שֶׂ֫כֶר (se.kher)
se.kher
hire
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The noun seker refers to payment for labor, specifically wages or hire. In the Hebrew Bible, it denotes the compensation due to a worker for services rendered. The term appears in only two verses, both found in the book of Isaiah, where it underscores the tangible value of work and the expectation of fair recompense.
Its usage highlights the social contract between employer and employee. By appearing in prophetic literature, the word carries weight regarding justice. Isaiah uses seker to speak about the consequences of actions, linking labor with its rightful reward. This context reminds readers that honest work deserves honest pay, a principle central to biblical ethics.
Translators typically render seker as "wages" or "hire," reflecting its straightforward economic meaning. The rarity of the word in Scripture makes its appearances significant. Each instance serves to illustrate broader themes of divine justice and human responsibility. The term remains a clear marker of fair exchange in ancient Israelite society.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word seker points to the honest pay a worker earns for their labor. It is not a gift, but a debt owed by the employer to the employee. In Isaiah 19:10, we see how devastating it is when this basic fairness is broken. The text describes workers who are "grieved in soul" because they have been denied what is rightfully theirs. This shows that God cares deeply about economic justice and the dignity of those who work with their hands.
When we think about our own lives, this word reminds us that our efforts matter. Whether we are working for a living or serving in ministry, there is an expectation of fair treatment. It encourages us to value honest labor and to treat others with integrity. We can trust that God sees the work we do and honors the principles of justice. Let this truth bring peace as you navigate your own responsibilities and relationships.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- wage[s] of1×
- wage[s]1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- שֶׂ֣כֶר1×
- שֶׂ֖כֶר1×
Key Verses
-
Isaiah 19:10
The pillars will be broken in pieces. All those who work for hire will be grieved in soul.
This verse shows the emotional toll on workers when their rightful wages are withheld, highlighting the social injustice condemned by the prophet.