### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **cheçer**, represented by `{{H2639}}`, denotes **lack, destitution, and poverty**. It is a concise term, appearing only **2 times** in **2 unique verses** in the Bible. Despite its infrequent use, it powerfully captures the concepts of want and need.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its biblical appearances, `{{H2639}}` illustrates conditions of severe need. In Job, it is paired with famine to describe a state of utter destitution that drives people into the desolate wilderness, highlighting extreme physical suffering [[Job 30:3]]. In Proverbs, it is presented as the consequence for one who "hasteth to be rich" with an "evil eye," linking **poverty** directly to a person's misguided actions and attitudes [[Proverbs 28:22]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Two related words provide a fuller context for the conditions surrounding `{{H2639}}`:
* `{{H3720}}` **kâphân** (famine): Defined as **hunger (as making to stoop with emptiness and pain)**, this word is used alongside **want** to emphasize a state of extreme physical deprivation and suffering [[Job 30:3]].
* `{{H7451}}` **raʻ** (evil): This term means **bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)**. It is used to describe the "evil eye" of one who hastily seeks wealth, an attitude that directly leads to the **poverty** described by `{{H2639}}` [[Proverbs 28:22]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H2639}}` is seen in its portrayal of poverty and want:
* **A Consequence of Moral Attitude:** The term is used to show that **poverty** can be a direct result of a flawed character, specifically the greed and inconsideration associated with an "evil eye" [[Proverbs 28:22]].
* **An Element of Severe Affliction:** In the context of Job's suffering, **want** is presented not just as a lack of resources but as a profound state of hardship, coupled with **famine**, that leads to isolation and desolation [[Job 30:3]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H2639}}` **cheçer** provides a focused look at the concepts of want and poverty. Though used only twice, it effectively illustrates destitution from two different angles: as a moral outcome for the greedy in Proverbs, and as a component of extreme physical suffering in Job. It serves as a stark reminder of the realities of lack and the biblical connection between character and condition.
TRV