a primitive root; properly, to (be) compact; by implication, to hoard; lay up.
Transliteration:châçan
Pronunciation:khaw-san'
Detailed Word Study
AI-Generated
Loading Study...
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew root חָסַן (châçan) `{{H2630}}` is a primitive root whose core meaning revolves around the concept of being "compact," "firm," or "strong." From this foundational sense of solidity and integrity, its semantic range extends to actions that create or maintain such a state. This primarily manifests as "to hoard," "to lay up," or "to store securely." The implication is not merely storage, but storage that is firm, secure, and well-preserved, suggesting a strong retention or possession. It speaks to the act of making something secure by gathering and consolidating it.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verbal form of חָסַן (châçan) `{{H2630}}` appears infrequently in the Masoretic Text, primarily in the Hiphil stem, which denotes causation or action.
One notable occurrence is in [[Job 38:23]]: "Which I have reserved against the time of trouble, against the day of battle and war?" Here, God speaks of His "treasures of snow" or "hail" that He has "laid up" or "reserved" (חָסַן) for specific, often punitive, purposes. This context emphasizes God's sovereign control, foresight, and the secure, purposeful storage of natural elements by divine power. The action of "laying up" here is not for human benefit but for divine prerogative and judgment.
While the verb itself is rare, its meaning is significantly illuminated by its derived noun, חֹסֶן (choshen) `{{H2632}}`, which means "treasure," "store," "strength," or "firmness." This noun appears more frequently and directly reflects the core meaning of the root. For example, [[Proverbs 21:20]] states: "There is desirable treasure and oil in the dwelling of the wise, but a foolish man squanders it." Although חָסַן is not the verb used here, the "treasure" (חֹסֶן) is that which is "laid up" or "stored" by the wise, contrasting with the foolish person's wastefulness. Similarly, [[Isaiah 33:6]] declares: "And wisdom and knowledge shall be the stability of thy times, and strength of salvation: the fear of the LORD is his treasure." Here, חֹסֶן refers to "strength" or "stability," directly linking to the root's sense of firmness and security.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is the noun חֹסֶן (choshen) `{{H2632}}`, which is directly derived from חָסַן `{{H2630}}`. As discussed, חֹסֶן signifies "treasure," "store," "strength," or "firmness," representing the outcome or state of being חָסַן-ed. This strong lexical connection highlights the concept of secure possession and intrinsic strength.
Conceptually, חָסַן relates to ideas of:
* **Provision and Security:** The act of storing up implies future provision and security against want or adversity.
* **Wisdom and Prudence:** In human contexts, the ability to חָסַן (i.e., to store wisely) is a mark of good stewardship and foresight, contrasting with foolish waste.
* **Divine Sovereignty:** When God is the subject, חָסַן underscores His absolute control, meticulous planning, and secure reservation of all things for His purposes.
* **Strength and Stability:** The underlying meaning of "compact" or "firm" connects to concepts of steadfastness and resilience.
It stands in semantic contrast to words denoting dispersion, waste, destruction, or lack. While not directly synonymous, it shares a conceptual field with words related to power and might, such as חָזַק (chazaq) `{{H2388}}` ("to be strong, firm"), though חָסַן emphasizes the *act of making firm* or *securing through retention*.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of חָסַן `{{H2630}}` is multi-layered:
1. **Divine Providence and Control:** The most direct theological insight comes from God's action in [[Job 38:23]]. God "lays up" or "reserves" elements of nature, like snow and hail, for specific purposes, including times of conflict. This demonstrates His meticulous, foreknowing providence and absolute control over creation. It underscores that nothing is random; even natural phenomena are securely held in His divine storehouse, deployed according to His sovereign will.
2. **Wisdom and Stewardship:** While the verb חָסַן is not directly applied to human stewardship, its derivative חֹסֶן `{{H2632}}` in [[Proverbs 21:20]] strongly implies the virtue of wise management. The ability to "lay up" or "store" resources (whether material or spiritual) is presented as a characteristic of the wise, contrasting sharply with the foolish who squander. This has significant implications for Christian ethics concerning financial prudence, responsible use of gifts, and diligent preparation.
3. **Security and Stability in God:** The core meaning of "firmness" and "compactness" resonates with the theological truth of God as the ultimate source of security and stability. As חֹסֶן `{{H2632}}` in [[Isaiah 33:6]] describes wisdom and knowledge as the "strength" or "stability" of times, it points to the enduring security found in divine wisdom and the fear of the Lord. God Himself is the ultimate "storehouse" of all good things, and in Him, believers find their true חֹסֶן.
4. **Divine Judgment:** The context in Job suggests that God's "laying up" can be for purposes of judgment, indicating that divine resources are securely held for the execution of His righteous decrees.
### Summary
The Hebrew root חָסַן (châçan) `{{H2630}}` fundamentally conveys the idea of being "compact" or "firm," extending to the action of "hoarding" or "laying up" securely. While the verb itself is rare, its meaning is richly expressed through its derived noun, חֹסֶן `{{H2632}}`, which signifies "treasure," "store," or "strength." Biblically, חָסַן highlights God's sovereign act of securely reserving elements of creation for His divine purposes, as powerfully illustrated in [[Job 38:23]]. Theologically, this root underscores God's meticulous providence, His absolute control over all things, and His role as the ultimate source of security and stability. Furthermore, through its derivative, חָסַן implicitly speaks to the human virtue of wise stewardship, contrasting prudent accumulation with foolish squandering, thereby reinforcing the importance of responsible management of resources. It is a word that speaks to secure and purposeful retention, whether by divine power or human wisdom.
TRV