The Hebrew word chôçen, represented by H2633, refers to wealth, riches, strength, or treasure. It appears 5 times across 5 unique verses in the Bible. Its meaning ranges from tangible material wealth and a city's resources to the abstract concept of spiritual strength and stability.
In its biblical usage, H2633 describes both material and spiritual realities. It can refer to the physical strength of a city, which includes its labours H3018 and precious things H3366 that are plundered by enemies H341 as an act of judgment Jeremiah 20:5. In Ezekiel, corrupt prophets H5030 are condemned for taking treasure H2633 like a ravening lion H738 Ezekiel 22:25. The book of Proverbs contrasts this worldly view by warning that such riches H2633 are not for ever H5769 Proverbs 27:24. It also distinguishes between the "much treasure" found in the house H1004 of the righteous H6662 and the trouble H5916 found in the revenues H8393 of the wicked H7563 Proverbs 15:6.
Several related words help clarify the meaning of H2633:
- H214 'ôwtsâr (treasure): This word for treasure or a depository is often used alongside H2633. It can refer to a physical storehouse Malachi 3:10 or, like chôçen, a spiritual reality, as when the fear H3374 of the LORD is called a treasure Isaiah 33:6.
- H7563 râshâʻ (wicked): The value and nature of wealth are frequently tied to its possessor. The revenues of the wicked bring trouble H5916 Proverbs 15:6, and their way is contrasted with that of the righteous H6662 Psalms 1:1.
- H5769 ʻôwlâm (for ever): This word, signifying eternity or a long duration of time, provides a critical perspective on wealth. Proverbs explicitly states that riches H2633 are not for ever Proverbs 27:24, emphasizing the temporary nature of material possessions compared to God's eternal counsel Psalms 33:11.
The theological weight of H2633 is centered on the nature of true and lasting value.
- The Temporality of Riches: H2633 is used to teach that material wealth is transient. Proverbs warns that riches are not for ever H5769, and a crown H5145 does not endure to every generation H1755 Proverbs 27:24.
- Wealth as a Moral Indicator: The possession of H2633 is often framed in a moral context. The house H1004 of the righteous H6662 holds "much treasure," whereas the revenues H8393 of the wicked H7563 result in trouble H5916 Proverbs 15:6. Its illicit pursuit by corrupt leaders is a cause for judgment Ezekiel 22:25.
- Spiritual Strength as True Treasure: The most profound use of H2633 elevates it from a material concept to a spiritual one. In Isaiah, true strength H2633 is not material but is equated with salvation H3444, wisdom H2451, and knowledge H1847. The ultimate treasure H214 is identified as "the fear H3374 of the LORD" Isaiah 33:6.
In summary, H2633 chôçen provides a nuanced view of wealth and strength. While it can denote the tangible assets of a city or an individual, its biblical usage consistently points toward a deeper truth: material riches are fleeting and can be a source of trouble if acquired wickedly. The ultimate and enduring treasure is spiritual, found in the stability that comes from wisdom H2451, salvation H3444, and the fear H3374 of God, which alone provides strength that cannot be plundered.
TRV