חֲשַׁח (cha.shach)
cha.shach
to need; necessity
A:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- A:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew word cha.shach is a rare term found in only two verses, appearing in Daniel 4:32 and Ezra 6:9. As a verb, it simply means to need or have necessity for something. Its scarcity in the biblical text suggests it was not a common everyday expression but rather a specific lexical choice used in particular contexts of requirement.
In Daniel, the verb describes the king’s need to act according to divine decree, emphasizing an external compulsion or obligation rather than personal desire. Ezra uses the related noun form to list materials required for the temple reconstruction, highlighting concrete supplies necessary for the work. This usage underscores a practical, tangible sense of necessity.
Translators typically render cha.shach as "need" or "have need," capturing its straightforward meaning without adding theological nuance. Its limited occurrence means it does not carry the broader conceptual weight of more frequent words for necessity, such as tsarakh (to be in distress) or chasah (to seek refuge). Instead, it points to a specific lack or requirement that must be met.
The word’s simplicity reflects its function: to identify what is lacking. In both instances, the need is external and immediate, whether for royal compliance or building materials. This clarity makes cha.shach a useful term for understanding specific biblical situations where resources or actions are strictly required.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
Life often presents moments where our own resources fall short and we must rely on what is provided for us. In Ezra, the rebuilding of the temple depended on materials that were not locally available but were supplied by decree. This highlights a practical truth: when we face tasks beyond our capacity, provision can come from unexpected sources.
Sometimes, the most faithful response to pressure is simply to acknowledge what is truly necessary. The servants in Daniel recognized they had no need to offer elaborate defenses against false accusations. Their confidence rested not in their own arguments but in the integrity of their commitment. This word reminds us that recognizing our limitations is not weakness, but a clear-eyed view of reality.
Whether we are waiting for physical supplies or standing firm in difficult conversations, there is peace in knowing that needs are seen. We do not have to manufacture solutions where none exist. Trusting in the provision and guidance available to us allows us to move forward with quiet assurance.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- things needed1×
- [are] needing1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- חַשְׁחָ֡ן1×
- חַשְׁחִ֨ין1×
Key Verses
-
Ezra 6:9
That which they have need of, including young bulls, rams, and lambs, for burnt offerings to the God of heaven; also wheat, salt, wine, and oil, according to the word of the priests who are at Jerusalem, let it be given them day by day without fail,
This verse lists specific materials needed for the temple, showing the word refers to tangible requirements for worship.
-
Daniel 3:16
Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego answered the king, “Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer you in this matter.
The servants use this term to express that they have no need for further defense, highlighting reliance on God rather than human argument.