7940. Sakar

Lexical Summary

Sakar: Sacar

Original Word: שָׂכָר
Part of Speech: Proper Name Masculine
Transliteration: Sakar
Pronunciation: sah-KAR
Phonetic Spelling: (saw-kar')
KJV: Sacar
NASB: Sacar
Word Origin: [the same as H7939 (שָׂכָר - wages)]

1. recompense
2. Sakar, the name of two Israelites

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance

Sacar

The same as sakar; recompense; Sakar, the name of two Israelites -- Sacar.

see HEBREW sakar

NAS Exhaustive Concordance

Word Origin
from sakar
Definition
two Isr.
NASB Translation
Sacar (2).

Brown-Driver-Briggs

II. שָׂכָר proper name, masculine 1. father of hero of David 1 Chronicles 11:35, Αχαρ, A Σαχαρ ("" שָׁרָר 2 Samuel 23:33).

2 doorkeeper 2Sam 26:4, Εαχαρ.

Topical Lexicon

Meaning and Background

The name שָׂכָר (Sacar) grows out of a Hebrew root that speaks of hire, wages, or recompense. As with many Hebrew proper names, it reflects the prayer or hope of reward from the Lord (compare Genesis 15:1; Ruth 2:12). Although the word itself appears only twice as a personal name, the underlying idea of divine remuneration permeates the biblical canon.

Occurrences and Narrative Setting

1. Sacar the Hararite (1 Chronicles 11:35). He is identified as the father of Ahiam, one of David’s elite warriors. The verse places him among families associated with the rugged hill country of Harar, a detail that highlights the geographical breadth of support David received during his rise to kingship.

“Ahiam son of Sacar the Hararite, Eliphal son of Ur.” (1 Chronicles 11:35)

2. Sacar son of Obed-Edom (1 Chronicles 26:4). Listed as the fourth son of the Levite Obed-Edom, he belongs to a household famed for hosting the Ark of the Covenant and later for serving as gatekeepers at the sanctuary.

“Obed-Edom also had sons: Shemaiah the firstborn, Jehozabad the second, Joah the third, Sacar the fourth, and Nethanel the fifth.” (1 Chronicles 26:4)

Historical and Genealogical Insights

• The Hararite connection suggests that Sacar’s family was part of the coalition of clans that helped secure David’s kingdom. Their mention in the roster of “the Thirty” affirms the chronicler’s intent to celebrate every tribe and region that stood with the anointed king.
• As a Levite in the line of Korah, the second Sacar inherits a legacy of temple service. His father Obed-Edom’s home had been blessed while the Ark resided there (2 Samuel 6:11). The naming of a son “Reward” or “Sacar” may commemorate that outpouring of blessing and set an expectation of continued favor through faithful ministry.

Theological Reflections

The two notices are brief, yet they bracket key themes:
• Reward for loyalty. The Hararite Sacar is honored indirectly through the valor of his son. In biblical thought, a righteous parent often experiences recompense through the faithfulness of offspring (Proverbs 20:7).
• Reward for service. The Levite Sacar stands in a priestly household that receives “everlasting covenant of salt” blessings (2 Chronicles 13:5). The Chronicler’s audience would read his name and recall that God’s recompense extends to all who guard His presence and approach Him rightly.

Ministry Applications

1. Faithful parents shape future heroes. Sacar’s parenting of Ahiam illustrates that behind every notable servant stands a family that has sown courage and obedience. Churches today nurture future leaders by investing in families, not only individuals.
2. Gatekeeping is honorable. The sons of Obed-Edom, Sacar included, remind ministries that unseen roles—ushers, security teams, custodians—protect the worship of God’s people and thereby share in divine reward (Psalm 84:10).
3. Names as testimonies. Whether in ancient Israel or modern discipleship, giving children names that rehearse God’s promises can become a lifelong catechism of grace (Isaiah 8:18).

Illustrative Lessons for Today

• Sacar testifies that God notes even the “footnotes” of history. No service is unnoticed; “each will receive his own reward” (1 Corinthians 3:8).
• The chronicler links past covenant faithfulness to present hope. Similarly, contemporary believers trace lines of grace through their spiritual heritage, finding motivation to persevere.
• Finally, the name presses the question: What “reward” are modern disciples seeking? Sacar’s quiet presence in Scripture calls believers to pursue the commendation that comes from God alone (Colossians 3:24).

Forms and Transliterations

וְשָׂכָ֣ר ושכר שָׂכָ֛ר שכר śā·ḵār saChar śāḵār vesaChar wə·śā·ḵār wəśāḵār

Englishman's Concordance

1 Chronicles 11:35
HEB: אֲחִיאָ֧ם בֶּן־ שָׂכָ֛ר הַהֲרָרִ֖י אֱלִיפַ֥ל
NAS: the son of Sacar the Hararite,
KJV: the son of Sacar the Hararite,
INT: Ahiam the son of Sacar the Hararite Eliphal

1 Chronicles 26:4
HEB: יוֹאָ֤ח הַשְּׁלִשִׁי֙ וְשָׂכָ֣ר הָרְבִיעִ֔י וּנְתַנְאֵ֖ל
NAS: the third, Sacar the fourth,
KJV: the third, and Sacar the fourth,
INT: Joah the third Sacar the fourth Nethanel

2 Occurrences

Strong's Hebrew 7940
2 Occurrences

śā·ḵār — 1 Occ.
wə·śā·ḵār — 1 Occ.