Bible Word Study
חָסַן
châçan · properly, to (be) compact; by implication, to hoard
חָסַן
properly, to (be) compact; by implication, to hoard
Definition
The Hebrew verb חָסַן (châçan) fundamentally means 'to be firm, strong, or compact.' This core sense of solidity and strength extends to the idea of storing or hoarding wealth securely, as something made firm and protected. In its sole biblical occurrence in Isaiah 23:18, it is used in the context of merchandise being 'laid up' or stored for a sacred purpose. The word implies not just casual storage, but a deliberate, secure accumulation, fitting for something dedicated to the Lord.
Biblical Usage
This word is used only once in the Old Testament, in Isaiah 23:18. It describes the future merchandise and hire of the Phoenician city of Tyre being 'laid up' or stored for those who dwell before the Lord. The context is prophetic, depicting a time when the wealth of this commercial powerhouse will be consecrated to God's people. The usage is specific to the secure storage of goods, particularly wealth or goods gained through trade, for a divinely appointed purpose.
Etymology
חָסַן (châçan) is a primitive root. It is related to the idea of strength and firmness. Cognates in other Semitic languages support meanings of being strong, fortified, or dense. The development from 'to be strong/compact' to 'to store up securely' is a natural semantic shift, as one stores valuables in a strong, secure place.
Semantic Range
Though used only once, this word carries theological weight in its context. In Isaiah 23:18, the hoarding or storing is not for personal greed but for a holy purpose—to supply those who minister before the Lord. It transforms the concept of accumulated wealth from a symbol of human pride (as seen in Tyre's history) into provision for God's worship and people. This illustrates God's sovereignty over all commerce and His ability to redirect even pagan wealth for His sacred purposes, a theme of restoration and divine provision. In the ancient Near East, securely storing grain, treasure, or merchandise was essential for survival, trade, and displaying power. Tyre was a legendary mercantile hub, and the idea of its vast wealth being 'stored up' would resonate with listeners as an image of immense, secure capital. The prophecy subverts this cultural understanding by declaring that this hoard will not serve Tyre's kings but Yahweh's servants, challenging notions of wealth and power. אָצַר ('âtsar, H686) — a more common verb for storing or treasuring up, often for future use. צָבַר (tsâbar, H6651) — to heap up, accumulate (like grain).
Word Details
How this works
Definitions are from the Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (BDB, 1906, public domain). Concordance and morphology data are from the OSHB (Open Scriptures Hebrew Bible).
Full methodology & sources →References
- Abbott-Smith, G. (1921) A Manual Greek Lexicon of the New Testament. Edinburgh: T&T Clark. [Public Domain]
- Brown, F., Driver, S.R. and Briggs, C.A. (1906) A Hebrew and English Lexicon of the Old Testament. Oxford: Clarendon Press. [Public Domain]
- Tyndale House, Cambridge (n.d.) Tyndale Brief lexicon of Extended Strongs for Greek (TBESG). STEPBible. Available at: https://www.stepbible.org. [CC BY 4.0]
- Tyndale House, Cambridge (n.d.) Translators Formatted full LSJ (TFLSJ). STEPBible. Available at: https://www.stepbible.org. [CC BY 4.0]
- Thayer, J.H. (1889) A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament. [Public Domain]
- Gesenius, W. (1846) Gesenius' Hebrew-Chaldee Lexicon to the Old Testament. [Public Domain]
- Dodson, J. (2010) Greek Lexicon. Biblical Humanities. [CC0]