Original Word: נָכַר
Part of Speech: Verb
Transliteration: nakar
Pronunciation: naw-KAR
Phonetic Spelling: (naw-kar')
KJV: acknowledge, X could, deliver, discern, dissemble, estrange, feign self to be another, know, take knowledge (notice), perceive, regard, (have) respect, behave (make) self strange(-ly)
NASB: recognized, recognize, acknowledge, show, know, regards, able
Word Origin: [a primitive root]

1. (properly) to scrutinize, i.e. look intently at
2. hence (with recognition implied), to acknowledge, be acquainted with, care for, respect, revere, or (with suspicion implied), to disregard, ignore, be strange toward, reject, resign, dissimulate (as if ignorant or disowning)

acknowledge, could, deliver, discern, dissemble, estrange, feign self to be another

A primitive root; properly, to scrutinize, i.e. Look intently at; hence (with recognition implied), to acknowledge, be acquainted with, care for, respect, revere, or (with suspicion implied), to disregard, ignore, be strange toward, reject, resign, dissimulate (as if ignorant or disowning) -- acknowledge, X could, deliver, discern, dissemble, estrange, feign self to be another, know, take knowledge (notice), perceive, regard, (have) respect, behave (make) self strange(-ly).

Word Origin
a prim. root
Definition
to regard, recognize
NASB Translation
able (1), acknowledge (3), acknowledges (1), discern (1), distinguish (1), distinguishes (1), examine (1), examine and see (1), examined (1), familiar (1), know (2), knows (1), partial* (1), partiality* (3), perceived (1), point (1), recognize (7), recognized (8), regard (1), regards (2), show (3), take notice (1), took note (1), took notice (1).

I. [נָכַר] verb (not

Qal) regard, recognize (Late Hebrew Hiph`il know, be acquainted with; ᵑ7 Aph`el id.; Syriac Aph`el id.; compare also Arabic in sense be shrewd, cunning); **Arabic be shrewd, apparently rare, compare cunning Lane^2850a. —

Niph`al Perfect3masculine plural לֹא נִכְּרוּ Lamentations 4:8 they are not recognized.

Pi`el Perfect לֹא נִכַּר שׁוֺע לִפְנֵידָֿ֑ל Job 34:19 he regardeth not the opulent above the poor ("" לֹאנָֿשָׂא מְּנֵי שָׂרִים); Imperfect לֹא תְנַכֵּ֑רוּ Job 21:29 do ye not recognize their tokens.

Hiph`il Perfect הִכִּיר Deuteronomy 33:9; Daniel 11:39 Kt; suffix הִכִּירוֺ Genesis 27:23; 3plural הִכִּירוּ Judges 18:3 2t., suffix הִכִּירֻהוּ Job 2:12, הִכִּרֻהוּ Genesis 42:8; Imperfect יַכִּיר Deuteronomy 21:17 3t. + Daniel 11:39 Qr; וַיַּכֵּר Genesis 38:26 +; suffix וַיַּכִּרֵ֫הוּ 1 Kings 18:7, יַכִּירֶ֫נּוּ Job 7:10, וַיַּכִּירָהּ Genesis 37:33, etc.; Imperative ַ˜הכֶּרֿ Genesis 31:32 2t.; Infinitive absolute הֵַ˜כּרֿ (Ginsb van d. H. ַ˜הכֶּרֿ) Proverbs 24:23; Proverbs 28:21; construct suffix הַכִּירֵנִי Ruth 2:10; Participle מַכִּיר Psalm 142:5, suffix מַכִּירֵךְ Ruth 2:19, etc.; —

1 regard, observe, especially with a view to recognition, with object clause, Genesis 31:32; Genesis 37:32; Genesis 38:25; pay attention to, with accusative of person Ruth 2:10,19; accusative of thing (of God) Job 34:25; accusative of thing omitted 2 Samuel 3:36; ׳י subject כֵּן אַכִּיר ֗֗֗ לְטוֺבָה Jeremiah 24:5 so will I regard the exiles ... for good; Antiochus subject Daniel 11:39; הִכִּיר מָּנִים pay regard to (shew partiality, = ׳נָשָׂא מְּנֵי פ) Deuteronomy 1:17; Deuteronomy 16:19 ("" הִטָּה מִשְׁמָּט), Proverbs 24:23; Proverbs 28:21.

