### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word חַסְרָה (Chaçrâh, `{{H2641}}`) is derived from the verbal root חָסֵר (H2637), which carries the primary meaning "to lack," "to be wanting," "to decrease," or "to fail." As a feminine noun, חַסְרָה would denote "lack," "want," "deficiency," or "poverty." However, its sole appearance in the biblical text is as a proper noun, a personal name. In this context, "Hasrah" (or "Chasrah") functions as an anthroponym, literally embodying the concept of "lack" or "want." Such naming conventions in ancient Israel often reflected the circumstances surrounding a person's birth, a parent's aspirations, or even a symbolic statement.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term חַסְרָה (Chaçrâh, `{{H2641}}`) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, specifically in the book of Chronicles:
* [[2 Chronicles 34:22]]: "And Hilkiah, and Ahikam, and Abdon, and Shaphan, and Asaiah went to Huldah the prophetess, the wife of Shallum the son of Tokhath, the son of Hasrah, keeper of the wardrobe; (now she dwelt in Jerusalem in the college:) and they spake to her to that effect."
In this unique occurrence, Hasrah is identified as the grandfather of Shallum, who was the keeper of the wardrobe in Jerusalem during the reign of King Josiah. Shallum's wife, Huldah, was a prophetess whom King Josiah's delegation consulted after the discovery of the Book of the Law in the Temple. The name "Hasrah" here serves a purely genealogical function, establishing the lineage of a figure connected to a pivotal moment of spiritual renewal under Josiah. The name itself does not contribute directly to the narrative's theological or historical thrust beyond its role in identifying Shallum's lineage.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most significant related word to חַסְרָה (Chaçrâh, `{{H2641}}`) is its verbal root, חָסֵר (H2637). This root is widely used throughout the Old Testament to convey various nuances of deficiency or absence:
* **Material or physical lack:** As seen in [[Deuteronomy 2:7]] where God ensures Israel "lacked nothing," or [[Psalm 34:10]] which promises that those who seek the Lord "shall not want any good thing."
* **Moral or intellectual deficiency:** For instance, [[Proverbs 6:32]] speaks of one who "lacketh understanding," and [[Proverbs 10:13]] refers to a person "void of understanding."
* **Decrease or failure:** As in [[1 Kings 17:16]], where the oil and flour of the widow of Zarephath "did not fail" (i.e., did not decrease or run out).
Other nominal derivatives from this root include:
* חֶסֶר (H2638), a masculine noun meaning "want," "lack," or "deficiency," often in the context of wisdom or understanding (e.g., [[Proverbs 24:30]]).
* חָסִיר (H2639), an adjective meaning "lacking" or "deficient."
The conceptual field surrounding חַסְרָה thus encompasses themes of need, insufficiency, scarcity, and the absence of something essential.
### Theological Significance
The direct theological significance of the proper name חַסְרָה (Chaçrâh, `{{H2641}}`) is minimal due to its singular, genealogical occurrence. It does not bear the explicit theological weight of names like "Isaiah" ("Yahweh is salvation") or "Jeremiah" ("Yahweh exalts").
However, the underlying root חָסֵר (H2637) carries profound theological implications within the broader biblical narrative. It frequently highlights:
1. **Divine Provision:** A key theological theme is God's faithfulness in providing for His people, ensuring they "lack nothing" ([[Psalm 23:1]], [[Deuteronomy 2:7]]). This stands in stark contrast to human experience of "want."
2. **Human Imperfection and Dependence:** The concept of "lacking" often underscores humanity's inherent limitations, particularly in wisdom and understanding ([[Proverbs 6:32]]). This emphasizes the human need for divine wisdom, guidance, and grace.
3. **Consequences of Disobedience:** In some contexts, "lack" or "want" can be presented as a consequence of turning away from God's covenant and commandments.
While the individual named Hasrah does not directly embody these theological truths, his name, "Lack," serves as an etymological echo of the pervasive human condition of need. The fact that an individual bearing such a name is part of the lineage connected to a prophetess who delivers God's word (Huldah) subtly reinforces the paradox of divine sufficiency operating within a world of human deficiency. God's revelation and faithfulness are not contingent upon human perfection but are often revealed precisely in the context of human limitations and needs.
### Summary
The Hebrew word חַסְרָה (Chaçrâh, `{{H2641}}`) derives from the root חָסֵר (H2637), meaning "to lack" or "to be wanting." While it fundamentally denotes "lack" or "want," its sole biblical appearance is as the proper name "Hasrah," the grandfather of Shallum, whose wife Huldah the prophetess was consulted by King Josiah in [[2 Chronicles 34:22]]. In this context, the name serves primarily as a genealogical identifier. Nevertheless, the underlying root חָסֵר (H2637) is rich in theological meaning, frequently appearing in passages that address themes of human deficiency, the consequences of straying from God, and, most significantly, God's abundant provision that ensures His people "lack nothing." Thus, while the name "Hasrah" itself is a historical detail, its etymology subtly points to the profound biblical tension between human need and divine sufficiency.
TRV