שָׂכָר

שָׂכָר

Sakar, the name of two Israelites

Definition

The proper noun שָׂכָר (Sakar) refers to two different individuals in the Old Testament. In 1 Chronicles 11:35, Sakar is listed as the father of Ahiam, one of King David's mighty warriors, known as the 'Thirty.' In 1 Chronicles 26:4, a different Sakar is mentioned as one of the sons of Obed-Edom, a Levitical gatekeeper appointed for service in the temple. The name itself means 'recompense' or 'wages,' reflecting its etymological root.

Biblical Usage

This name is used exclusively in the genealogical and administrative lists of 1 Chronicles. It appears in two distinct contexts: first, within the roster of David's military elite (1 Chronicles 11:35), and second, within the registry of Levitical families assigned to temple duties (1 Chronicles 26:4). There are no narrative stories about these individuals; their mention serves to document lineage and temple organization.

Etymology

The name שָׂכָר (Sakar) is identical to the common noun שָׂכָר (sākār, H7939), meaning 'wages,' 'reward,' or 'recompense.' It derives from the root שׂכר (śkr), which conveys the idea of payment or hire. As a personal name, it likely expressed a hope for divine blessing or repayment, a common practice in Hebrew onomastics (name-giving).

Semantic Range

While the individuals named Sakar are not central theological figures, the meaning of the name—'recompense'—connects to the broader biblical theme of divine reward and justice. The use of such a name reflects the Israelite cultural and theological mindset that saw God as actively involved in the lives of His people, providing just compensation for faithfulness or labor, as seen in verses like Psalm 58:11. Understanding the name's meaning adds a layer of depth to these genealogical entries. In ancient Israelite culture, names were often significant and descriptive, sometimes expressing a parent's hope, a circumstance of birth, or an attribute of God. Naming a child Sakar ('wages' or 'recompense') may have reflected gratitude for a blessing received or a prayer for future divine favor. The name's appearance in both military and priestly lineages shows its use across different social strata within Israel. None directly applicable as synonyms for a proper name. For the concept of 'reward,' see: שָׂכָר (sākār, H7939) — the common noun for wages or payment; פְּעֻלָּה (pĕʿullâ, H6468) — recompense or deed; מַשְׂכֹּרֶת (maskōreth, H4909) — wages or reward.

Word Details