2 Recognize (as formerly known) with accusative of person or thing, Genesis 27:23; Genesis 37:33; Genesis 38:26 (all J), Genesis 42:7,8 (twice in verse) (E), 1 Kings 18:7; 1 Kings 20:41; Job 2:12; proverb. בְּטֶרֶם יַכִּיר אִישׁ אֶתרֵֿעֵהוּ Ruth 3:14 before a man could recognize his fellow (i.e. before dawn); recognize voice (קוֺל), Judges 18:3; 1 Samuel 26:17; = perceive the true situation, וָאַכִּירָה וְהִנֵּה Nehemiah 6:12 and I perceived, and lo! God had not sent him.

3 Be willing to recognize, acknowledge Deuteronomy 21:17; Deuteronomy 33:9; Isaiah 63:16 ("" יָדַע), Psalm 142:5; acknowledge with honour Isaiah 61:9.

4 Be acquainted with, לֹא יַכִּירֶנּוּ עוֺד מְקוֺמוֺ Job 7:10 his place shall be acquainted with him no more (he shall be gone and forgotten), compare Psalm 103:16; with accusative of thing Job 24:17.

5 Distinguish, understand, הִכִּיר קוֺל ֗֗֗ לְקוֺל Ezra 3:13 could not distinguish, etc.; compare Job 4:16 could not distinguish its appearance; הִכִּיר לְדַבֵּר Nehemiah 13:24 understand how to speak, etc.

Hithpa`el Imperfect יִתְנַכֶּרנָֿ֑עַר Proverbs 20:11 by his deeds a youth maketh himself known, whether his doing be pure, etc.

[נכר] verbdenominative act or treat as foreign, or strange; disguise, misconstrue; —

Niph`al Imperfect יִנָּכֵר Proverbs 26:24 with his lips a hater disguiseth himself (dissembles, speaks what is foreign to his thought).

Pi`el Perfect נִכַּר 1 Samuel 23:7, but see below; Imperfect וַיְנַכְּרוּ Jeremiah 19:4 and they have treated this place as foreign (profane); יְנַכְּרוּ צָרֵהוּ Deuteronomy 32:27 lest their adversaries should misconstrue (it). — בְּיָדִי ׳נִכַּר אֹתוֺ א 1 Samuel 23:7 God hath alienated him into my hand, but improbable; ᵐ5 מָכַר (compare Judges 4:9) hath sold him, so Th Klo HPS (compare We); < סִכַּר (as Isaiah 19:4) Krochm Dr; Kit either of these; > סִגַּר Bu; Löhr either סִגַּר or סִכַּר.

Hithpa`el Imperfect וַיִּתְנַכֵּר אֲלֵיהֶם Genesis 42:7 he acted as a stranger toward them; Participle feminine מִתְנַכֵּרָ֑ה 1 Kings 14:5,6 feign to be a stranger-woman.

Semantic Range and Core Idea

נָכַר (nākar) encompasses the ideas of recognizing what is familiar, discerning what is true, and, by extension, treating something or someone as foreign or unworthy. The verb’s range moves along a spectrum: (1) simple recognition (Genesis 42:7–8); (2) deliberate examination (Genesis 37:32); (3) disguise or misrepresentation (1 Kings 14:5–6); (4) acknowledgment or regard in judgment (Proverbs 24:23); and (5) alienation or estrangement (Job 19:15). The contexts reveal how perception, identity, and relational loyalty operate in covenant life.

