אֶשְׁכָּר
esh.kar (H0814)
gift
AI Word Study
# Eshkar (אֶשְׁכָּר): A Rare Hebrew Gift Word The Hebrew word *eshkar* appears only twice in the biblical text, making it one of the rarer vocabulary items for gift-giving in the Hebrew Bible. Defined simply as "gift," it belongs to the semantic field of transferred valuables or tokens of goodwill. Its limited attestation prevents a detailed analysis of nuanced usage patterns, yet its inclusion in the biblical lexicon indicates it was a recognized term for this concept. The scarcity of *eshkar* across the biblical corpus—occurring merely twice—suggests it may have been either archaic, regional, or functionally overlapped by more common synonyms for "gift" in Hebrew. Without access to the specific contexts of these two occurrences, we cannot determine whether the word carried particular connotations (such as gifts given in specific circumstances or to specific recipients) or whether it was simply an alternative term for more frequently used expressions. The limited data preserves the term in the biblical record but leaves its precise communicative role largely unilluminated.
AI synthesis uses only provided lexicon data -- never training knowledge.
The kings of Tarshish and of the islands will bring tribute. The kings of Sheba and Seba shall offer gifts.
“ ‘ “The men of Dedan traded with you. Many islands were the market of your hand. They brought you horns of ivory and ebony in exchange.