty.
Job 24:5Behold, as wild donkeys in the desert, they go out to their work, seeking diligently for food. The wilderness yields…