### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **machçôwr**, represented by `{{H4270}}`, describes a state of **deficiency** or **lack**. It appears **13 times** across **13 unique verses** in the Bible. Derived from the root `{{H2637}}` (châçêr), which means to lack or want, `{{H4270}}` encompasses a range of conditions from general **need** and **want** to the more severe states of **penury** and **poverty**.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In scripture, `{{H4270}}` is frequently used in the Wisdom literature to illustrate the consequences of human behavior. Withholding more than is meet tends to **poverty** [[Proverbs 11:24]], and the plans of the hasty lead only to **want** [[Proverbs 21:5]]. Conversely, the term highlights a state of divine blessing and security. Those who fear the LORD experience "no **want**" [[Psalms 34:9]], and the land God provides is described as a place where there is "no **want** of any thing that is in the earth" [[Judges 18:10]]. It is also used to describe a tangible **need** that can be met through generosity, as seen when an old man offers to care for a traveler's **wants** [[Judges 19:20]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words expand upon the concept of deficiency and its causes:
* `{{H7389}}` **rêysh** (poverty): This word for **poverty** is used in direct parallel with `{{H4270}}`, emphasizing the severity of the condition. In Proverbs, both **poverty** `{{H7389}}` and **want** `{{H4270}}` are said to come upon the lazy "as an armed man" ([[Proverbs 6:11]], [[Proverbs 24:34]]).
* `{{H2742}}` **chărûts** (diligent): This term highlights a key virtue for avoiding want. The thoughts of the **diligent** lead to plenteousness, in direct contrast to the hasty person who comes to **want** `{{H4270}}` [[Proverbs 21:5]].
* `{{H2637}}` **châçêr** (to lack, want): As the primitive root from which `{{H4270}}` is derived, this verb signifies the action of lacking. It is used alongside its derivative in [[Deuteronomy 15:8]], which instructs the reader to lend sufficient for his **need** `{{H4270}}` in that which he **wanteth** `{{H2637}}`.
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H4270}}` is significant, often contrasting the results of wisdom and folly.
* **A Consequence of Behavior:** `{{H4270}}` often appears as the direct result of foolish or sinful actions. Withholding what is due leads to **poverty** [[Proverbs 11:24]], idle talk leads to **penury** [[Proverbs 14:23]], and a love of pleasure leads to becoming a **poor** `{{H4270}}` man [[Proverbs 21:17]].
* **The Blessing of Sufficiency:** The absence of `{{H4270}}` is a mark of divine blessing and security. Scripture states there is "no **want** to them that fear" the LORD [[Psalms 34:9]]. This security extends to those who are generous, as "he that giveth unto the poor shall not **lack**" [[Proverbs 28:27]].
* **A Call to Righteous Action:** The presence of **need** `{{H4270}}` in others serves as a moral imperative for God's people. The law commands opening one's hand to lend sufficiently for a brother's **need** [[Deuteronomy 15:8]], framing generosity not as an option but as a required response to another's deficiency.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H4270}}` provides a multifaceted understanding of **want** and **poverty**. It is not merely a description of a financial state but is deeply tied to the principles of wisdom, diligence, and generosity. The term illustrates a clear biblical theme: that foolish choices like haste and stinginess lead to **deficiency**, while righteous living, characterized by fear of the LORD and care for the poor, leads to sufficiency. Thus, **machçôwr** defines both the negative state to be avoided and the opportunity for demonstrating faithfulness.
TRV