Lexical Summary
boqer: Morning
Original Word:בֹּקֶר
Part of Speech:Noun Masculine
Transliteration:boqer
Pronunciation:boh'-ker
Phonetic Spelling:(bo'-ker)
KJV: (+) day, early, morning, morrow
NASB:morning, every morning, mornings, dawn, day, daybreak, soon
Word Origin:[fromH1239 (בָּקַר - seek)]
1. (properly) dawn (as the break of day)
2. (generally) morning
Strong's Exhaustive Concordance
day, early, morning, morrow
Frombaqar; properly, dawn (as the break of day); generally, morning -- (+) day, early, morning, morrow.
see HEBREWbaqar
NAS Exhaustive Concordance
Word Originfrom
baqarDefinitionmorn- ing
NASB Translationdawn (1), dawn* (2), day (1), daybreak (1), every morning (5), morning (195), mornings (2), soon (1), tomorrow morning (1).
Brown-Driver-Briggs
214Exodus 10:13 (Late Hebrew
id.; from
split, penetrate, as the dawn the darkness, light through cloud-rifts, etc.) —
Genesis 1:5 + (always absolute); plural
Job 7:18 4t.; —
morning (of point of time, time at which, never during which, Englishmorning = forenoon): —
(opposed to )Exodus 10:13 (J)Leviticus 6:2 (P)Judges 19:25;Ruth 3:13 (twice in verse);Isaiah 21:12 compare1 Samuel 19:11 ("" , opposed to ); opposed toPsalm 92:3; also (opposed to )Exodus 23:18;Exodus 34:25 (both J E)Leviticus 19:13 (H)Deuteronomy 16:4; opposed toAmos 5:8; compare furtherGenesis 40:6;Genesis 41:8 (both E)Exodus 12:22;Exodus 34:2 (twice in verse) (both J E)1 Samuel 3:15 +,
Genesis 29:25 (E)Genesis 44:3 (J)1 Kings 3:21 (but Klo here for 2nd , readsby looking at it see )Job 24:17;Job 38:12 ("" );Exodus 14:27 (JE)at the turn of the morning, soJudges 19:26 (""Judges 19:25; followed by , as something later,Judges 19:26); seeRuth 3:14 (""before men could recognise each other); compareJob 38:7stars of morning; but also with verbGenesis 44:3 (J) ; with noun,Micah 2:1; & especiallyJudges 16:2 (opposed to ) so1 Samuel 14:36; also1 Samuel 25:22,34,36;2 Samuel 17:22;2 Kings 7:9; compare1 Samuel 29:10 ("" ).
Judges 9:33;2 Samuel 23:4 (twice in verse);2 Kings 3:22 comparePsalm 65:9 i.e. places of sunrise and sunset ("" i.e.ends of earth).
,Ruth 2:7 (compareRuth 2:14) see2 Samuel 24:15 (but strike out We Dr); time of prayer, & praisePsalm 5:4 (twice in verse) (see Hu)Psalm 59:17;Psalm 88:14;Psalm 92:3; ""noon1 Kings 18:26;Jeremiah 20:16; of three hours of prayer,Psalm 55:18 (compareDaniel 6:10;Daniel 6:13); compare also with below
opposed toGenesis 49:27 (poem in J)Exodus 16:7,8,12,13;Leviticus 6:13;Numbers 9:21 (all P)Deuteronomy 28:67 (twice in verse);2 Samuel 11:14;1 Kings 17:6;Isaiah 17:14;Zephaniah 3:3;Ezekiel 24:18 (twice in verse);Ezekiel 33:22;Daniel 8:26;Psalm 30:6;Psalm 90:5;Psalm 90:6;Ecclesiastes 11:6;1 Chronicles 16:40; 2Chron 2:3; 2 Chronicles 13:11; 31:3;Ezra 3:3;Esther 2:14; opposed toExodus 29:39,41;Numbers 28:4,8 (all P); especially =all dayExodus 18:13 & (without article)Exodus 18:14 (both E);Job 4:20 = between morning and evening; also =all night,Exodus 27:21 (P)Leviticus 24:3 (H)Numbers 9:21 &Numbers 9:15 (both P); note also the formulaand evening came and then morningGenesis 1:5,8,13,19,23,31 (all P), i.e. the day ended with evening, and the night with morning; peculiar isDaniel 8:14 of omission of daily sacrifice ,until2300evening-mornings, probably = 2300 half-days (Ew Hi Meinh Bev DrIntr. 464, compareDaniel 8:26 & 3 2-Jantimes (years)Daniel 7:25;Daniel 12:11;Daniel 12:17).
