The Hebrew Verb זָכַר: To Remember, Recall, or Be Mindful

The Hebrew verb זָכַר (root: ז־כ־ר) means “to remember,” “to recall,” “to call to mind,” or “to be mindful.” It is one of the most significant verbs in biblical theology, describing not only human memory but also God’s covenantal mindfulness of His people, promises, and mercy.

This verb appears frequently in the Hebrew Bible, and is used in contexts of prayer, judgment, historical reflection, covenant obligation, and even divine forgiveness.

 

Qal Binyan Conjugation of זָכַר (“to remember”)

Past (Perfect) Tense

Person Form
1st person singular זָכַרְתִּי
2nd person masculine singular זָכַרְתָּ
2nd person feminine singular זָכַרְתְּ
3rd person masculine singular זָכַר
3rd person feminine singular זָכְרָה
1st person plural זָכַרְנוּ
2nd person masculine plural זְכַרְתֶּם
2nd person feminine plural זְכַרְתֶּן
3rd person plural זָכְרוּ

Present (Participle) Tense

Gender/Number Form
Masculine singular זוֹכֵר
Feminine singular זוֹכֶרֶת
Masculine plural זוֹכְרִים
Feminine plural זוֹכְרוֹת

Future (Imperfect) Tense

Person Form
1st person singular אֶזְכֹּר
2nd person masculine singular תִּזְכֹּר
2nd person feminine singular תִּזְכְּרִי
3rd person masculine singular יִזְכֹּר
3rd person feminine singular תִּזְכֹּר
1st person plural נִזְכֹּר
2nd person masculine plural תִּזְכְּרוּ
2nd person feminine plural תִּזְכֹּרְנָה
3rd person plural יִזְכְּרוּ

Imperative Mood

Person Form
2nd person masculine singular זְכֹר
2nd person feminine singular זִכְרִי
2nd person masculine plural זִכְרוּ
2nd person feminine plural זְכֹרְנָה

 

Usage in Scripture

  • Exodus 20:8זָכוֹר אֶת־יֹום הַשַּׁבָּת לְקַדְּשׁוֹ
    “Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.”
  • Genesis 8:1וַיִּזְכֹּר אֱלֹהִים אֶת־נֹחַ
    “And God remembered Noaḥ…” — divine mindfulness and covenant loyalty.
  • Psalm 25:6זְכֹר רַחֲמֶיךָ יְהוָה
    “Remember Your mercies, O LORD…” — plea for divine grace based on past faithfulness.

 

Summary

The verb זָכַר is central to the biblical concept of covenant, memory, and relationship. It expresses not only the act of human remembering but, more importantly, God’s faithful remembrance of His promises. Whether in law, narrative, or worship, זָכַר links past action to present responsibility and future hope.

 

 

About Biblical Hebrew

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