### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **rêysh**, represented by `{{H7389}}`, is a term for **poverty**. It appears 7 times across 7 unique verses in the Bible. Derived from the root `רוּשׁ`, its meaning is consistently tied to a state of impoverishment, lack, and destitution, often presented as a consequence of specific choices or behaviors.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
Within the biblical narrative, `{{H7389}}` is used exclusively in the book of Proverbs to illustrate lessons of wisdom. It is frequently contrasted with wealth, as seen in the prayer to be given neither **poverty** nor riches [[Proverbs 30:8]]. The term is depicted as a direct result of personal failure, such as refusing instruction, which brings both **poverty** and shame [[Proverbs 13:18]], or following after "vain persons" instead of working diligently [[Proverbs 28:19]]. Its arrival is described as swift and unavoidable, coming like "one that travelleth" ([[Proverbs 6:11]], [[Proverbs 24:34]]). It is also called "the destruction of the poor" [[Proverbs 10:15]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help to frame the biblical understanding of **poverty**:
* `{{H1800}}` **dal** (poor): This word describes the person experiencing poverty. It is used in the phrase "the destruction of the **poor** is their poverty" [[Proverbs 10:15]], connecting the individual directly to their condition.
* `{{H4270}}` **machçôwr** (want): Defined as "deficiency" or "penury," this term often appears with **rêysh** to emphasize a state of complete lack. The two are paired to describe a sudden state of want that comes like "an armed man" ([[Proverbs 6:11]], [[Proverbs 24:34]]).
* `{{H6239}}` **ʻôsher** (riches): As the direct antonym, **riches** provides a sharp contrast to **poverty**. It is used to frame the ideal of moderation, where one prays for neither **poverty** nor **riches** [[Proverbs 30:8]].
* `{{H7036}}` **qâlôwn** (shame): This term is explicitly linked to **poverty** as a joint consequence for one who "refuseth instruction," showing that poverty carries a heavy social burden of "disgrace" and "dishonour" [[Proverbs 13:18]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H7389}}` is found primarily within the wisdom literature, highlighting its role in moral and practical living.
* **A Consequence of Folly:** Poverty is consistently presented not as a random state, but as the direct outcome of foolish choices. It results from refusing instruction [[Proverbs 13:18]], following "vain persons" [[Proverbs 28:19]], and from the idleness that allows **poverty** to come "as one that travelleth" ([[Proverbs 6:11]], [[Proverbs 24:34]]).
* **A State of Misery and Destruction:** The term signifies profound vulnerability. It is identified as the "destruction of the poor" [[Proverbs 10:15]] and is associated with **misery** `{{H5999}}` that one might drink to forget [[Proverbs 31:7]].
* **An Extreme to be Avoided:** In the prayer of Proverbs 30, **poverty** is positioned as an undesirable extreme opposite to **riches** `{{H6239}}`. The ideal is a state of sufficiency provided by God, suggesting that both extreme want and excessive wealth pose spiritual challenges [[Proverbs 30:8]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H7389}}` **rêysh** is a focused term for **poverty**, used exclusively in Proverbs to illustrate principles of wisdom. It is not merely a description of financial lack but a condition linked to moral cause and effect—the consequence of poor character, laziness, and the rejection of guidance. Through its association with want and shame, **rêysh** serves as a stark warning about the destructive path of a life lived without discipline and wisdom.
TRV