סָחַר
an emporium; abstractly, profit (from trade)
Definition
The noun סָחַר (sachar) primarily refers to a place or means of commerce. Its core meaning is a 'mart' or 'emporium'—a marketplace or center for trade, as seen in Isaiah 23:3 where it describes the vast 'merchandise' or commercial enterprise of Tyre. Abstractly, it extends to the concept of 'profit' or 'gain' derived from such trade. In Proverbs 3:14, wisdom's 'gain' (sachar) is metaphorically compared to the profit from silver and is declared more valuable, applying the commercial term to spiritual benefit.
Biblical Usage
This word occurs only three times in the Old Testament, exclusively in poetic or prophetic literature (Proverbs, Isaiah). It is used in two distinct contexts: one for literal, large-scale international commerce (Isaiah 23:3, 45:14) and one for metaphorical, spiritual profit (Proverbs 3:14). In Isaiah 45:14, the wealth and 'merchandise' (sachar) of other nations are prophesied to come to Israel, signifying tribute and submission.
Etymology
Derived from the verb סָחַר (sachar, H5503), meaning 'to go around, travel for trade, deal as a merchant.' The noun form thus originates from the activity of itinerant trading, focusing on the place or the proceeds of that commercial travel. It is part of a semantic field related to commerce and exchange.
Semantic Range
סָחַר is theologically significant for its use in contrasting material and spiritual value. In Proverbs 3:14, it elevates divine wisdom above the most lucrative earthly commerce, teaching that true profit is found in God's instruction. In Isaiah, it illustrates God's sovereignty over the economies and fortunes of nations (Isaiah 23:3, 45:14), showing that even the wealth of empires serves His redemptive purposes for His people.
In the ancient Near East, long-distance trade and marketplaces (emporia) were central to economic life and national power, especially for coastal cities like Tyre. The word evokes the image of a bustling, international port market. The metaphorical use in Proverbs would resonate with an audience familiar with the risks and rewards of mercantile ventures, powerfully framing wisdom as the ultimate secure investment.
מִסְחָר (miscar, H4627) — merchandise, goods for trade; a closely related noun for traded commodities. רֵכֻל (rekul, H7404) — trade, traffic; emphasizes the act of trading or bartering. כֶּסֶף (keseph, H3701) — silver, money; the primary medium of exchange and measure of profit.
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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