### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term חֹסֶן (chôçen), Strong's `{{H2633}}`, derives from the root חָסַן (châsan) `{{H2630}}`, which carries the primary sense of "to be strong," "to be firm," or "to store up." This foundational meaning imbues חֹסֶן with a rich semantic range that extends beyond mere material accumulation. While often translated as "wealth," "riches," or "treasure," it inherently implies a quality of firmness, security, or something that is preserved and held securely. It speaks not just to the quantity of possessions but also to their inherent value, stability, and the protection they afford. Thus, חֹסֶן can refer to valuable stored goods, resources that provide strength, or even the stability that comes from such abundance.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term חֹסֶן appears a limited number of times in the Hebrew Bible, yet each occurrence offers significant insight into its multifaceted meaning:
* **Isaiah 33:6**: "And the **stability** of your times shall be a **wealth** of salvation, wisdom, and knowledge; the fear of the LORD is his treasure." Here, חֹסֶן is used twice. In the first instance, it is translated as "stability" or "security," referring to the firm foundation provided by God in times of trouble. In the second, it is rendered "wealth" or "treasure," but the context clearly defines this "wealth" not as material possessions but as spiritual virtues: salvation, wisdom, knowledge, and the fear of the Lord. This passage elevates the concept of חֹסֶן beyond the mundane, pointing to divine attributes as the true source of enduring security and value.
* **Ezekiel 22:25**: "Her princes in her midst are like a roaring lion tearing its prey; they devour souls; they take **treasure** and precious things; they multiply her widows in her midst." In this prophetic indictment against Jerusalem's corrupt leaders, חֹסֶן unequivocally refers to material "treasure" or "wealth," acquired through unjust and violent means. This highlights the negative potential of חֹסֶן when pursued and obtained through unrighteousness.
* **Proverbs 15:6**: "In the house of the righteous is much **treasure**, but trouble is in the income of the wicked." Here, חֹסֶן again denotes material "treasure" or "wealth." The proverb contrasts the חֹסֶן found in the house of the righteous—implying it is rightfully gained and a source of blessing—with the ill-gotten gains of the wicked, which bring trouble.
* **Proverbs 27:24**: "For **riches** are not forever, nor does a crown endure to all generations." This verse explicitly uses חֹסֶן to refer to "riches" or "wealth," emphasizing its transient nature. It serves as a caution against placing ultimate trust or hope in material חֹסֶן, as it lacks permanence.
Across these contexts, חֹסֶן oscillates between literal, tangible wealth and abstract, spiritual security, often drawing a moral or theological distinction regarding its source and ultimate value.
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic field of חֹסֶן intersects with several other Hebrew terms related to wealth, strength, and security:
* **חָסַן (châsan) `{{H2630}}`**: The verbal root from which חֹסֶן derives, meaning "to be strong," "to be firm," "to store up," or "to accumulate." This connection underscores the idea that חֹסֶן is something that provides strength or is securely held.
* **עֹשֶׁר (osher) `{{H6239}}`**: A more general and common term for "riches" or "wealth," often without the inherent nuance of firmness or stored value found in חֹסֶן.
* **הוֹן (hon) `{{H1952}}`**: Refers to wealth, substance, or sufficiency, often in the sense of one's possessions or property.
* **אוֹצָר (otsar) `{{H214}}`**: Denotes a "treasure," "storehouse," or "treasury." This word often refers to the place where חֹסֶן might be kept, or the collection of valuable items itself.
* **כֹּחַ (koach) `{{H3581}}`**: Means "strength," "power," or "might." The conceptual link to חֹסֶן lies in the idea that wealth can provide a form of strength or security.
The relationship between these terms highlights that חֹסֶן is not merely about possessing much, but about possessing something that is firm, secure, and provides a stable foundation, whether material or spiritual.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of חֹסֶן is profound, particularly as illuminated by Isaiah 33:6. This verse presents a radical redefinition of true חֹסֶן. While the world seeks חֹסֶן in material possessions, political power, or military might, the prophet declares that genuine stability and wealth for God's people come from salvation, wisdom, knowledge, and the fear of the Lord. These spiritual virtues are the ultimate "treasure" that endures and provides lasting security.
The Proverbs passages further develop this theme by contrasting the moral implications of חֹסֶן. Righteous חֹסֶן is blessed, while חֹסֶן gained through wickedness brings trouble and is ultimately fleeting. This underscores God's moral order and His sovereignty over all forms of wealth. The transience of earthly חֹסֶן (Proverbs 27:24) serves as a theological warning against idolatry of possessions, redirecting focus towards the eternal and spiritual.
Ultimately, חֹסֶן points to the truth that God Himself is the ultimate source of all true strength, security, and enduring treasure. His attributes and His covenant faithfulness provide a חֹסֶן that far surpasses any earthly accumulation.
### Summary
חֹסֶן (chôçen) `{{H2633}}` is a rich Hebrew term meaning "wealth," "riches," "strength," or "treasure," rooted in the idea of being firm, strong, or securely stored. Its usage in the biblical text reveals a spectrum from tangible, often transient, material possessions to profound spiritual security. The theological weight of חֹסֶן lies in its capacity to distinguish between fleeting earthly wealth and the enduring, divine חֹסֶן found in God's salvation, wisdom, knowledge, and the fear of the Lord. It serves as a reminder that true stability and ultimate treasure are not found in accumulated goods but in a steadfast relationship with the Almighty.
TRV