a primitive root; to become thin, i.e. (figuratively) be impoverished; be (waxen) poor(-er).
Transliteration:mûwk
Pronunciation:mook
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew root `{{H4134}}` (מוּךְ, *mûwk*) is a primitive root carrying the core meaning of "to become thin" or "to dwindle." Figuratively, and more commonly in its biblical usage, it signifies "to become impoverished," "to be poor," or "to wax poorer." This word captures not merely the static state of being poor, but rather the dynamic process of decline, reduction, or diminishment. It implies a loss of substance, wealth, or even strength, leading to a state of vulnerability or destitution. The nuance suggests a gradual weakening or an inability to sustain oneself, necessitating external intervention or support.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The root `{{H4134}}` appears a limited number of times in the Old Testament, primarily within the legal and historical narratives concerning Israel's social and economic well-being, and once in a psalm reflecting on national history.
1. **Leviticus 25:25, 35, 47 (Economic Decline and Redemption):** In the Book of Leviticus, `{{H4134}}` is used in the context of the laws concerning land and debt slavery, particularly within the framework of the Jubilee system.
* [[Leviticus 25:25]] states, "If your brother becomes poor (מוּךְ) and sells some of his possession, then his nearest kinsman shall come and redeem what his brother has sold." Here, "becomes poor" refers to an economic downturn severe enough to force the sale of ancestral land, highlighting the vulnerability of the individual and the responsibility of the kinsman-redeemer (`{{H1350}}`, *go'el*).
* [[Leviticus 25:35]] extends this concern to personal support: "If your brother becomes poor (מוּךְ) and cannot maintain himself with you, then you shall support him, as you would a stranger or a sojourner, so that he may live with you." This emphasizes the communal obligation within Israel to prevent a fellow Israelite from falling into utter destitution.
* [[Leviticus 25:47]] describes the extreme case of an Israelite becoming poor (מוּךְ) and selling himself into servitude to a resident alien. This underscores the depth of poverty that could be experienced, and the subsequent laws for redemption from such a state.
In these contexts, `{{H4134}}` consistently points to a state of economic diminishment that triggers specific covenantal obligations for community support and redemption, designed to prevent permanent loss of inheritance or freedom.
2. **Psalm 106:43 (Consequence of Disobedience):** In this historical psalm recounting Israel's rebellion and God's faithfulness, `{{H4134}}` appears in a different light.
* [[Psalm 106:43]] reads, "Many times He delivered them, but they were rebellious in their counsel and were brought low (מוּךְ) through their iniquity." Here, "brought low" signifies a state of weakness, subjugation, or distress that resulted directly from their disobedience and sin. It implies a divine judgment or consequence that diminishes their strength and standing, leading to a period of affliction. This usage extends the semantic range from purely economic impoverishment to a more general state of being humbled or weakened due to moral failure.
### Related Words & Concepts
The concept of poverty and vulnerability is central to biblical ethics and law. `{{H4134}}` relates to several other Hebrew terms for various states of need:
* `{{H6041}}` (עָנִי, *ani*): Often translated as "poor," "afflicted," or "humble," encompassing both economic hardship and a state of oppression or lowliness.
* `{{H7326}}` (רָשׁ, *rash*): Signifies "poor" or "needy," often in contrast to the wealthy.
* `{{H34}}` (אֶבְיוֹן, *evyon*): Denotes the "needy" or "destitute," emphasizing a state of extreme want and dependence.
* `{{H1350}}` (גֹּאֵל, *go'el*): The "kinsman-redeemer," a crucial concept linked to `{{H4134}}` in Leviticus, as the one who intervenes to prevent or reverse the state of impoverishment and loss.
Beyond specific lexical connections, `{{H4134}}` is conceptually linked to themes of covenant fidelity, social justice, divine judgment, and the restorative acts of God and the community. It highlights the precariousness of life in an ancient agricultural society and the divine provisions put in place to mitigate extreme hardship.
### Theological Significance
The occurrences of `{{H4134}}` reveal several profound theological insights:
1. **Divine Concern for the Vulnerable:** The Levitical laws underscore God's deep concern for the economically disadvantaged within His covenant community. The provisions for redemption and support demonstrate a divine mandate for communal solidarity and charity, aiming to prevent permanent destitution and the loss of family inheritance. This reflects God's character as a compassionate provider and protector of the weak.
2. **Covenantal Consequences:** The use in Psalm 106 illustrates that a state of being "brought low" or impoverished can be a direct consequence of disobedience and sin. This serves as a theological warning: straying from God's ways can lead to a diminishment of well-being, whether economic, social, or national.
3. **The Necessity of Redemption:** The repeated emphasis on the *go'el* in Leviticus points to the theological necessity of redemption when one is brought low. Just as human kinsmen were to redeem their impoverished brethren, so too does God act as the ultimate Redeemer, lifting up those who are brought low by sin or circumstance. This prefigures the ultimate redemption offered through Christ.
4. **Ethical Imperative:** The word implicitly carries an ethical imperative for God's people to practice justice and mercy. When a brother "becomes poor" (מוּךְ), it is not merely an unfortunate circumstance but a call to action for the community to uphold the principles of the covenant.
### Summary
The Hebrew root `{{H4134}}` (מוּךְ, *mûwk*) describes the dynamic process of becoming thin, dwindling, or, more significantly, becoming impoverished. It signifies a decline in economic or social standing, leading to a state of vulnerability and dependence. Its primary biblical occurrences in Leviticus illuminate God's compassionate laws designed to protect the poor and ensure their redemption from economic hardship, underscoring the communal responsibility within Israel. In Psalm 106, it portrays the state of being "brought low" as a consequence of national disobedience. Theologically, `{{H4134}}` highlights God's profound concern for the vulnerable, the covenantal consequences of sin, and the vital role of redemption—both human and divine—in restoring those who have been diminished.
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