Lexical Summary saqar: To hire, to engage, to reward Original Word: שָׂקַר Strong's Exhaustive Concordance wanton A primitive root; to ogle, i.e. Blink coquettishly -- wanton. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origina prim. root Definition to ogle NASB Translation seductive (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs [שָׂקַר] verb Pi`el ogle (Aramaic סְקַר look at (ᵑ7 Job 20:9; Job 28:7), סַקְרָנִית looking about, ogling;  eye with envy or hatred (e.g. 1 Samuel 18:9 ᵑ6); compare DeIs); — Participle feminine plural מְשַׂקְּרוֺת עֵינַיִם Isaiah 3:16 ogling of eyes (women of Jerusalem). שַׂר see שׂרר. Topical Lexicon Context of Occurrence Isaiah 3:16 contains the single biblical appearance of שָׂקַר. The prophet depicts the “daughters of Zion” as “flirting with their eyes” (Isaiah 3:16), exposing inner pride through outward display. The verb pictures a deliberate batting or casting of the eyes meant to entice, signaling moral decay within the covenant community on the eve of impending judgment. Cultural Background Ancient Near Eastern women often adorned themselves with anklets, veils, and cosmetics, but Isaiah singles out a self-conscious, ostentatious gait combined with coquettish eye movements. Such behavior, modeled after surrounding pagan cultures, was a symptom of Judah’s assimilation and a departure from covenant modesty (compare Numbers 15:38-40; Jeremiah 4:30). The gesture condemned by the prophet therefore transcends mere fashion; it represents a heart posture that exchanges reverence for self-exaltation. Moral and Prophetic Significance 1. Pride exposed: שָׂקַר highlights pride manifesting through sensuality (Proverbs 16:18; 1 John 2:16). Related Scriptural Themes • Eyes as moral barometer: Job 31:1; Matthew 5:28. Ministry Applications • Discipleship and Modesty: Teach that dress and demeanor should reflect holiness, not self-promotion. Christological and Eschatological Reflections Where Judah failed, Jesus Christ embodies humility (Philippians 2:5-8). The Church, as the bride of Christ, is called to clothe herself “with fine linen, bright and pure” (Revelation 19:8), displaying holiness rather than seductive pride. Isaiah’s warning foreshadows the final reckoning in which all boastful displays will be brought low (Isaiah 2:11; Revelation 6:15-17). Summary שָׂקַר serves as a vivid snapshot of pride expressed through alluring eyes. Though occurring only once, it amplifies a recurring biblical warning: external allure rooted in arrogance invites divine opposition. The remedy is a humble, Christ-centered heart that seeks God’s approval above human applause. Forms and Transliterations וּֽמְשַׂקְּר֖וֹת ומשקרות ū·mə·śaq·qə·rō·wṯ umesakkeRot ūməśaqqərōwṯLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Isaiah 3:16 HEB: ק) גָּר֔וֹן וּֽמְשַׂקְּר֖וֹת עֵינָ֑יִם הָל֤וֹךְ NAS: held high and seductive eyes, KJV: necks and wanton eyes, INT: afternoon heads and seductive eyes and go 1 Occurrence |
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