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H2640 · Hebrew · Old Testament
חֹסֶר
Choser
Noun, masculine
Lack / poverty / want

Definition

The Hebrew choser is a noun form referring to lack, poverty, or need — the state of being without something necessary. It is closely related to the verb chaser (H2637) and its noun machsor (H4270).

Usage & Theological Significance

Choser appears in Proverbs as a characterization of the lazy man's destiny. Proverbs 28:22 speaks of the person who chases wealth without integrity and ends up in machsor and choser. The wisdom tradition is consistent: shortcuts to prosperity lead to poverty, while diligence, righteousness, and trust in God produce genuine abundance. This word also appears in military contexts — lack of resources or provisions — reminding Israel that military victory was always dependent on God's provision, not merely human supply.

Key Bible Verses

Proverbs 28:22 A stingy person is eager to get rich and is unaware that poverty awaits them.
Proverbs 11:24 One person gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty.
Proverbs 14:23 All hard work brings a profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty.
Psalm 34:9 Fear the LORD, you his holy people, for those who fear him lack nothing.
Luke 15:14 After he had spent everything, there was a severe famine in that whole country, and he began to be in need.

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