חָסֵר (cha.ser)
cha.ser
to lack
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 19 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb chāser describes a state of being without something, whether it is a tangible resource or an abstract quality. In its most common form, it simply means to lack or have a need. This usage appears frequently in the Torah and wisdom literature, such as when Deuteronomy warns that there will always be poor people in the land (Deuteronomy 15:11), highlighting a persistent condition of insufficiency rather than a temporary shortage.
Beyond simple absence, the word carries the nuance of diminishment or decrease. It can describe something becoming less complete or falling short of what is required. This sense of reduction is evident in Ecclesiastes, where the author reflects on how all things have their appointed time, including moments when one might feel a lack or a diminishing of strength and resources (Ecclesiastes 3:1-8). The verb thus captures both the static state of missing something and the dynamic process of losing it.
While less common, the derived forms indicate causing others to lack or fail. This active usage underscores that lack is not always a passive accident but can be an outcome of specific actions or divine allowance. The word’s range from simple need to active diminishment provides a rich vocabulary for discussing human vulnerability and the realities of scarcity in biblical thought.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
When we read that Yahweh is our shepherd and we shall lack nothing, it offers a profound sense of security. This Hebrew word for lacking describes not just a temporary shortage, but a deep state of need or diminishment. In the wilderness, Israel lacked nothing because God provided daily. This reminds us that true sufficiency comes from His presence, not our own resources.
Life often brings moments where we feel empty or diminished. The biblical text acknowledges this reality without shame. It invites us to look beyond our circumstances to the One who sustains us. Whether in times of plenty or scarcity, trusting in God’s provision helps us find peace that does not depend on external conditions.
Even when resources run low, faith remains steady. We are called to rely on God’s faithfulness rather than our own strength. This word encourages us to seek His kingdom first, knowing that He cares for our needs. It is a gentle reminder that we are never alone in our struggles or joys.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 19 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- it will be lacking2×
- you will lack1×
- you have lacked1×
- we have lacked1×
- they will lack/ !1×
- they were lacking1×
- it was lacking1×
- it is lacking1×
- it be lacking1×
- is lacking1×
- he will lack1×
- he lacks1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- יֶחְסָֽר\׃2×
- יֶחְסַ֖ר2×
- חָסֵ֑ר2×
- תֶּחְסָֽר\׃\ \פ1×
- תֶחְסָ֑ר1×
- תֶחְסַ֥ר1×
- יַחְסִֽיר\׃1×
- יַחְסְר֞וּ/ן1×
- חָסַ֣רְנוּ1×
- חָסַ֖רְתָּ1×
- חָסֵ֑רוּ1×
- וּ/מְחַסֵּ֤ר1×
Key Verses
-
Psalms 23:1
A Psalm by David. Yahweh is my shepherd; I shall lack nothing.
This verse uses the word to declare complete sufficiency under God’s care, contrasting human vulnerability with divine provision.
-
Deuteronomy 15:8
but you shall surely open your hand to him, and shall surely lend him sufficient for his need, which he lacks.
Here the word highlights a specific need that must be met through generous lending, linking lack to social responsibility.
-
Ecclesiastes 4:8
There is one who is alone, and he has neither son nor brother. There is no end to all of his labor, neither are his eyes satisfied with wealth. “For whom then do I labor and deprive my soul of enjoyment?” This also is vanity. Yes, it is a miserable business.
The term describes the emptiness of endless labor without community, showing how isolation leads to a sense of lacking.
-
I Kings 17:16
The jar of meal didn’t run out and the jar of oil didn’t fail, according to Yahweh’s word, which he spoke by Elijah.
This occurrence marks the fulfillment of prophecy where lack is removed, demonstrating God’s power to sustain in scarcity.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Hebrew word chāser mean?
How is chāser different from other words for poverty?
Where does this word appear most often?
Every Occurrence (19 verses across 10 books)
Genesis 3 verses
The waters continually receded from the earth. After the end of one hundred fifty days the waters receded.
Genesis 8:5The waters receded continually until the tenth month. In the tenth month, on the first day of the month, the tops of…
Genesis 18:28What if there will lack five of the fifty righteous? Will you destroy all the city for lack of five?” He said, “I will…