אֶשְׁכָּר
a gratuity
Definition
The Hebrew noun אֶשְׁכָּר (ʼeshkâr) refers to a gift or present, specifically a voluntary offering or gratuity given to honor someone, often a superior. It denotes a tangible expression of homage, tribute, or goodwill, not a payment for services. In its two biblical occurrences, it describes gifts brought by foreign rulers or merchants to a king, symbolizing recognition and honor. In Psalm 72:10, it is the tribute brought by kings to the messianic king, while in Ezekiel 27:15, it refers to goods given as presents in a trade context.
Biblical Usage
This word is used only twice in the Old Testament, both times in poetic or prophetic contexts involving tribute from foreign nations. In Psalm 72:10, it describes the gifts brought by kings (e.g., of Tarshish and Sheba) to the idealized Davidic king, portraying universal homage. In Ezekiel 27:15, it refers to presents (ivory tusks and ebony) given by the Dedanites to Tyre as part of trade, highlighting Tyre's prestige. In both uses, it signifies voluntary, honorific gifts from outsiders to a powerful or wealthy recipient.
Etymology
The word אֶשְׁכָּר is a rare noun derived from the root שָׂכָר (śāḵār, H7939), which means 'wages' or 'hire.' While שָׂכָר typically implies earned compensation, אֶשְׁכָּר shifts the meaning toward an unearned gift or present, emphasizing its voluntary nature. It may be a byform or dialectal variation, showing how language can adapt a term for wages into one for a gratuity. Cognates in other Semitic languages also relate to gifts or payments.
Semantic Range
אֶשְׁכָּר is theologically significant as it portrays the homage and tribute given to God's anointed king, particularly in messianic prophecy. In Psalm 72:10, it foreshadows the nations bringing gifts to the Messiah, reflecting the fulfillment of God's kingdom and the recognition of His sovereignty. Understanding this Hebrew term enriches Bible reading by highlighting the voluntary, honorific nature of these offerings, contrasting with obligatory taxes or tributes, and pointing to the joyful submission of all peoples to Christ's rule.
In ancient Near Eastern culture, gifts like אֶשְׁכָּר were common in diplomatic and trade relations to show respect, secure favor, or acknowledge authority. Unlike modern gifts, they often carried political weight, signaling allegiance or peaceful intent between rulers or merchants. The presents in Ezekiel 27:15 reflect the luxury trade of the time, where exotic items like ivory and ebony were status symbols. This cultural practice underscores the honor and prestige associated with the recipient, whether a human king or, symbolically, God's chosen ruler.
מִנְחָה (minḥâ, H4503) — a gift or offering, often used for tributes or sacrifices, but can be more general or ritualistic. שַׁחַד (šāḥaḏ, H7810) — a bribe or corrupt gift, with negative connotations of influence. מַתָּן (mattān, H4976) — a general term for a gift or present, less specific in context.
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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