### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **miçkênuth**, represented by `{{H4544}}`, denotes **scarceness** or indigence. Its significance in scripture is highlighted by its rarity, appearing only **1 times** in **1 unique verses**. The term encapsulates the concept of poverty or a lack of essential resources, and its single usage serves to define the nature of God's abundant provision by its complete absence.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The sole biblical appearance of `{{H4544}}` is in the description of the Promised Land. In [[Deuteronomy 8:9]], God describes it as "A land wherein thou shalt eat bread without **scarceness**, thou shalt not lack any thing in it." Here, the word is used to contrast the coming abundance with the want experienced in the wilderness. The absence of **scarceness** is presented as a primary feature of the blessing and inheritance God is giving to His people, signifying a state of complete material provision under His covenant.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words from its context in [[Deuteronomy 8:9]] help illustrate the fullness of this promised abundance:
* `{{H2637}}` **châçêr** (to lack; by implication, to fail, want, lessen): This word is used immediately after `{{H4544}}` to reinforce the promise, stating "thou shalt not **lack** any thing in it" [[Deuteronomy 8:9]]. It emphasizes the completeness of the provision, a theme also seen where those who seek God "shall not **want** any good thing" [[Psalms 34:10]].
* `{{H3899}}` **lechem** (food (for man or beast), especially bread): This specifies what will be abundant. The promise is not for abstract wealth but for the fundamental staple of **bread**, representing all necessary sustenance [[Deuteronomy 8:9]]. This connects to God's character as the one who blesses "thy **bread**, and thy water" [[Exodus 23:25]].
* `{{H398}}` **ʼâkal** (to eat (literally or figuratively)): This active verb shows that the blessing is to be experienced and enjoyed. The people will actively **eat** in a land free from scarcity [[Deuteronomy 8:9]], fulfilling God's promise that the obedient "shall **eat** the good of the land" [[Isaiah 1:19]].
* `{{H776}}` **ʼerets** (the earth (at large, or partitively a land)): This term identifies the physical location of the blessing. The promise of no scarceness is tied to the specific **land** that God provides [[Deuteronomy 8:9]], a place He promises to heal and restore for His people [[2 Chronicles 7:14]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H4544}}` is found in what its absence represents. Its use defines the character of God's blessing for His people.
* **Divine Provision:** The promise of a land "without scarceness" establishes God as the ultimate provider who gives abundantly and completely. This blessing is a direct fulfillment of His covenant promise to care for Israel [[Deuteronomy 8:9]].
* **The Nature of Blessing:** True blessing from God is characterized by the removal of want and indigence. The verse pairs the lack of **scarceness** with the statement "thou shalt not lack any thing," framing divine favor as total sufficiency.
* **A Foretaste of Restoration:** The land without scarceness serves as a physical picture of a restored relationship with God, where the curses of toil and famine are replaced by abundance that flows from obedience and God's presence.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H4544}}` is a term whose importance is derived from its singular, powerful negation. By describing the Promised Land as a place "without **scarceness**," the Bible uses this word to create a vivid picture of God's abundant provision. It works in concert with related terms for "lack," "bread," and "land" in [[Deuteronomy 8:9]] to define the blessing of the covenant not just by what is present, but by the profound and total absence of want.
TRV