from an unused root meaning to accumulate; treasure; riches, wealth.
Transliteration:nekeç
Pronunciation:neh'-kes
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew noun נֶכֶס (nekeç), transliterated as *nekeç* and assigned Strong's number `{{H5233}}`, derives from an unused root meaning "to accumulate." Its base definition encompasses "treasure," "riches," and "wealth." This etymological root highlights the idea of something gathered, collected, or stored up. While "treasure" often implies something valuable and perhaps hidden or protected, "riches" and "wealth" denote material abundance, assets, or possessions. The term specifically refers to the *substance* of accumulated wealth rather than the act of accumulating itself. Its semantic range, though narrow due to limited occurrences, points to material possessions that are often amassed in significant quantity.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term נֶכֶס (nekeç) appears only twice in the Masoretic Text, both instances shedding light on its specific contextual nuance:
1. **[[Proverbs 28:22]]**: "A man with an evil eye hastens after riches (נֶכֶס) and does not know that poverty will come upon him."
In this Proverbial context, *nekeç* is linked with an "evil eye" (עַיִן רָעָה, *ʿayin raʿah*), which typically signifies a greedy, stingy, or covetous disposition. The verse warns against the eager pursuit of wealth driven by such an attitude, indicating that such a pursuit is ultimately self-defeating and leads to destitution. Here, *nekeç* represents the object of an unrighteous desire for material gain.
2. **[[Ezekiel 22:27]]**: "Her princes in her midst are like wolves tearing the prey, shedding blood, destroying lives to get dishonest gain (נֶכֶס)."
This passage from Ezekiel's indictment of Jerusalem's sins paints a stark picture of corruption. The princes are likened to predatory wolves, engaging in violence and destruction for the sake of obtaining *nekeç*. The phrase "dishonest gain" (בְּצַע בָּצַע, *beṣaʿ baṣaʿ*) clarifies that this accumulated wealth is not merely abundant, but illicitly acquired through oppression, injustice, and even bloodshed. Here, *nekeç* explicitly denotes ill-gotten spoils.
In both occurrences, *nekeç* carries a distinctly negative connotation, associated with avarice, injustice, and the moral perils of seeking wealth through unrighteous means. It is never presented as a blessing or a result of righteous labor.
### Related Words & Concepts
To fully appreciate the nuance of נֶכֶס (nekeç), it is helpful to contrast it with other Hebrew terms for wealth and prosperity:
* **עֹשֶׁר (ʿōšer)** `{{H6128}}`: A common and general term for wealth or riches, often used neutrally or even positively (e.g., [[Proverbs 8:18]] where wisdom brings "riches and honor").
* **חַיִל (ḥayil)** `{{H2428}}`: Can mean strength, valor, or wealth, often associated with a virtuous woman or valiant men, implying a more holistic sense of prosperity and capability (e.g., [[Proverbs 31:29]] "woman of valor").
* **הוֹן (hôn)** `{{H1952}}`: Another general term for wealth or substance, often referring to one's possessions or estate (e.g., [[Proverbs 1:13]] "we shall find all precious possessions").
* **בֶּצַע (beṣaʿ)** `{{H1215}}`: "Dishonest gain" or "ill-gotten gain," explicitly linked with *nekeç* in [[Ezekiel 22:27]], highlighting the corrupt nature of the wealth in that context.
Concepts related to *nekeç* in its biblical usage include:
* **Greed/Covetousness**: The "evil eye" in Proverbs directly implies this.
* **Injustice/Oppression**: Clearly demonstrated by the princes' actions in Ezekiel.
* **Transience of Earthly Possessions**: Implied by the warning of poverty in Proverbs.
* **Divine Judgment**: The prophetic context of Ezekiel suggests that such ill-gotten wealth will be judged.
### Theological Significance
The rare occurrences and consistently negative contexts of נֶכֶס (nekeç) lend it significant theological weight as a cautionary term. Unlike other words for wealth that can be seen as blessings from God or the fruit of diligent labor, *nekeç* specifically highlights the dangers inherent in the *pursuit* and *acquisition* of material wealth when driven by unrighteous motives or achieved through illicit means.
Theological implications include:
* **Critique of Avarice**: The word serves as a potent warning against the insatiable desire for riches, emphasizing that such a pursuit is ultimately futile and morally corrosive. It underscores the biblical principle that love of money is a root of all kinds of evil ([[1 Timothy 6:10]]).
* **Justice and Righteousness over Material Gain**: In Ezekiel, *nekeç* is the product of injustice and violence, demonstrating that wealth obtained at the expense of human dignity, life, or righteousness is an abomination in God's sight. This aligns with the prophetic emphasis on social justice and the condemnation of those who oppress the vulnerable for personal gain.
* **The Nature of True Prosperity**: By presenting *nekeç* in such a negative light, the biblical texts implicitly contrast it with true, God-given prosperity, which is often linked to wisdom, righteousness, and contentment, rather than mere accumulation of possessions. The fleeting nature of *nekeç* (as seen in Proverbs) further underscores the wisdom tradition's emphasis on eternal values over temporal wealth.
### Summary
The Hebrew word נֶכֶס (nekeç), meaning "treasure," "riches," or "wealth" derived from a root signifying "to accumulate," appears only twice in the Old Testament. Both occurrences, in [[Proverbs 28:22]] and [[Ezekiel 22:27]], consistently present *nekeç* in a negative light. In Proverbs, it is associated with the greedy pursuit of wealth by a "man with an evil eye," leading to eventual poverty. In Ezekiel, it denotes "dishonest gain" acquired by corrupt princes through violence and oppression. Theologically, *nekeç* serves as a powerful warning against avarice, the dangers of ill-gotten gain, and the moral perils of pursuing wealth apart from justice and righteousness. It stands as a biblical reminder of the transient and often corrupting nature of material possessions when accumulated through ungodly means.
TRV