יְקָר
value, i.e. (concretely) wealth; abstractly, costliness, dignity
Definition
The Hebrew noun יְקָר (yᵉqâr) primarily denotes something of great worth or value. It can refer concretely to precious material wealth or objects, as seen in Esther 1:4 where it describes the 'riches' of King Ahasuerus's glorious kingdom. Abstractly, it signifies honor, dignity, or high esteem, a meaning prominent in the book of Esther where it is repeatedly used for the honor bestowed upon Mordecai (Esther 6:3, 6:6, 6:7, 6:9, 6:11). The word thus bridges the concepts of material preciousness and personal prestige.
Biblical Usage
This word appears 15 times in the Old Testament, with a striking concentration in the book of Esther (11 occurrences). In Esther, it is used almost exclusively in the context of royal honor and the public display of prestige, particularly in the narrative of Mordecai's exaltation. The remaining uses are found in poetic and wisdom literature (e.g., Proverbs, Job, Lamentations), where it describes the preciousness of wisdom (Proverbs 3:15), the value of a good name (Ecclesiastes 7:1), or the costly weight of God's judgment (Lamentations 1:7).
Etymology
יְקָר (yᵉqâr) is derived from the root verb יָקַר (yāqar, H3365), which means 'to be precious, valuable, or honored.' This root conveys the sense of weightiness or heaviness, metaphorically extending to importance and worth. Cognate words include יְקָר (yᵉqār, H3368), meaning 'preciousness' or 'splendor,' showing a shared semantic field of high value.
Semantic Range
This word is theologically significant as it connects earthly value with divine honor. While often describing royal or human prestige, its use for wisdom in Proverbs 3:15 elevates it, showing that true, lasting 'preciousness' is found in God-given understanding, which is 'more precious than rubies.' It reminds the reader that ultimate worth and dignity are defined by God's standards, not merely by material wealth or social status. Understanding this Hebrew term enriches reading by highlighting the biblical tension and connection between material blessing and spiritual honor.
In its ancient Near Eastern context, honor (יְקָר) was a core social value, often publicly displayed and directly tied to one's standing in a hierarchical society. The lavish displays in Esther 1:4 and the public procession for Mordecai (Esther 6:11) are classic examples of this cultural practice, where honor was not a private feeling but a visible, conferred status. This contrasts with modern, more individualistic concepts of self-worth.
כָּבוֹד (kābôd, H3519) — Often 'glory' or 'honor,' but with a stronger emphasis on weight, abundance, and visible manifestation, frequently used for God's glory. || עֹשֶׁר (ʿōšer, H6239) — Specifically 'wealth' or 'riches,' focusing more on material abundance than on abstract honor or prestige. || חֵן (ḥēn, H2580) — 'Favor' or 'grace,' often describing a bestowed, relational acceptance rather than inherent or publicly recognized value.
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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