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 20:8 – זָכוֹר אֶת־יֹום הַשַּׁבָּת לְקַדְּשׁוֹ
“Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.” - Genesis 8:1 – וַיִּזְכֹּר אֱלֹהִים אֶת־נֹחַ
“And God remembered Noaḥ…” — divine mindfulness and covenant loyalty. - Psalm 25:6 – זְכֹר 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.
✓
