Word Nerd Wednesday: Zakar

Then God remembered Noah and all the wild animals and the livestock that were with him in the ark…” — Genesis 8:1

The Hebrew word זָכַר (zakar) shows up early and often in Scripture. And for some reason I have yet to figure out, it was one of my favorite words I learned in my Hebrew courses in seminary.

But in Hebrew thought, remembering isn’t just about calling something to mind. Zakar is active, covenantal remembrance… a remembering that moves you to act.

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1. Zakar Means More Than Mental Recall

When God “remembers” someone in Scripture, He’s not suddenly recalling something He forgot. Zakar is remembering with intent to act.

When He remembered Noah, the flood didn’t just keep floating along. The waters began to recede. God intervened.

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2. Zakar Is Tied to Covenant

This word is often used when God remembers His covenant promises.

“God heard their groaning and He remembered His covenant with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.” — Exodus 2:24

God remembering isn’t passive sentiment, it’s faithfulness in motion. It’s Him saying, “I will act according to My word.”

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3. Israel Was Commanded to Zakar Too

Zakar isn’t just something God does. His people are called to do it as well.

They’re told to remember the Sabbath, remember the Exodus, remember His commandments. And in Hebrew thought, remembering isn’t passive reflection. It’s living in light of what you remember.

To “zakar” is to align your life with what God has said and done.

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4. Forgetting Is More Than Amnesia

If zakar means to act on covenant, then to “forget” (שָׁכַח – shakach) isn’t about losing information. It means to ignore, neglect, or stop living according to it.

That’s why Israel’s problem in the prophets wasn’t intellectual forgetfulness. It was covenant neglect.

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5. Zakar Points to Messiah

God’s faithfulness to remember His covenant promises is what brings about the coming of Messiah. Every time Scripture says God ‘remembered,’ it’s another moment that moves the story forward toward Yeshua.

Zakar is the backbone of God’s redemptive story. He remembers. He acts. He fulfills.

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My Final Thoughts

Zakar is so much more than a sweet trip down memory lane. It’s a word that carries weight. It’s covenant faithfulness. It’s action.

When God remembers, He moves. And when we “zakar” Him (which is actually zakharnu), we live like His promises are true.

This week, don’t just recall what God has done. Live like it’s still shaping your story.

Study & Reflection Questions

Study Questions

1. Dig into the text: Look up Genesis 8:1, Exodus 2:24, and Psalm 105:8. How does God’s remembrance lead to direct action in each of these passages?

2. Compare covenant language: How does God’s remembering in Exodus 2:24 connect to His promises in Genesis 15 to Abraham? What does this reveal about the nature of zakar?

3. Commanded remembrance: Explore Deuteronomy 5:12–15 and Exodus 13:3. What were the Israelites commanded to remember and why? How might this shape how we live out faith today?

4. Contrast zakar and shakach: Find passages where Israel is accused of “forgetting” God (such as Deuteronomy 8:11–14). How does this contrast highlight the seriousness of remembrance?

5. Messiah connection: Cross-reference Luke 1:72 and Hebrews 8:10–12. How is God’s remembrance of covenant fulfilled in Yeshua?

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Reflection Questions

1. Where in your life has God “remembered” you… not by recalling but by stepping in and acting on His promises?

2. What practices help you “zakar” God’s faithfulness daily, not just when life feels heavy?

3. Is there an area where you’ve been living as though you’ve “forgotten” what God has done or said? How can you realign your life with His covenant?

4. How might your faith deepen if you practiced remembrance the way Scripture commands; with action, not just thought?

5. How does Yeshua’s fulfillment of God’s covenant impact the way you respond to Him in your everyday choices?

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