Recognition and Discernment in Human Relationships

1. Family settings: Isaac fails to “recognize” Jacob’s disguise (Genesis 27:23); Judah “recognized” his seal, cord, and staff (Genesis 38:26); Joseph “recognized” his brothers while remaining unrecognized (Genesis 42:7–8). These narratives underline the limits of mere outward perception and the ultimate triumph of truth.
2. Friendship and grief: Job’s friends “did not recognize him” because suffering had so marred his appearance (Job 2:12). The scene underscores the vulnerability that arises when identity is clouded by pain.
3. Romantic settings: Ruth wonders why Boaz should “take notice” of her, a foreign Moabitess (Ruth 2:10). Here nākar highlights grace that transcends ethnicity and foreshadows the inclusion of Gentiles in God’s redemptive plan.

Judicial Discernment and Impartiality

Scripture consistently condemns using discernment to favor the powerful:
• “These also are sayings of the wise: To show partiality in judgment is not good.” (Proverbs 24:23)
• “To show partiality is not good, yet a man will do wrong for a piece of bread.” (Proverbs 28:21)
• “He shows no partiality to princes nor regards the rich more than the poor.” (Job 34:19)

The same verb that means “recognize” also means “show partiality.” Thus the Hebrew mind links seeing truly with judging rightly; distorted perception breeds injustice. Faithful leadership therefore requires nākar in its righteous sense—accurate assessment without favoritism (Deuteronomy 1:17; 16:19).

Foreignness and Identity

In certain stems nākar means “treat as foreign” or “alien.” Psalmists lament becoming “a stranger” to brothers (Psalm 69:8); Jeremiah speaks of Judah turning into “a foreign vine” (Jeremiah 2:21, noun derived from the root). This shift warns God’s people that compromised loyalty produces estrangement. Conversely, God promises restoration when hearts once again “know” and rightly regard Him (Jeremiah 24:5–7).

Mimicry, Disguise, and Deception

Disguise often exploits defective recognition:
• Jacob’s costume before Isaac (Genesis 27).
• Joseph’s harsh speech and foreign garb in Egypt (Genesis 42).
• The wife of Jeroboam masquerading before the prophet Ahijah (1 Kings 14:5–6).
• David’s voice recognized by Saul at night (1 Samuel 26:17).

This theme demonstrates that human perception can be manipulated, but divine omniscience cannot. God “recognizes” reality and eventually brings every hidden thing to light (Ecclesiastes 12:14).

Divine Recognition and Human Response

Although nākar never describes God as learning new information, the concept of recognition is applied covenantally: genuine repentance means “acknowledging” (hiphil) sin (Psalm 32:5); covenant blessing entails the nations “recognizing” Israel as blessed (Isaiah 61:9). God’s people are called to make accurate moral distinctions and to acknowledge Him alone as God (Hosea 13:4).

Messianic and Christological Echoes

The motif of the unrecognized deliverer reaches its climax in Jesus Christ. Joseph’s brothers failed to recognize him; Israel failed to recognize the Messiah (John 1:10). Isaiah foresaw a Servant with “no form or majesty that we should look at Him” (Isaiah 53:2). The resurrection narratives reverse this: “their eyes were opened and they recognized Him” (Luke 24:31). The root principle behind nākar—rightly perceiving identity—thus culminates in acknowledging Jesus as Lord (Philippians 2:11).

Practical Ministry Applications

1. Pastoral care: Like Job’s friends, believers must see past disfigurement or crisis to recognize intrinsic worth and avoid superficial judgments.
2. Justice ministries: Nākar warns against partiality in courts, councils, and churches. Decisions must be based on truth rather than appearances or status.
3. Evangelism and discipleship: The gospel calls people to “recognize” their sin and the Savior (Acts 2:36–38). Clear proclamation aids proper discernment.
4. Cross-cultural mission: Boaz’s grace to Ruth models how believers should notice outsiders and treat them not as alien, but as potential heirs of covenant blessings (Ephesians 2:12–19).

