MERCHANT (סﯴחֵ֑ר, תָּרִ֔ים, כְּנַ֫עַנ֮, H4047; ἔμπορος, G1867). The first two of the above Heb. terms for “merchant” are the more common. סֹֽחֲרִ֗ים seems to refer chiefly to international merchants (Gen 37:28; Prov 31:14); whereas רֹכְלִ֑ים is a more general term referring to both local and international merchants (Neh 3:31; Ezek 17:4; Nah 3:16). תָּרִ֔ים is used to refer to traders working directly for Solomon (1 Kings 10:15). The fourth term for merchant, כְּנַ֫עַנ֮, H4047, is best understood when used in its Gr. tr.—Phoen. Since Israelites did not become merchants until comparatively late, and commercial dealings were for a long time principally with foreigners, “Canaanite” came to be used synonymously with “trader.” Genesis 23:16 is an interesting v., for when Abraham paid for the cave of Machpelah he did so at “the current market value” of silver—the same term that is used today.

In Nehemiah’s time different classes of merchants had their own quarters in Jerusalem. Thus goldsmith and grocers had one location and fishmongers another (Neh 3:32; 13:16). Articles were sold in the streets. It was not until NT times that to be a merchant was as normal as being a farmer (Matt 22:5). For details of the merchant’s life See [http://biblegateway/wiki/Occupations, Trades and Professions in Palestine TRADE]; Commerce and Business.