שָׂקַר
𐤔𐤒𐤓
sâqar
H8265 verb
SILEX Entry
Definition
A verb meaning to glance or blink, often with an implication of flirtatious, coquettish, or deceptive intent; particularly used in the sense of fluttering the eyes or looking in a suggestively inviting manner. Carries overtones of slyness, seduction, or enticement by means of the eyes.
Semantic Range
to blink or flutter the eyes (coquettishly), to look seductively, to ogle, to make inviting or enticing glances, to cast flirtatious looks
Root / Etymology
Root: שקר (שׂקר). The root שׂ־ק־ר is distinct from the more common שקר (sh-q-r) meaning 'to lie' or 'to deceive.' Here, it appears to be connected to movements of the eyes (blinking or fluttering). Derivation is likely denominative or onomatopoetic, imitating the action of quick or invited movement of the eyes, but full etymology is uncertain due to the rarity of the root.
Historical & Contextual Notes
The verb שָׂקַר occurs only in Isaiah 3:16, describing the behavior of Jerusalemite women who 'wink' or 'flutter their eyes' in a manner understood as flirtatious, seductive, or coquettish, connoting manipulative allure. The action described may be related to enticing glances intended to attract attention, specifically with the eyes. Later translations (English and others) often render the verb with terms such as 'wanton eyes,' 'ogling,' or 'flirtatious gestures,' which reflect cultural assumptions but may not capture the full nuance. The term should be considered distinct from words for overt sexual immorality (e.g., זנה to 'play the harlot'), focusing instead on visual seductiveness. Its extremely limited attestation restricts our knowledge of broader semantic evolution, but Septuagint and Vulgate renderings reflect a continuing association with alluring eye movements.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
a primitive root; to ogle, i.e. blink coquettishly; wanton.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
שׂקר (ś-q-r) — blink, flutter the eyes, ogle, cast coquettish glances
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H8265-01 |
וּֽ/מְשַׂקְּר֖וֹת | umesaqerot | HC/Vprfpa |
and making eyes coy | and coquettishly fluttering ones | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 total occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H8265-01 |
Isaiah 3:16 | וּֽ/מְשַׂקְּר֖וֹת | umesaqerot | HC/Vprfpa |
and making eyes coy | and coquettishly fluttering ones |