often (above & elsewhere) with preposition (+ article exceptJob 7:18);in the morning,Genesis 19:27 110t., compare alsoExodus 19:16;in (orat)the morning,Amos 4:4 7t.;for (against orby)the morning,Exodus 34:2 comparePsalm 130:6 (compare Checritical note); nearly =until ()Exodus 34:25;Deuteronomy 16:4;Zephaniah 3:3; furthermorning by morning, every morningExodus 16:21;Exodus 30:7;Exodus 36:3;Leviticus 6:5 (all P)2 Samuel 13:4;1 Chronicles 23:30; 2Chronicles 13:11;Isaiah 28:19;Isaiah 50:4;Ezekiel 46:13,14,15;Zephaniah 3:5 also , same sense,1 Chronicles 9:27; pluralevery morning afreshPsalm 73:14;Isaiah 33:2 compareLamentations 3:23; almost =continuallyPsalm 101:8 (compareJeremiah 21:12); seeJob 7:18 (""every moment); also without preposition or articlein the morningHosea 7:6 comparePsalm 5:4 (twice in verse);Psalm 55:18, above, & below
figurative of bright joy after night of distress (poetry)Job 11:17; comparePsalm 30:6;Psalm 46:6 ()Psalm 49:15;Psalm 59:17;Psalm 90:14;Psalm 143:8.
, ( etc.)he rose early in the morningGenesis 19:27;Genesis 20:8;Genesis 21:14;Genesis 22:3;Genesis 26:31;Genesis 28:18;Genesis 32:1;Exodus 8:16;Exodus 9:13;Exodus 24:4;Exodus 34:4;Numbers 14:40;Joshua 3:1;Joshua 6:12;Joshua 7:16;Joshua 8:10 (all J E)Judges 6:28;Judges 19:5,8;1 Samuel 1:19;1 Samuel 5:4; compare1 Samuel 15:12;1 Samuel 17:20;1 Samuel 29:10 (twice in verse) compare1 Samuel 29:11,2 Kings 3:22;2 Kings 19:35 =Isaiah 37:36; 2Chronicles 20:20;Job 1:5;Proverbs 27:14;Isaiah 5:11; ( etc.)Genesis 24:54;Numbers 22:13,21 (all J E)Judges 19:27;Judges 20:19;2 Samuel 24:11;1 Kings 3:21;morning watchExodus 14:24;1 Samuel 11:11.
morrow, next day (compare GermanMorgen, morgen) without articleExodus 16:19,20;Leviticus 7:15;Leviticus 22:30 (opposed to )Numbers 16:5 (""Numbers 16:7;Numbers 16:16) compareExodus 12:10 (twice in verse);Numbers 9:12; with articleExodus 16:23,24;Exodus 29:34;Exodus 34:25;Numbers 22:41;Zephaniah 3:3;1 Samuel 9:19 (opposed toto-day) compare1 Samuel 20:35;to-morrow morningJudges 6:31 (Stu);Exodus 7:15;Joshua 7:14;Esther 5:14; definitely1 Samuel 5:4;2 Samuel 2:27; adverb. use in this sense (without preposition or article)Exodus 16:7;Numbers 16:5.
Topical Lexicon
Essential Meaning and Imageryבֹּקֶר consistently denotes the first appearance of light after night, a divinely fixed boundary separating darkness from day (Genesis 1:5). It therefore stands for new beginnings, hope, vigilance, and the certainty of God-ordained order. Scripture frequently pairs “evening and morning,” underscoring the daily rhythm of creation that testifies to the faithfulness of the Creator (Psalm 55:17).
