הוֹן (hon)
hon
substance
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 21 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun hon refers to material wealth, substance, or riches. It appears most frequently in Proverbs and Psalms, where it describes the tangible assets that people accumulate or lose. In Proverbs 1:13, for instance, it denotes the goods one might seize by force, highlighting its concrete nature as property rather than abstract value.
A less obvious but significant usage occurs in Proverbs 30:15-16, where hon functions as an interjection meaning "enough" or "sufficiency." This shift from a noun describing possessions to an expression of contentment reveals a nuanced understanding of limits. The sources note that this usage aligns with related Semitic roots implying comfort or ease, suggesting that true wealth is measured by having what is sufficient rather than by endless accumulation.
Translators often render hon as "riches" or "wealth," but the context in Proverbs 30 reminds readers that the word also carries the weight of adequacy. This dual sense connects material abundance with the peace of having enough, a theme that resonates throughout the wisdom literature where greed is frequently contrasted with satisfaction.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
When we read about hon in Scripture, we are looking at the tangible resources that shape our daily lives. It is not just a number in a bank account but the substance that provides security and influence. The Bible does not hide from this reality; it acknowledges that wealth can feel like a strong city, offering protection and comfort in uncertain times.
Yet, hon also reveals where our true trust lies. Proverbs reminds us that riches gained through dishonest means will fade away, while those gathered with integrity endure. This word invites us to examine our hearts: do we view our resources as ends in themselves, or as tools for generosity? Psalm 119 shows a different kind of joy, finding satisfaction in God’s testimonies that surpasses all material riches.
Ultimately, hon teaches us about stewardship and sufficiency. It challenges us to honor Yahweh with the first fruits of our increase, recognizing that everything we have is a gift. By keeping our focus on wisdom and righteousness, we can hold our possessions lightly, knowing that true security comes from above, not from the accumulation of goods.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 21 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- wealth9×
- [the] wealth of4×
- enough2×
- and/ wealth2×
- wealth/ his1×
- to <the>/ wealth1×
- from/ wealth/ your1×
- and/ [the] wealth of1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- הֽוֹן\׃4×
- ה֣וֹן3×
- ה֭וֹן2×
- ה֖וֹן2×
- מֵ/הוֹנֶ֑/ךָ1×
- לַ/ה֗וֹן1×
- וָ֭/הוֹן1×
- וְ/הוֹן\־1×
- וְ/ה֣וֹן1×
- הוֹן\־1×
- ה֭וֹנ/וֹ1×
- ה֥וֹן1×
Key Verses
-
Proverbs 3:9
Honor Yahweh with your substance, with the first fruits of all your increase;
This verse establishes the primary spiritual duty associated with hon: honoring God through the deliberate offering of one's material increase.
-
Proverbs 11:4
Riches don’t profit in the day of wrath, but righteousness delivers from death.
Here, hon is contrasted with righteousness to show its limitation in times of divine judgment, highlighting that wealth cannot save a soul.
-
Proverbs 13:7
There are some who pretend to be rich, yet have nothing. There are some who pretend to be poor, yet have great wealth.
This occurrence distinguishes between the appearance of wealth and actual substance, warning against the deception of pretending to have what one lacks.