Original Word: בָּקַר
Part of Speech: Verb
Transliteration: baqar
Pronunciation: baw-KAR
Phonetic Spelling: (baw-kar)
KJV: (make) inquire (-ry), (make) search, seek out
NASB: seek, care, concerned, inquire, make inquiry, meditate
Word Origin: [a primitive root]

1. (properly) to plough
2. (generally) break forth
3. (figuratively) to inspect, admire, care for, consider

make inquire ry, make search, seek out

A primitive root; properly, to plough, or (generally) break forth, i.e. (figuratively) to inspect, admire, care for, consider -- (make) inquire (-ry), (make) search, seek out.

Word Origin
a prim. root
Definition
to inquire, seek
NASB Translation
care (1), concerned (1), inquire (1), make inquiry (1), meditate (1), seek (2).

[בָּקַר] verb inquire, seek (Late Hebrew id., Aramaic בְּקַר, ; also Ethiopic in derivatives; originally divide discern, compare Arabic slit, rip, split) — only

Pi`el Perfect1singular suffix וּבִקַּרְתִּים consecutive Ezekiel 34:11; Imperfect יְבַקֵּר Leviticus 13:36; Leviticus 27:33, אֲבַקֵּר Ezekiel 34:12; Infinitive construct לְבַקֵּר 2 Kings 16:15 2t.; — seek, look for, followed by לְ Leviticus 13:36; seek (to distinguish) followed by בֵּיןטֿוֺב לָרַע v. Leviticus 27:33; seek (in order to care for) followed by accusative צאֹן Ezekiel 34:11 ("" דרשׁ) Ezekiel 34:12, figurative of ׳י seeking his people; contemplate, followed by בְּ Psalm 27:4 ("" חָזָה בְּ);consider, reflect, absolute Proverbs 20:25 אַחַר נְדָרִים i.e. whether the vows were wise, or should be kept (compare Str on the passage & references); compare perhaps 2 Kings 16:15 consider (what shall be done with the old altar); look at Klo, (so לְבַקֵּר 1 Kings 3:21 for 2nd בַּבֹּקֶר), AV RV to inquire by, ᵑ6 for praying; perhaps denoting some religious service to be performed by king himself, compare especially RS^{Semitic i. 467}.

Range of Meaning and Nuance

בָּקַר conveys the idea of careful looking into something—examining, inspecting, inquiring, or seeking out. The verb stresses diligence and discernment rather than a casual glance. Whether used of a priest diagnosing skin disease, a worshiper pursuing fellowship with God, or the Lord Himself searching for lost sheep, בָּקַר always assumes intentionality, patience, and a resolve to reach a true assessment.

Priestly Oversight and Ritual Integrity (Leviticus 13:36; 27:33)

In the holiness legislation, בָּקַר frames the priest’s duty to guard Israel’s covenant purity.
• Leviticus 13:36 pictures the priest who “examines” an afflicted Israelite; only a thorough inspection protects the community from ceremonial defilement.
• Leviticus 27:33 forbids a herd-owner who tithes his animals to “inspect whether it is good or bad.” The tithe belongs to the LORD as-is; human evaluating or substituting would undercut wholehearted consecration.

Thus בָּקַר reminds ministers that their discernment is exercised under divine authority, never for manipulation or self-interest.

Personal Devotion and Worship (Psalm 27:4)

David’s prayer, “to gaze on the beauty of the LORD and seek Him in His temple,” elevates בָּקַר from ritual duty to intimate communion. Inquiry becomes adoration; the worshiper explores God’s glory as the most compelling pursuit of life. This sets a pattern for believers who today “draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith” (Hebrews 10:22).

Ethical Reflection and Wise Planning (Proverbs 20:25)

“It is a trap for a man to dedicate something rashly, only later to reconsider his vows.” בָּקַר warns against impulsive promises that require costly after-the-fact re-examination. Biblical wisdom encourages measured commitments, echoing Jesus’ counsel to “count the cost” (Luke 14:28).

Divine Shepherding and Eschatological Hope (Ezekiel 34:11-12)

Israel’s failed leaders abused the flock, but the LORD pledges, “I Myself will search for My flock and seek them out.” The double use of בָּקַר underscores God’s personal initiative:
• He will inspect every pasture for the scattered.
• He will gather, feed, and lead them to rest.

Jesus, the “good Shepherd” (John 10:11), fulfills this prophecy—He came “to seek and to save the lost” (Luke 19:10), carrying forward the same diligent concern signaled by בָּקַר.

Patterns of Early-Morning Sacrifice (2 Kings 16:15)

Although the form in 2 Kings 16:15 is a noun (“morning”), its root connection to בָּקַר hints at dawn as a natural time for searching and discerning. In Scripture, morning often marks new mercies (Lamentations 3:23) and renewed inquiries after God (Psalm 5:3), an implicit call for believers to begin each day with deliberate focus on the Lord.

Theological Trajectory and Christological Fulfillment

1. God examines hearts (Psalm 11:4-5) even as priests once examined skin; only in Christ are believers pronounced clean (Hebrews 9:14).
2. God seeks His sheep; Christ leaves the ninety-nine to find the one (Matthew 18:12-14).
3. Worshipers inquire in the temple; in Christ they become the temple where unceasing inquiry and communion occur (1 Corinthians 3:16).

Implications for Contemporary Ministry

• Pastoral Care: Shepherds are called to patient, personal “searching out” of the flock, mirroring Ezekiel 34.
• Counseling and Church Discipline: Careful examination of situations (Galatians 6:1) avoids rash judgments or neglect.
• Worship Planning: Services should invite congregants to pursue God thoughtfully, not merely consume religious products.
• Ethical Living: Believers count the cost before vows—marriage, service, giving—so that reconsideration is unnecessary.

Summary

בָּקַר unites inspection, inquiry, and seeking into a single thread that runs from Levitical purity laws to the Shepherd-King’s relentless pursuit of His people. It challenges God’s servants to exercise discerning oversight, encourages worshipers to explore divine beauty, and assures the flock that the Lord Himself will never cease searching until every lost sheep is found.

אֲבַקֵּ֣ר אבקר וּבִקַּרְתִּֽים׃ וּלְבַקֵּ֥ר ובקרתים׃ ולבקר יְבַקֵּ֛ר יְבַקֵּ֧ר יבקר לְבַקֵּֽר׃ לבקר׃ ’ă·ḇaq·qêr ’ăḇaqqêr avakKer lə·ḇaq·qêr ləḇaqqêr levakKer ū·ḇiq·qar·tîm ū·lə·ḇaq·qêr ūḇiqqartîm ūləḇaqqêr ulevakKer uvikkarTim yə·ḇaq·qêr yəḇaqqêr yevakKerInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts