מַחְסוֹר

מַחְסוֹר

deficiency; hence, impoverishment

Definition

The Hebrew noun מַחְסוֹר (machçôwr) fundamentally denotes a state of deficiency or lack, often referring to material poverty and need. In its most common sense, it describes the condition of lacking basic necessities, as seen in Deuteronomy 15:8, where Israel is commanded to open their hand to a brother in 'need.' It can also signify the consequence of laziness or poor stewardship, as in Proverbs 6:11, where poverty comes 'like a robber' upon the sluggard. In some contexts, such as Psalm 34:9, the 'lack' is presented more generally, with the promise that those who fear the Lord will have no want.

Biblical Usage

מַחְסוֹר is used 13 times, primarily in Wisdom literature (Proverbs, Psalms) and historical narratives (Judges, Deuteronomy). It consistently appears in contexts discussing human need, economic conditions, and social responsibility. In Judges 18:10 and 19:19-20, it describes a land or people 'lacking nothing,' emphasizing security and provision. In Proverbs, it is often linked to the consequences of action: poverty from laziness (Proverbs 6:11; 14:23) or paradoxical gain from generosity (Proverbs 11:24).

Etymology

Derived from the root חָסֵר (H2637, chaser), meaning 'to lack, decrease, or be diminished.' The noun form מַחְסוֹר concretizes the state of being in lack or want. Related words include the verb חָסֵר ('to lack') and the adjective חָסֵר ('lacking, deficient'), showing a semantic family centered on deficiency.

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant as it touches on God's character as provider and the human responsibility toward justice and generosity. It frames poverty not merely as an economic state but as a reality within God's covenant community, demanding a response of open-handedness (Deuteronomy 15:8). Understanding מַחְסוֹר enriches reading by highlighting the biblical link between human action (like diligence or sloth) and material consequence, and it underscores the promise that those who seek the Lord will not lack any good thing (Psalm 34:9-10). In ancient Israelite society, 'lack' or poverty was a tangible threat to survival and social standing. מַחְסוֹר implied not just a shortage of money but a deficiency in food, shelter, and security, making one vulnerable and dependent. The cultural mandate to alleviate this lack (Deuteronomy 15) was a key part of maintaining community covenant faithfulness, differing from modern, often impersonal, concepts of poverty. עֹנִי (ʿoniy, H6040) — deep affliction or misery, often from poverty. רֵישׁ (reysh, H7389) — poverty as destitution. אֶבְיוֹן (ʾebyôn, H34) — one who is needy or poor, emphasizing a plea for help.

Word Details