### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew noun מוֹתָר (môwthâr, `{{H4195}}`) derives from the verbal root יָתַר (yâthar, `{{H3498}}`), which fundamentally conveys the idea of "to remain over," "to be left over," "to excel," or "to be abundant." Consequently, מוֹתָר encompasses a semantic range that includes "gain," "profit," "advantage," "abundance," and "superiority" or "preeminence." It denotes that which is surplus, beneficial, or provides an edge. Unlike a mere remainder, מוֹתָר often carries a positive connotation of beneficial excess or the positive outcome of effort. It signifies a tangible or intangible benefit accrued.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word מוֹתָר (môwthâr, `{{H4195}}`) appears twice in the Masoretic Text, both instances found within the book of Proverbs, a book rich in wisdom literature that explores the consequences of human actions and attitudes.
1. **[[Proverbs 14:23]]**: "In all labor there is profit (מוֹתָר), but idle chatter leads only to poverty."
Here, מוֹתָר is directly linked to "labor" (עֶצֶב, ‘etsev, meaning "toil" or "painful effort"). The verse asserts a foundational principle of the wisdom tradition: diligent, purposeful work yields a tangible benefit or advantage. This "profit" is not merely financial but encompasses the overall positive outcome of effort, contrasting sharply with the emptiness and impoverishment that result from mere "idle chatter" (דְבַר־שְׂפָתַיִם, devar-sěfātayim). The context emphasizes the value and blessedness of productive engagement.
2. **[[Proverbs 21:5]]**: "The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance (לְמֹותָר), but everyone who is hasty comes surely to poverty."
In this verse, מוֹתָר is again presented as the outcome of positive human endeavor, specifically "the plans of the diligent" (מַחְשְׁבֹות חָרוּץ, maḥšəvôṯ ḥārûṣ). Here, the meaning leans towards "abundance," "plenteousness," or "surplus." Diligent planning and execution are depicted as leading to a state of prosperity and sufficiency, while haste and lack of foresight inevitably result in destitution. This usage reinforces the idea of מוֹתָר as the natural and divinely ordained reward for prudence and sustained effort.
It is important to distinguish מוֹתָר (môwthâr, `{{H4195}}`) from the closely related noun יִתְרוֹן (yithron, `{{H3504}}`), which also derives from the same root יָתַר (yâthar, `{{H3498}}`) and is frequently translated as "profit" or "advantage," particularly in Ecclesiastes (e.g., [[Ecclesiastes 1:3]], [[Ecclesiastes 2:11]], [[Ecclesiastes 3:9]], [[Ecclesiastes 5:9]], [[Ecclesiastes 7:12]], [[Ecclesiastes 10:10]]). While semantically very similar, the specific occurrences of מוֹתָר are limited to the two Proverbs passages, consistently highlighting the beneficial outcome of diligence and wisdom.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary conceptual link for מוֹתָר (môwthâr, `{{H4195}}`) is its root, יָתַר (yâthar, `{{H3498}}`), which signifies "to be left over," "to remain," "to excel," or "to be abundant." This root informs the core meaning of surplus and advantage.
Other related terms include:
* **יֶתֶר (yether, `{{H3499}}`)**: A noun from the same root, meaning "rest," "remainder," or "cord." While sharing the root, its semantic range typically refers to what is left over in a neutral or quantitative sense, rather than a beneficial "profit."
* **יִתְרוֹן (yithron, `{{H3504}}`)**: As noted, this noun is a very close semantic parallel, also meaning "profit," "advantage," or "superiority," and is more widely used, especially in Ecclesiastes, often in a philosophical questioning of ultimate gain.
* **רֶוַח (revach, `{{H7309}}`)**: A noun meaning "gain" or "profit," though less common in the specific context of labor's yield.
* **שָׂכָר (śāḵār, `{{H7939}}`)**: "Wages," "reward," or "hire," denoting compensation for work. While related to the idea of gain from labor, it focuses on the payment aspect rather than the inherent benefit or abundance.
* **חָכְמָה (chokmah, `{{H2451}}`)**: "Wisdom." The concept of מוֹתָר is often presented as a fruit of wisdom and diligent living, establishing a strong thematic connection.
The semantic field of מוֹתָר thus includes concepts of prosperity, success, diligence, and the positive consequences of living in accordance with divine wisdom.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of מוֹתָר (môwthâr, `{{H4195}}`) in Proverbs lies in its articulation of a fundamental principle of God's moral order. The consistent message is that diligence, careful planning, and righteous labor are not in vain but are divinely structured to yield positive returns—"profit" and "abundance." This reflects a covenantal understanding where obedience and effort within God's design lead to blessing and prosperity.
The "profit" spoken of is not merely material gain, though it can certainly include it. It represents the holistic benefit and flourishing that come from living wisely and industriously. This underscores the Old Testament's emphasis on the practical outworking of faith in daily life: God's favor often manifests through the natural consequences of righteous living. The concept of מוֹתָר thus teaches that God has imbued the created order with a system where effort and prudence are rewarded, serving as a powerful incentive for ethical and industrious behavior. It affirms divine justice and the reliability of God's principles for human flourishing.
### Summary
מוֹתָר (môwthâr, `{{H4195}}`) is a Hebrew noun derived from the root יָתַר (yâthar, `{{H3498}}`), signifying "profit," "gain," "abundance," or "superiority." Its limited but impactful occurrences in the book of Proverbs (specifically [[Proverbs 14:23]] and [[Proverbs 21:5]]) consistently highlight the positive outcomes of diligence, labor, and careful planning. This word reinforces a core tenet of biblical wisdom literature: that God has ordered the world such that righteous effort and prudent living naturally lead to beneficial results and a state of flourishing. Thus, מוֹתָר serves as a theological affirmation of divine design, where industry and wisdom are not only commendable but also inherently fruitful.
TRV