from a root corresponding to חֲשַׁח; necessity; be needful.
Transliteration:chashchûwth
Pronunciation:khash-khooth'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew/Aramaic word חַשְׁחוּת (chashchûwth, `{{H2819}}`) is a noun derived from the root חֲשַׁח (chashach, `{{H2818}}`), which signifies "to need," "to want," or "to be necessary." Its core meaning therefore revolves around the concept of "necessity," "needfulness," or "that which is required." It denotes something essential, indispensable, or a matter of urgent requirement. The term carries an implication of an inherent demand or an unavoidable obligation, emphasizing not just a desire but a fundamental prerequisite.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
This particular noun, חַשְׁחוּת (chashchûwth, `{{H2819}}`), appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, specifically within the Aramaic portions of the book of Ezra.
* [[Ezra 7:20]]: "And whatsoever more shall be needful for the house of thy God, which thou shalt have occasion to bestow, bestow it out of the king's treasure house."
In this singular occurrence, חַשְׁחוּת refers to the "necessity" or "needful things" required for the maintenance and service of the temple in Jerusalem. King Artaxerxes issues a comprehensive decree to Ezra, authorizing him to draw funds and resources from the royal treasury for the upkeep and operations of the Lord's house. The word highlights the practical and material requirements for sustaining the sacred space and its worship. It underscores the king's recognition of the legitimate and essential needs of the temple, indicating a formal acknowledgment of what is due for its proper functioning. The broader Aramaic root חֲשַׁח (chashach, `{{H2818}}`) appears more frequently in Ezra and Daniel, consistently conveying the idea of needing or requiring something, often in administrative or governmental contexts (e.g., [[Ezra 4:14]], [[Ezra 6:8]], [[Ezra 7:18]]). This noun form, חַשְׁחוּת, encapsulates the specific "thing" that is needed.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most direct lexical relation is to the Aramaic verb חֲשַׁח (chashach, `{{H2818}}`), from which חַשְׁחוּת (chashchûwth, `{{H2819}}`) is directly derived. This verb consistently means "to need," "to want," or "to be necessary." Other related concepts in Hebrew and Aramaic that convey similar ideas of necessity, requirement, or lack include:
* צֹרֶךְ (tsorekh, `{{H6704}}`): A Hebrew word meaning "need," "necessity," or "purpose."
* חָסֵר (chaser, `{{H2637}}`): A Hebrew verb meaning "to lack," "to be wanting," or "to decrease."
* מִצְוָה (mitzvah, `{{H4687}}`): A Hebrew noun meaning "commandment" or "precept," implying something required or obligatory by divine or human decree.
* עֲבוֹדָה (avodah, `{{H5656}}`): A Hebrew noun meaning "work," "service," or "worship." The "necessities" for the temple are for the performance of this "service."
These words collectively paint a picture of what is deemed essential or required, whether by human decree, divine command, or inherent practical demand.
### Theological Significance
Though appearing only once, חַשְׁחוּת (chashchûwth, `{{H2819}}`) in [[Ezra 7:20]] carries significant theological weight by highlighting God's providential care for His house and His people, even through seemingly unlikely channels, such as a pagan king. The "needful things" for the temple are not merely mundane supplies; they are essential for the continuation of proper worship, the performance of sacrifices, and the maintenance of the covenant relationship between God and Israel.
This verse demonstrates that God can move the hearts of kings (cf. [[Proverbs 21:1]]) to ensure that His purposes are fulfilled and that His sanctuary is sustained. The "necessity" of the temple's provisions becomes a divine imperative, even if articulated through a human decree. It underscores the principle that sacred spaces and their functions require material support, and God often orchestrates the means for such provision. It speaks to the practical outworking of faith and worship, which is not solely spiritual but also involves tangible resources and their proper allocation. The very existence of the temple and its services depended on these "necessities," making their provision a matter of divine concern and intervention.
### Summary
חַשְׁחוּת (chashchûwth, `{{H2819}}`) is an Aramaic noun meaning "necessity" or "that which is needful." Its singular occurrence in [[Ezra 7:20]] describes the essential provisions required for the temple in Jerusalem, authorized by King Artaxerxes. Derived from the verb חֲשַׁח (chashach, `{{H2818}}`) meaning "to need," this word underscores the indispensable nature of resources for divine worship. Theologically, its usage in Ezra highlights God's sovereignty in providing for His sanctuary and His people, even through unexpected channels, ensuring the continuation of sacred service and the practical fulfillment of His divine purposes.
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