שָׁעַר (sha.ar)
sha.ar
to calculate
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb sha’ar means to calculate or reckon something out. It appears only once in the Old Testament, found in Proverbs 23:7. In this context, it describes the inner mental process of a stingy host who counts his resources while preparing a meal for a guest.
Lexicons note that the root idea involves splitting open or reasoning out details to reach an estimate. The verse uses this word to highlight how the miser’s true thoughts are revealed through his careful calculation, even if his outward words offer hospitality. This single usage provides a sharp glimpse into ancient attitudes toward generosity and hidden motives.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word sha’ar appears just once in the Old Testament, tucked inside Proverbs 23:7. It describes a stingy host who calculates the cost of his meal while pretending to be generous. His heart is not with his guest, even as he offers food and drink. This single usage reveals how our inner thoughts shape our outward actions.
For your faith, this word reminds us that God sees beyond polite words and social gestures. He knows the motives behind our generosity. Are we giving because we want to be seen, or because we truly care? Sha’ar invites us to examine our hearts with honesty, asking God to align our inner thoughts with His love.
May you find freedom in this truth: true generosity flows from a heart that trusts God’s provision, not one that counts every cost. Let your giving be simple, sincere, and rooted in grace, knowing that God honors the spirit behind the act more than the amount given.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- he calculates1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- שָׁעַ֥ר1×
Key Verses
-
Proverbs 23:7
for as he thinks about the cost, so he is. “Eat and drink!” he says to you, but his heart is not with you.
This verse uses sha’ar to expose the miser’s inner calculation, showing how his true thoughts contradict his outward hospitality.