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.
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.
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.
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.
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