חָשֹׁךְ (cha.shokh)
cha.shokh
obscure
H:AQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:A
Word Overview
The Hebrew adjective ḥāšōk describes something that is obscure, lowly, or insignificant in status. It appears only once in the Old Testament, serving as a specific descriptor within the wisdom literature of Proverbs 22:29.
In this single occurrence, the word modifies a worker who is skilled and diligent. The text contrasts such a person with one who remains in an obscure or low position, suggesting that excellence and visibility are linked. The term does not imply moral failure but rather a lack of recognition or elevated standing in society.
Its rarity makes its usage in Proverbs particularly notable. It highlights a practical observation about human effort: those who hide their talents in obscurity rarely rise, while the competent often find themselves in positions of influence. The word captures the social reality that merit tends to draw attention away from lowly origins.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word ḥāšōk describes a state of being obscure, lowly, or unnoticed in social standing. It appears only once in the Old Testament, in Proverbs 22:29. Here, it contrasts with skilled excellence. The proverb notes that those who hide their talents rarely rise, while competent people often find themselves in positions of influence.
This offers a gentle reminder for your daily work. You do not need to seek fame or high status to be valuable. Your diligence and integrity matter more than public recognition. God sees your efforts even when the world does not. Trust that your faithful labor has worth, regardless of whether it brings you visibility or praise.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- insignificant [people]1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- חֲשֻׁכִּֽים\׃\ \פ1×
Key Verses
-
Proverbs 22:29
Do you see a man skilled in his work? He will serve kings. He won’t serve obscure men.
This is the only occurrence of the word, where it describes those who do not serve kings despite their skill.