בֶּכֶר
a young camel
Definition
בֶּכֶר (beker) refers specifically to a young camel, likely a dromedary (one-humped camel) in its prime. The term appears only once in the Hebrew Bible in Isaiah 60:6, where it describes the valuable livestock brought as tribute by foreign nations to Zion. The word emphasizes the animal's youth and vigor, making it a prized possession and a fitting gift of honor. While the KJV translates it as 'dromedary,' modern versions often render it as 'young camels' to capture the sense of the Hebrew.
Biblical Usage
This word is used only in Isaiah 60:6, within a prophetic vision of the future glorification of Jerusalem. It is listed among lavish gifts—including gold, frankincense, and flocks—brought from Midian, Ephah, and Sheba. The context is one of wealth, tribute, and international homage to God's people, highlighting the young camel as a symbol of prosperity and long-distance trade.
Etymology
בֶּכֶר derives from the root בָּכַר (bakar, H1069), which generally means 'to be firstborn' or 'to be early.' The connection lies in the concept of youth or early life, extending metaphorically to a camel in its youthful prime. Cognates in other Semitic languages also relate to concepts of firstborn or early produce.
Semantic Range
Though used only once, בֶּכֶר contributes to the rich imagery of Isaiah 60, a chapter depicting the eschatological ingathering of nations and their wealth to worship the God of Israel. The young camel, as part of this tribute, symbolizes the fulfillment of God's promise to bless His people and attract the nations. Understanding this specific term enriches the picture of the lavish, global homage described in the prophecy.
In the ancient Near East, camels were essential for long-distance travel and trade across arid regions. A young, strong camel was particularly valuable for its stamina and utility in caravans. The mention in Isaiah 60:6 reflects the economic reality of the time, where such animals represented significant movable wealth and were appropriate gifts from desert-dwelling peoples like the Midianites.
גָּמָל (gamal, H1581) — the general term for a camel, without specifying age. בֶּכֶר specifies a young camel, likely in its prime.
Word Details
How this works
Hebrew definitions are from Brown-Driver-Briggs (1906) and Strong's Exhaustive Concordance (1890), both public domain. BDB was groundbreaking for its era but reflects 19th-century assumptions about Semitic etymology. Modern scholarship (HALOT, DCH) has revised many entries. Use these definitions as a starting point for exploration, not as the final word on a term's meaning in context.
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