שָׂכָר (sa.khar)
sa.khar
wages
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 21 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The noun sakhar refers to the payment due for labor, encompassing wages, hire, or a reward for faithful work. In the Hebrew Bible, it describes the concrete compensation a worker expects, whether as daily pay for a hired hand or as a lasting benefit for service rendered. This concept appears in practical legal contexts, such as the command not to withhold a day laborer’s wage (Deuteronomy 24:15), and in personal narratives, like Jacob negotiating his wages with Laban (Genesis 30:28).
Its meaning extends beyond simple coinage to include fare or passage-money, as seen when Jonah pays for his ship (Jonah 1:3). The word also carries theological weight, describing the reward God gives to those who serve Him. Prophets like Isaiah and Zechariah use it to depict a future where God’s people receive their just recompense (Isaiah 40:10; Zechariah 8:10), shifting the focus from earthly contracts to divine justice.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word sakhar describes the payment due for labor, whether it is daily pay for a hired hand or a lasting benefit for faithful service. In the Hebrew Bible, this concept appears in practical legal contexts, such as the command not to withhold a day laborer’s wage (Deuteronomy 24:15). It also carries theological weight, describing the reward God gives to those who serve Him. This shifts the focus from earthly contracts to divine justice.
When you read about wages in Scripture, remember that God is faithful to His promises. He does not forget the work of your hands or the service you offer in faith. Whether you are seeking provision for your family or hoping for a future reward, this word reminds us that our labor matters to Him. You can trust that He will provide what is just and good.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 21 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- wage[s]/ your4×
- wage[s]/ my4×
- reward/ his2×
- [is] a reward2×
- wage[s]/ his1×
- reward/ your1×
- reward/ my1×
- fare/ its1×
- and/ [the] wage[s] of1×
- a reward1×
- [will be] a reward1×
- [the] wage[s] of1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- שְׂכָרִ֖/י3×
- שָׂכָ֥ר2×
- שְׂכָרֶ֔/ךָ2×
- שְׂכָר/וֹ֙2×
- שָׂכָ֤ר1×
- שָׂכָ֖ר1×
- שָׂכָ֔ר1×
- שָׂ֝כָ֗ר1×
- שְׂכָרָ֜/הּ1×
- שְׂכָרֵ֑/ךְ1×
- שְׂכָרִֽ/י\׃1×
- שְׂכָרִ֔/י1×
Key Verses
-
Deuteronomy 24:15
In his day you shall give him his wages, neither shall the sun go down on it, for he is poor and sets his heart on it, lest he cry against you to Yahweh, and it be sin to you.
This verse establishes the ethical requirement to pay workers promptly, showing God's concern for the poor who depend on their daily wages.
-
Genesis 15:1
After these things Yahweh’s word came to Abram in a vision, saying, “Don’t be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your exceedingly great reward.”
God calls Himself Abram's 'exceedingly great reward,' indicating that He Himself is the ultimate compensation for faithful trust.
-
Isaiah 40:10
Behold, the Lord Yahweh will come as a mighty one, and his arm will rule for him. Behold, his reward is with him, and his recompense before him.
This passage depicts God coming with power, carrying His reward with Him to give justice and strength to His people.
-
Jeremiah 31:16
Yahweh says: “Refrain your voice from weeping, and your eyes from tears, for your work will be rewarded,” says Yahweh. “They will come again from the land of the enemy.
God promises that the work of those who weep will be rewarded, offering hope for restoration after exile.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Hebrew word sakhar mean?
How is sakhar different from other words for reward?
Where does this word appear in the Bible?
Every Occurrence (21 verses across 12 books)
Genesis 6 verses
After these things Yahweh’s word came to Abram in a vision, saying, “Don’t be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your…
Genesis 30:18Leah said, “God has given me my hire, because I gave my servant to my husband.” She named him Issachar.
Genesis 30:28He said, “Appoint me your wages, and I will give it.”
Genesis 30:32I will pass through all your flock today, removing from there every speckled and spotted one, and every black one among…
Genesis 30:33So my righteousness will answer for me hereafter, when you come concerning my hire that is before you. Every one that…
Genesis 31:8If he said, ‘The speckled will be your wages,’ then all the flock bore speckled. If he said, ‘The streaked will be your…