Bible Word Study
חֹסֶן
chôçen · wealth
חֹסֶן
wealth
Definition
The Hebrew noun חֹסֶן (chôçen) primarily denotes 'wealth' or 'treasure,' but its meaning extends to the idea of 'strength' or 'security' derived from that wealth. In Proverbs 15:6 and 27:24, it clearly refers to material riches or treasure. However, in Isaiah 33:6, it takes on a more abstract sense, describing the 'treasure' of salvation and wisdom that comes from fearing the Lord, which serves as a foundation of stability. In prophetic contexts like Jeremiah 20:5 and Ezekiel 22:25, it refers to the accumulated wealth of Judah, which is plundered or misused by leaders, highlighting its vulnerability.
Biblical Usage
חֹסֶן is used five times in the Old Testament, appearing in wisdom literature (Proverbs) and prophetic books (Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel). In Proverbs, it describes tangible wealth (Proverbs 15:6, 27:24). The prophets use it to critique reliance on material treasure (Jeremiah 20:5, Ezekiel 22:25) or to contrast it with divine, enduring treasure (Isaiah 33:6). Its usage often carries a tone of evaluation, questioning the security or righteousness of accumulated resources.
Etymology
Derived from the root חָסַן (ḥāsan, H2630), meaning 'to store up,' 'to treasure,' or 'to be strong.' This root connection shows how 'wealth' was conceptually linked to stored resources that provide security and strength. Cognates in other Semitic languages also relate to ideas of fortification and hoarding.
Semantic Range
חֹסֶן is theologically significant as it contrasts earthly and divine treasure. It warns against trusting in perishable wealth (Jeremiah 20:5) and points to the true, enduring treasure found in God's wisdom and salvation (Isaiah 33:6). Understanding this Hebrew term enriches reading by highlighting the biblical tension between material security and reliance on God's provision. In ancient Israelite culture, wealth (חֹסֶן) was often measured in livestock, precious metals, and stored grain—assets that could be plundered (as in Jeremiah 20:5). It represented not just abundance but social power and security. This contrasts with modern, more abstract concepts of wealth, reminding readers that biblical treasure was tangible and vulnerable. עֹשֶׁר (ʿōšer, H6239) — general term for wealth or riches, often with a positive connotation of abundance. כֶּסֶף (keseph, H3701) — specifically 'silver,' a primary medium of monetary value. אוֹצָר (ʾôṣār, H214) — 'treasure' or 'storehouse,' emphasizing something stored up.
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]