עָשַׁר

ʻâshar /aw-shar'/ Ask about this word
Roota primitive root · properly, to accumulate
Meaningchiefly (specifically) to grow (causatively, make) rich
KJV usagebe(-come, en-, make, make self, wax) rich, make (1 Kings 22:48 marg). See עָשָׂר.
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Core Meaning & Semantic Range

The Hebrew word ʻâshar, represented by H6238, is a primitive root meaning to accumulate or, more specifically, to grow or make rich. It appears 18 times in 17 unique verses, often describing the process of acquiring wealth, either through divine blessing or human action.

Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis

In scripture, H6238 is used to illustrate different paths to wealth. It is frequently attributed to the sovereign power of God, as seen in the declaration, "The LORD maketh poor, and maketh rich" 1 Samuel 2:7. This theme is reinforced in Proverbs, where "The blessing of the LORD, it maketh rich" Proverbs 10:22. Conversely, the word is also used in warnings about the human pursuit of riches, cautioning against the desire to be rich at the expense of wisdom or integrity Proverbs 23:4. The one who "maketh haste to be rich shall not be innocent" Proverbs 28:20.

Related Words & Concepts

Several related words provide a broader context for the concept of wealth:

  • H1293 Bᵉrâkâh (blessing): This word for benediction or prosperity is presented as a direct source of enrichment, as "The blessing of the LORD, it maketh rich" Proverbs 10:22.
  • H7326 rûwsh (to be destitute): As the direct opposite of becoming rich, this word highlights the biblical contrast between poverty and wealth. For instance, a slack hand leads one to become poor, while a diligent hand makes one rich Proverbs 10:4.
  • H6239 ʻôsher (wealth, riches): This noun is derived from H6238 and represents the substance of wealth itself. A king's strength can come through his riches, making him richer than all others Daniel 11:2.
  • H2742 chărûwts (diligent): This term for diligence or determination is identified as a key human behavior that leads to being made rich Proverbs 10:4.

Theological Significance

The theological weight of H6238 centers on the source and morality of wealth.

  • Divine Sovereignty: Scripture repeatedly establishes that God is the ultimate arbiter of financial status. He is the one who "maketh poor, and maketh rich" 1 Samuel 2:7, and it is His blessing that brings wealth without sorrow Proverbs 10:22. He enriches the earth itself to provide for His creation Psalms 65:9.
  • The Dangers of Avarice: There is a clear biblical warning against a covetous pursuit of wealth. One is instructed not to labor simply to be rich Proverbs 23:4. This pursuit is associated with a lack of innocence Proverbs 28:20 and a heart of deceit Jeremiah 5:27.
  • Wealth and Character: The state of being rich or poor is often tied to character. The hand of the diligent maketh rich, while a slack hand leads to poverty Proverbs 10:4. In contrast, loving pleasure and luxury can prevent one from becoming rich Proverbs 21:17.

Summary

In summary, H6238 is a pivotal term for understanding the biblical perspective on prosperity. It is not merely about material accumulation but is deeply tied to divine sovereignty, human character, and moral integrity. The use of ʻâshar shows that while God can and does make rich, the selfish pursuit of wealth is a spiritual pitfall, and true prosperity is often a byproduct of diligence and faithfulness.

Grammatical Forms

In the Hebrew Old Testament, this word appears as a verb across 17 occurrences, inflected in 12 grammatical forms.

  • Hiphil Imperfect 3rd Singular Masculine 4×
  • Hiphil Imperfect 3rd Singular Feminine 2×
  • Hiphil Infinitive Construct 2×
  • Hiphil Conjunction+Imperfect 1st Singular common gender 1×
  • Hiphil Consecutive Imperfect 3rd Plural Masculine 1×
  • Hiphil Imperfect 2nd Singular Masculine 1×
  • Hiphil Participle Singular Masculine Absolute 1×
  • Hiphil Perfect 1st Singular common gender 1×
  • Hiphil Perfect 2nd Singular Feminine 1×
  • Hithpael Participle Singular Masculine Absolute 1×
  • Qal Imperfect 3rd Singular Masculine 1×
  • Qal Perfect 1st Singular common gender 1×
Singular
One.
Plural
More than one.
Masculine
Masculine grammatical gender.
Feminine
Feminine grammatical gender.
common gender
Either gender — the form does not distinguish.
1st
First person — the speaker ("I"/"we").
2nd
Second person — the one addressed ("you").
3rd
Third person — the one spoken about ("he"/"they").
Imperfect
Ongoing or repeated action in the past — "was doing".
Perfect
A completed act whose results continue.
Infinitive
The verb as a noun — "to do".
Participle
A verbal adjective — describes while carrying the verb's action.
Qal
The simple, basic stem — plain action in the active voice.
Hiphil
The causative stem — the subject causes the action.
Hithpael
Reflexive-intensive — the subject acts upon itself.
Consecutive Imperfect
Imperfect with vav — carries narrative forward ("and he…").
Conjunction+Imperfect
Imperfect joined by a simple "and".
Absolute
The independent form of a noun (not bound to another).
Construct
Bound to a following noun — "the X of…".

Theographic Context

Biblical Distribution

Appears in 17 verses across 10 books. Most frequent in Proverbs (6 verses).

1
Genesis
2
1 Samuel
1
Job
2
Psalms
6
Proverbs
1
Jeremiah
1
Ezekiel
1
Daniel
1
Hosea
1
Zechariah

Verse Explorer

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