← H1970 H1972 →

הַכָּרָה

𐤄𐤊𐤓𐤄

hakkârâh

H1971 noun

SILEX Entry

Root נכר to recognize, to distinguish, to regard, to treat differently

Definition

A state of partiality or favoritism; a disposition to show preference or deference based on personal regard or status, typically in legal, judicial, or social interactions. In the Hebrew Bible, the term denotes the act or principle of showing undue distinction, often in the context of judgment, where one is not to show partiality ('hakkârâh') to persons of high or low status.

Semantic Range

partiality, favoritism, unjust preference, distinction based on status, showing respect to persons (negatively)

Root / Etymology

Derives from the root נכר, which fundamentally means 'to recognize, discriminate, distinguish.' The noun form הַכָּרָה comes from this root and refers to the outcome or expression of this act of recognition, with the definite article prefixed (ha-). While the core root connotes perception and discernment, the noun here acquires the specific nuance of distinction or partiality made in one's judgments.

Historical & Contextual Notes

In biblical contexts, especially in legislative or judicial settings (e.g., Leviticus 19:15; Proverbs 24:23), הַכָּרָה generally signals disapproval of biased behavior—'not to show partiality.' The root נכר is more commonly reflected in verbs related to recognizing or distinguishing, but as a noun, הַכָּרָה is rare and used almost exclusively in formal prohibitions against unjust judicial conduct. The concept is closely related to פָּנִים (face), as in 'lifting up the face,' which is a biblical idiom for showing favoritism. English translations often render this as 'partiality' or 'respect of persons,' but these can mask the broader social and ethical implications of the term in its original context. The word does not, in the Hebrew Bible, carry the positive modern sense of 'respect' in the sense of honoring someone; rather, it refers to an improper or unjust preferential treatment.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from נָכַר; respect, i.e. partiality; shew.

Bantu Hebrew

No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.

+ Add Bantu Hebrew Word

Root Family

נכר (n-k-r) — to recognize, to distinguish, to regard, to treat differently

Strong's Lemma SIBI-P1
H4378 מַכָּר your acquaintances
H5234 נָכַר I will acknowledge
H5235 נֶכֶר his foreignness
H5236 נֵכָר the foreign one
H5237 נׇכְרִי the outsider

Word Forms

1 distinct form

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 Occurrences
H1971-01 הַכָּרַ֤ת hakarat HNcfsc the look partiality of 1

Occurrences in Scripture

1 total occurrence

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1
H1971-01 Isaiah 3:9 הַכָּרַ֤ת hakarat HNcfsc the look partiality of
← H1970 Hebrew Lexicon H1972 →