Foundational Narratives
•Genesis 19:27 – Abraham’s early-morning vantage becomes the moment of witnessing God’s righteous judgment on Sodom.
•Genesis 22:3 – “So Abraham rose early in the morning” to obey God’s command concerning Isaac, linking morning with decisive obedience and faith.
•Genesis 24:54 – Abraham’s servant seeks release “in the morning,” showing morning as the natural time to set out on covenant business.
The recurring pattern—patriarchs rising at dawn to meet God’s call—establishes בֹּקֶר as a time uniquely suited for covenantal responsiveness.
Morning in Israel’s Daily Worship
The nation’s liturgical life was anchored to בֹּקֶר:
•Exodus 29:38-39 – “Offer one lamb in the morning and the other at twilight.”
•Numbers 28:3-4 – The tamid (continual) burnt offering began every day at dawn, symbolizing unbroken fellowship and atonement.
•Leviticus 6:12 – The priest was to replenish the altar fire “every morning,” emblematic of continual worship.
Morning sacrifice thus framed each day in consecration, prefiguring the believer’s call to present himself “a living sacrifice” (Romans 12:1).
Morning Watch and Divine Intervention
בֹּקֶר is frequently linked to the “morning watch,” the last and darkest watch of the night when God often acts decisively:
•Exodus 14:24 – “During the morning watch, the LORD looked down… and threw the Egyptian army into confusion.”
•2 Kings 19:35 – At dawn Judah finds the Assyrian host struck down.
•Judges 7:19 – Gideon attacks “at the beginning of the middle watch,” leading to victory by daybreak.
The pattern highlights God’s power to reverse hopeless situations between night and dawn.
Morning as Renewal and Mercy
•Lamentations 3:22-23 – “Because of the LORD’s loving devotion we are not consumed… They are new every morning.”
•Psalm 30:5 – “Weeping may lodge at night, but rejoicing comes in the morning.”
•Psalm 90:14 – “Satisfy us in the morning with Your loving devotion.”
The dawn showcases God’s covenant mercy, reassuring His people that each new day carries fresh grace.
Morning and Prayer
The Psalter models daybreak devotion:
•Psalm 5:3 – “In the morning, O LORD, You hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before You and wait expectantly.”
•Psalm 88:13;Psalm 143:8 – Appeals for God’s lovingkindness are framed at dawn, endorsing disciplined, expectant prayer at the start of every day.
Morning in Wisdom and Domestic Life
•Proverbs 31:15 – The excellent wife “rises while it is still night.”
•Ecclesiastes 11:6 – “In the morning sow your seed.”
בֹּקֶר stands for industry, foresight, and stewardship, affirming diligence as a godly virtue.
Prophetic and Eschatological Resonance
Prophets employ בֹּקֶר to promise deliverance and expose sin:
•Isaiah 37:36 – Salvation revealed at dawn.
•Hosea 6:4 – Israel’s loyalty “vanishes like early morning mist,” contrasting divine constancy with human fickleness.
Morning also foreshadows eschatological light:Isaiah 58:8 pictures righteousness breaking forth “like the dawn,” pre-echoing Revelation’s promise of eternal day.
Intertextual Echoes in the New Testament
Although Greek terms differ, the theology of dawn continues: the women discover the empty tomb “very early in the morning” (Luke 24:1), and Christ is called the “Bright Morning Star” (Revelation 22:16). These passages fulfill Old Testament morning imagery, confirming Scripture’s unity.
Ministry Applications
1. Encourage corporate and private prayer meetings at dawn, following biblical precedent.
2. Use morning liturgy or songs that recall God’s new mercies, anchoring congregational hope daily.
3. Teach believers to view every sunrise as a living parable of the resurrection and the ultimate triumph of light over darkness.
4. Employ morning motifs in counseling to combat despair—night passes, God’s steadfast love endures.
Representative References (selected)
Genesis 1:5;Exodus 14:24;Exodus 29:39;Numbers 28:4;Judges 19:25;1 Samuel 1:19;2 Samuel 24:11;2 Kings 3:22;2 Kings 19:35;Ezra 3:3;Job 38:12;Psalm 5:3;Psalm 30:5;Psalm 46:5;Psalm 59:16;Psalm 90:14;Psalm 130:6;Proverbs 8:17;Isaiah 17:14;Isaiah 58:8;Jeremiah 21:12;Lamentations 3:23;Ezekiel 46:13;Hosea 10:15;Zephaniah 3:5.
