### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The lemma חֹסֶר (chôçer, `{{H2640}}`) derives directly from the verbal root חָסֵר (chasér, `{{H2637}}`), which fundamentally signifies "to lack," "to be wanting," "to decrease," or "to fail." Consequently, חֹסֶר inherently denotes a state of deficiency, absence, or need. Its primary semantic range encompasses "poverty," "want," "lack," or "destitution." It describes a condition where something essential is missing, particularly in terms of material provision or sufficiency. The word implies not merely a slight deficit, but a significant absence that leads to hardship, deprivation, or an undesirable state.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term חֹסֶר (chôçer) appears infrequently in the Hebrew Bible, yet its occurrences are highly significant in conveying the consequences of certain actions or states.
* **[[Proverbs 28:22]]**: "He who has an evil eye hastens after wealth and does not know that poverty (חֹסֶר) will come upon him." Here, חֹסֶר is presented as the ironic and inevitable outcome for one who greedily pursues riches through illicit or unrighteous means. It serves as a divine judgment or natural consequence, emphasizing the futility of covetousness and highlighting a moral dimension to the experience of want.
* **[[Proverbs 24:34]]**: "So your poverty (חֹסֶר) will come like a robber, and your want like an armed man." This verse, which parallels [[Proverbs 6:11]], describes the sudden, overwhelming, and inescapable nature of poverty that results from idleness or lack of diligence. The vivid imagery of a "robber" and an "armed man" underscores the forceful and devastating impact of such lack, implying a complete stripping away of resources and security.
* **[[Job 30:3]]**: "They are gaunt from want (חֹסֶר) and famine; they gnaw the dry ground in the wilderness, desolate and waste." In this lament by Job, חֹסֶר describes an extreme state of physical destitution and starvation, illustrating the profound suffering that accompanies severe deprivation. It is directly linked with famine and desolation, painting a picture of utter destitution and misery.
In all occurrences, חֹסֶר denotes a severe and debilitating lack, often presented as a consequence of moral or practical failings (greed, idleness) or as an aspect of profound suffering (Job).
### Related Words & Concepts
* **Root חָסֵר (chasér, `{{H2637}}`)**: The verbal root from which חֹסֶר is derived, meaning "to lack," "to be wanting," or "to decrease." This direct etymological link reinforces the core idea of absence or deficiency.
* **מַחְסוֹר (machsôr, `{{H4264}}`)**: Another noun derived from the same root, also meaning "lack," "want," or "need." While semantically similar, מַחְסוֹר often appears in contexts of general need or deficiency (e.g., [[Deuteronomy 28:48]] for "want of all things"), whereas חֹסֶר tends to emphasize a more severe, often punitive, state of poverty or destitution.
* **רָשׁ (rash, `{{H7326}}`)**: An adjective meaning "poor" or "needy," describing the person experiencing poverty.
* **עָנִי (ani, `{{H6041}}`)**: An adjective meaning "poor," "afflicted," or "humble." This term often carries connotations of social oppression or vulnerability beyond mere material lack.
* **אֶבְיוֹן (evyon, `{{H34}}`)**: An adjective meaning "needy" or "destitute," emphasizing extreme poverty and often implying a reliance on others.
The concept of "poverty" in the Bible is multifaceted, encompassing not just material lack but also social vulnerability and spiritual humility. חֹסֶר specifically zeroes in on the *state of lacking* or *want* itself, often as a direct and severe consequence.
### Theological Significance
The occurrences of חֹסֶר carry significant theological weight, particularly within the wisdom literature.
* **Divine Justice and Consequence**: In Proverbs, חֹסֶר serves as a stark reminder of the principle of divine retribution or natural consequence. It is not merely an unfortunate circumstance but often a direct outcome of unrighteous behavior (e.g., greed, idleness). This underscores God's moral order, where actions have consequences, and a life lived contrary to wisdom leads to destitution.
* **Warning Against Folly**: The prophetic warnings about חֹסֶר serve as a call to diligence, righteousness, and prudent living. They highlight the dangers of avarice and sloth, urging individuals to seek wisdom and justice rather than fleeting material gain or complacency.
* **Human Vulnerability**: In Job's lament, חֹסֶר emphasizes the extreme vulnerability of human existence when stripped of basic provisions. It points to the profound suffering that can accompany severe deprivation, prompting reflection on the nature of suffering and divine sovereignty.
While the term itself does not explicitly mention God's provision, its usage implicitly frames human need within a theological understanding of prosperity and adversity. God is the ultimate provider, and the state of חֹסֶר is often presented as a departure from the blessed state of sufficiency.
### Summary
The Hebrew word חֹסֶר (chôçer, `{{H2640}}`) denotes a severe state of "poverty," "want," or "lack," stemming from the root חָסֵר (chasér, `{{H2637}}`), "to lack." Its limited but impactful appearances in the Old Testament, primarily in Proverbs and Job, consistently portray it as a debilitating condition of significant deficiency. In Proverbs, חֹסֶר frequently appears as a consequence of moral failings such as greed ([[Proverbs 28:22]]) or idleness ([[Proverbs 24:34]]), serving as a powerful warning against folly and a testament to the principle of sowing and reaping. In Job ([[Job 30:3]]), it describes an extreme physical and existential destitution. Theologically, חֹסֶר underscores the biblical emphasis on divine justice and the natural consequences of human actions, while also highlighting the profound vulnerability of humanity when faced with severe deprivation. It serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of wisdom, diligence, and righteous living in avoiding such a dire state.
TRV