שָׂכָר (sa.khar)
sa.khar
Sachar
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
The name Sachar appears only twice in the Hebrew Bible, identifying two distinct men from the era of the United Monarchy. In both instances, it serves as a proper noun rather than a common word for compensation. The first is a Korahite Levite and gatekeeper, recorded as the fourth son of Obed-edom in 1 Chronicles 26:4.
The second occurrence identifies a warrior from David’s elite forces, known as the father of Ahiam in 2 Samuel 23:33. This individual is also referred to as Sacar in 1 Chronicles 11:35. While the name shares a root with the Hebrew word for wages, its usage here is strictly genealogical, marking these men within the tribal and military structures of David’s reign.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Sachar appears in Scripture as a marker of faithful service within God’s established order. In Chronicles, it identifies a gatekeeper in the temple and a warrior in David’s army. These men held specific roles that required trustworthiness and dedication. Their names remind us that every position, whether in worship or protection, contributes to the whole.
When we read these genealogies, we see ordinary people chosen for significant tasks. They did not seek fame but served where they were placed. This encourages us to value our own roles in the community of faith. Whether in quiet service or active leadership, our work matters to God.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- and/ Sakar1×
- Sakar1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- שָׂכָ֛ר1×
- וְ/שָׂכָ֣ר1×
Key Verses
-
I Chronicles 11:35
Ahiam the son of Sacar the Hararite, Eliphal the son of Ur,
This verse identifies Sachar as the father of Ahiam among David’s elite warriors, highlighting his role in military service.
-
I Chronicles 26:4
Obed-Edom had sons: Shemaiah the firstborn, Jehozabad the second, Joah the third, Sacar the fourth, Nethanel the fifth,
Here Sachar is listed as the fourth son of Obed-edom, a Levite gatekeeper responsible for guarding the temple.