Hebrew · Strong's H1242
בֹּקֶר
(BOH-ker)
noun, masculine
Boker refers to the early part of the day, specifically the time from dawn until sunrise, though it can also refer to the entire morning period.
The Hebrew noun בֹּקֶר (boker) consistently refers to the morning time, often with the specific nuance of the breaking of dawn. Its semantic range primarily centers on the temporal aspect of the day, marking the transition from night to day. This period is frequently associated with new beginnings, divine intervention, and the resumption of daily activities. The word appears in various contexts, from describing routine religious observances to significant historical events and prophetic pronouncements.
In a theological sense, the morning is often portrayed as a time of renewed hope and God's faithfulness. The cessation of darkness and the arrival of light can symbolize God's presence and the overturning of adverse circumstances. It is also a time for seeking God, as seen in prayers and offerings made early in the day. The recurring mention of morning sacrifices in the cultic laws highlights its importance in Israelite worship.
The association with divine judgment and deliverance is also present. God's actions, whether in providing manna (Exodus 16) or delivering from enemies (2 Kings 19), frequently occur in the morning. Conversely, it is also a time when human leaders are called to administer justice. The morning serves as a natural marker for time, delineating events that happen after a night has passed or before the full day begins.
Common English renderings
- morning
- early
- day
- morrow
Key verses
"O Jehovah, in the morning shalt thou hear my voice; In the morning will I order my prayer unto thee, and will keep watch."
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"And thou shalt prepare a lamb a year old without blemish for a burnt-offering unto Jehovah daily: morning by morning shalt thou prepare it."
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"O house of David, thus saith Jehovah, Execute justice in the morning, and deliver him that is robbed out of the hand of the oppressor, lest my wrath go forth like fire, and burn so that none can quench it, because of the evil of your doings."
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"And ye shall let nothing of it remain until the morning; but that which remaineth of it until the morning ye shall burn with fire."
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"And it came to pass that night, that the angel of Jehovah went forth, and smote in the camp of the Assyrians a hundred fourscore and five thousand: and when men arose early in the morning, behold, these were all dead bodies."
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