שְׂכִירָה (se.khi.rah)
se.khi.rah
hired
H:AQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:A
Word Overview
The noun sekirah denotes a hired worker or a mercenary, specifically one who performs labor for wages rather than out of loyalty or kinship. In Hebrew thought, this term often carries a subtle distinction between a paid employee and a family member or loyal servant. The word can refer to the person themselves—a hireling—or describe something as "hired," such as an animal leased for work.
Its most notable biblical appearance is in Isaiah 21:16, where it describes the duration of a mercenary’s service before his days are numbered and fulfilled. This context highlights the temporary, transactional nature of the arrangement. Unlike a lifelong bond, the sekirah’s commitment ends when the agreed time or payment concludes, marking them as an outsider to the household’s enduring relationships.
Translators typically render this word as "hireling" or "hired worker," emphasizing the economic basis of the relationship. The term underscores a boundary: while the worker provides necessary service, they do not share in the long-term security or identity of the employer. This distinction helps readers understand why such figures are often portrayed with caution in wisdom literature and prophecy.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word sekirah points to a hired worker, someone whose loyalty is tied to wages rather than kinship or deep relational bonds. In ancient Israel, this distinction mattered deeply. A family member or loyal servant shared in the household’s long-term security and identity. A hireling, however, was there for a specific task, with an end date defined by payment or contract.
This concept helps us understand certain prophetic images, such as Isaiah 21:16, where the duration of a mercenary’s service is strictly limited. It reminds us that not all relationships are built on enduring commitment. Some connections are transactional, existing only for the time being. Recognizing this difference can bring clarity to how we view our own work and loyalties.
While hired labor has its place, Scripture often contrasts it with the steadfast love found in covenant relationships. We are invited to seek bonds that go beyond mere exchange, rooted instead in grace and mutual care. This perspective encourages us to value those who stand with us not just for pay, but for purpose.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- <the>/ hired1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- הַ/שְּׂכִירָ֜ה1×
Key Verses
-
Isaiah 7:20
In that day the Lord will shave with a razor that is hired in the parts beyond the River, even with the king of Assyria, the head and the hair of the feet; and it shall also consume the beard.
This verse uses the term metaphorically to describe a razor 'hired' by the king of Assyria, illustrating how foreign powers act as temporary instruments of judgment rather than loyal allies.