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.
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.
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.
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.
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