Total occurrences: approximately 214. Each reinforces that every sunrise speaks of God’s faithful governance, summons to worship, and promise of coming glory.
Forms and Transliterations
בַּ֝בֹּ֗קֶר בַּ֭בֹּקֶר בַּבֹּ֑קֶר בַּבֹּ֔קֶר בַּבֹּ֖קֶר בַּבֹּ֗קֶר בַּבֹּ֙קֶר֙ בַּבֹּ֛קֶר בַּבֹּ֜קֶר בַּבֹּ֡קֶר בַּבֹּ֣קֶר בַּבֹּ֤קֶר בַּבֹּ֥קֶר בַּבֹּ֨קֶר בַּבֹּֽקֶר־ בַּבֹּֽקֶר׃ בַּבֹּקֶר֮ בַבֹּ֑קֶר בַבֹּ֔קֶר בַבֹּ֖קֶר בַבֹּ֗קֶר בַבֹּ֙קֶר֙ בַבֹּ֣קֶר בַבֹּ֧קֶר בַבֹּ֨קֶר ׀ בַבֹּקֶר֮ בֹ֑קֶר בֹ֖קֶר בֹּ֑קֶר בֹּ֔קֶר בֹּ֕קֶר בֹּ֖קֶר בֹּ֙קֶר֙ בֹּ֚קֶר בֹּ֛קֶר בֹּ֠קֶר בֹּ֣קֶר בֹּ֥קֶר בֹּ֭קֶר בֹּֽקֶר׃ בבקר בבקר־ בבקר׃ בקר בקר׃ הַבֹּ֑קֶר הַבֹּ֔קֶר הַבֹּ֖קֶר הַבֹּ֗קֶר הַבֹּ֙קֶר֙ הַבֹּ֣קֶר הַבֹּ֤קֶר הַבֹּֽקֶר׃ הַבֹּקֶר֩ הבקר הבקר׃ וְהַבֹּ֛קֶר וְלַבֹּ֥קֶר וָבֹ֣קֶר וּ֝בַבֹּ֗קֶר וּ֠בַבֹּקֶר וּבַבֹּ֖קֶר וּבַבֹּ֗קֶר וּבַבֹּ֣קֶר ׀ וּבֹ֗קֶר ובבקר ובקר והבקר ולבקר כַּבֹּ֥קֶר כבקר לִבְקָרִ֑ים לַ֝בֹּ֗קֶר לַבְּקָרִ֔ים לַבְּקָרִ֗ים לַבְּקָרִֽים׃ לַבֹּ֑קֶר לַבֹּ֔קֶר לַבֹּ֗קֶר לַבֹּ֙קֶר֙ לַבֹּ֣קֶר לַבֹּ֥קֶר לַבֹּֽקֶר׃ לבקר לבקר׃ לבקרים לבקרים׃ מִבֹּ֣קֶר מֵֽהַבֹּ֙קֶר֙ מֵהַבֹּ֖קֶר מֵהַבֹּ֨קֶר מבקר מהבקר bab·bō·qer ḇab·bō·qer bab·bō·qer- babBoker babbōqer ḇabbōqer babbōqer- bō·qer ḇō·qer Boker bōqer ḇōqer hab·bō·qer habBoker habbōqer kab·bō·qer kabBoker kabbōqer lab·bə·qā·rîm lab·bō·qer labbekaRim labbəqārîm labBoker labbōqer liḇ·qā·rîm liḇqārîm livkaRim mê·hab·bō·qer mehabBoker mêhabbōqer mib·bō·qer mibBoker mibbōqer ū·ḇab·bō·qer ū·ḇō·qer ūḇabbōqer ūḇōqer uvabBoker uVoker vabBoker vaVoker vehabBoker velabBoker Voker wā·ḇō·qer wāḇōqer wə·hab·bō·qer wə·lab·bō·qer wəhabbōqer wəlabbōqer
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