עָשַׁר
properly, to accumulate; chiefly (specifically) to grow (causatively, make) rich
Definition
The Hebrew verb עָשַׁר (ʻâshar) fundamentally means 'to accumulate wealth' or 'to become rich.' It often describes the process of gathering material possessions, as seen when Abraham refuses to take spoils so that no one can say, 'I have made Abram rich' (Genesis 14:23). In a causative sense (Hiphil stem), it means 'to make rich,' as in God's action: 'The LORD makes poor and makes rich' (1 Samuel 2:7). The word can also imply a state of prosperity or abundance beyond mere finances, such as God enriching the earth with water (Psalm 65:9). While primarily positive, its context in wisdom literature warns that wealth gained hastily or unjustly will not last (Proverbs 10:2, 22).
Biblical Usage
עָשַׁר appears 17 times across various genres: historical narrative (Genesis, 1 Samuel), poetry (Psalms, Job), and wisdom literature (Proverbs). It is used to describe human accumulation of wealth (1 Samuel 17:25), divine bestowal of riches (1 Samuel 2:7), and the natural enrichment of the land (Psalm 65:9). In Proverbs, it is often contrasted with poverty, highlighting the results of diligence versus slackness (Proverbs 10:4). The verb is used in both simple (Qal) and causative (Hiphil) stems, emphasizing either becoming rich or being made rich by another agent.
Etymology
עָשַׁר is a primitive root verb. It is distinct from, though sometimes confused with, the similar-sounding עָשַׂר (ʻāśar, H6237), meaning 'to take the tenth' or 'to tithe.' The core idea of עָשַׁר is accumulation and increase, particularly of material goods. Cognates exist in other Semitic languages, like Ugaritic ǵṯr ('to be rich'), confirming its ancient association with wealth and abundance.
Semantic Range
This word is theologically significant as it directly addresses God's sovereignty over prosperity and poverty (1 Samuel 2:7). It challenges the reader to consider the source and purpose of wealth, warning against self-made riches apart from God's blessing (Proverbs 10:22). The usage in Psalms and Proverbs connects material wealth to divine favor and righteous living, yet also presents critiques of trusting in riches (Psalm 49:16). Understanding עָשַׁר enriches Bible reading by highlighting the biblical tension between wealth as a gift from God and the spiritual dangers it can pose.
In ancient Israelite culture, wealth was often measured in livestock, land, and precious metals. Becoming 'rich' (ʻâshar) meant tangible increase in these assets, which was seen as a sign of God's blessing for covenant faithfulness (Deuteronomy 28:1-14). However, the wisdom tradition also cultivated a critical view, recognizing that riches could be gained through oppression or folly and were ultimately fleeting (Job 15:29, Proverbs 23:4-5). This contrasts with some modern views that equate wealth purely with personal success or moral virtue.
חַיִל (ḥayil, H2428) — denotes 'wealth, strength, or capability,' often in the sense of substantial resources or valor. כָּבוֹד (kāḇôḏ, H3519) — can mean 'riches' or 'abundance,' but its primary meaning is 'glory' or 'honor,' linking material wealth to weightiness or reputation. עֹשֶׁר (ʻōsheṓr, H6239) — the direct noun form derived from עָשַׁר, meaning 'wealth' or 'riches' itself.
Word Details
How this works
Hebrew definitions are from Brown-Driver-Briggs (1906) and Strong's Exhaustive Concordance (1890), both public domain. BDB was groundbreaking for its era but reflects 19th-century assumptions about Semitic etymology. Modern scholarship (HALOT, DCH) has revised many entries. Use these definitions as a starting point for exploration, not as the final word on a term's meaning in context.
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