Through its nearly fifty occurrences, נָכַר instructs God’s people to see rightly, judge fairly, expose deception, and acknowledge the Lord in every sphere of life.

אַכִּ֞יר אַכִּ֬יר אכיר הִכִּ֔יר הִכִּ֔ירוּ הִכִּ֥ירוּ הִכִּיר֔וֹ הִכִּירֻ֔הוּ הִכִּרֻֽהוּ׃ הַֽכֵּר־ הַֽכֶּר־ הַכֶּר־ הכיר הכירהו הכירו הכר־ הכרהו׃ וַֽיְנַכְּר֞וּ וַיִּתְנַכֵּ֨ר וַיַּכִּירָ֤הּ וַיַּכִּרֵ֑ם וַיַּכִּרֵ֙הוּ֙ וַיַּכֵּ֣ר וַיַּכֵּ֤ר וַיַּכֵּ֥ר וָאַכִּ֕ירָה ואכירה ויכירה ויכר ויכרהו ויכרם וינכרו ויתנכר יְנַכְּר֖וּ יִנָּכֵ֣ר יִתְנַכֶּר־ יַ֝כִּ֗יר יַ֭כִּיר יַכִּ֗יר יַכִּ֥יר יַכִּיר֔וּם יַכִּירֶ֖נּוּ יַכִּירָ֑נוּ יַכִּ֖יר יכיר יכירום יכירנו ינכר ינכרו יתנכר־ לְהַכִּירֵ֔נִי להכירני מִתְנַכֵּרָ֔ה מִתְנַכֵּרָֽה׃ מַ֫כִּ֥יר מַכִּירִ֖ים מַכִּירִים֙ מַכִּירֵ֖ךְ מכיר מכירים מכירך מתנכרה מתנכרה׃ נִכְּר֖וּ נִכַּ֨ר נִכַּר־ נכר נכר־ נכרו תְנַכֵּֽרוּ׃ תַכִּ֖יר תַכִּ֨ירוּ תכיר תכירו תנכרו׃ ’ak·kîr ’akkîr akKir hak·ker- hak·kêr- hakker hakker- hakkêr- hik·kî·rōw hik·kî·rū hik·ki·ru·hū hik·kî·ru·hū hik·kîr hikKir hikkîr hikkiRo hikkîrōw hikKiru hikkîrū hikkiRuhu hikkiruhū hikkîruhū lə·hak·kî·rê·nî lehakkiReni ləhakkîrênî mak·kî·rêḵ mak·kî·rîm mak·kîr makKir makkîr makkiRech makkîrêḵ makkiRim makkîrîm miṯ·nak·kê·rāh mitnakkeRah miṯnakkêrāh nik·kar nik·kar- nik·kə·rū nikkar nikkar- nikkeRu nikkərū ṯak·kî·rū ṯak·kîr takKir ṯakkîr takKiru ṯakkîrū ṯə·nak·kê·rū tenakKeru ṯənakkêrū vaakKirah vaiyakKer vaiyakkiRah vaiyakkiRehu vaiyakkiRem vaiyitnakKer vaynakkeRu wā’akkîrāh wā·’ak·kî·rāh way·nak·kə·rū way·yak·kêr way·yak·kî·rāh way·yak·ki·rê·hū way·yak·ki·rêm way·yiṯ·nak·kêr waynakkərū wayyakkêr wayyakkîrāh wayyakkirêhū wayyakkirêm wayyiṯnakkêr yak·kî·rā·nū yak·kî·ren·nū yak·kî·rūm yak·kîr yakKir yakkîr yakkiRanu yakkîrānū yakkiRennu yakkîrennū yakkiRum yakkîrūm yə·nak·kə·rū yenakkeRu yənakkərū yin·nā·ḵêr yinnaCher yinnāḵêr yiṯ·nak·ker- yitnakker yiṯnakker-Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts