מוּךְ (mukh)

mukh

be poor

H4134 · Hebrew · Old Testament · 5 verses

H:V

Language: Biblical Hebrew
Testament: Old Testament
Occurrences: 5 verses
Root: —
Part of speech: H:V

Word Overview

The Hebrew verb mukh describes a state of being low, depressed, or poor. It appears only five times in the Old Testament, with a strong concentration in Leviticus where it characterizes those who are economically vulnerable. The word captures both material lack and the resulting social humility or lowliness of status.

Its usage highlights the biblical concern for the marginalized. In Levitical law, mukh often refers to individuals whose poverty affects their ability to offer sacrifices, requiring special provisions for them (Leviticus 5:7; 12:8). This reflects a theological emphasis on God’s care for those at the bottom of society, ensuring they are not excluded from religious community despite their lack.

Translators typically render mukh as "poor" or "afflicted," though the term carries a sense of being brought low by circumstance rather than simply lacking wealth. It underscores the dignity and protection afforded to the vulnerable in Israel’s covenant community, reminding readers that economic status does not diminish one’s standing before God.

Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).

What This Word Means for Your Faith

The Hebrew word mukh describes a state of being brought low by circumstance, often translated as "poor" or "afflicted." In the Old Testament, this term appears primarily in Leviticus to highlight God’s specific concern for those who are economically vulnerable. It is not merely about lacking wealth, but about a social humility that requires community support and protection.

For your faith life, this word reminds us that economic status does not diminish one’s standing before God. The biblical narrative consistently shows that God cares deeply for the marginalized, ensuring they are not excluded from religious or social community despite their lack. This perspective invites us to view our neighbors with dignity and compassion.

When we encounter those who are struggling, we are called to uphold them rather than judge them. The text emphasizes that helping a brother or sister in need is an act of covenant faithfulness. It challenges us to recognize the inherent worth of every person, regardless of their financial situation, and to respond with practical love.

How it's translated

How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 5 verses where it appears, by frequency.

he will become impoverished3×
and/ he will become impoverished1×
[is too] impoverished1×

Forms in the text

The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.

יָמ֣וּךְ2×
מָ֥ךְ1×
יָמ֥וּךְ1×
וּ/מָ֥ךְ1×

Key Verses

Leviticus 25:35
“‘If your brother has become poor, and his hand can’t support himself among you, then you shall uphold him. He shall live with you like an alien and a temporary resident.

This verse uses mukh to command active support for a brother whose resources have failed, framing assistance as a duty to uphold rather than abandon.
Leviticus 25:39
“‘If your brother has grown poor among you, and sells himself to you, you shall not make him to serve as a slave.

Here the word marks a transition from poverty to servitude, yet the law prohibits treating this person as a slave, preserving their dignity despite their economic fall.
Leviticus 27:8
But if he is poorer than your valuation, then he shall be set before the priest, and the priest shall assign a value to him. The priest shall assign a value according to his ability to pay.

The priest assigns value based on mukh, showing that religious obligations are scaled to individual ability, ensuring the poor are not burdened beyond their means.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Hebrew word mukh mean?

Mukh (H4134) means to be poor, afflicted, or brought low by circumstance. It appears five times in the Old Testament, mostly in Leviticus, to describe those who are economically vulnerable and socially humble.

How is mukh different from other words for 'poor'?

While other Hebrew words simply denote lack of wealth, mukh often carries a sense of being crushed or humbled by external forces. It emphasizes the social and spiritual vulnerability of the person, not just their financial state.

Where does this word appear in the Bible?

It appears in Leviticus 25:25, 25:35, 25:39, 25:47, and 27:8. These passages focus on laws regarding redemption, support for the poor, and fair valuation of vows based on one’s ability to pay.

Every Occurrence (5 verses across 1 books)

Leviticus 5 verses

Leviticus 25:25

“‘If your brother becomes poor, and sells some of his possessions, then his kinsman who is next to him shall come, and…

Leviticus 25:35

“‘If your brother has become poor, and his hand can’t support himself among you, then you shall uphold him. He shall…

Leviticus 25:39

“‘If your brother has grown poor among you, and sells himself to you, you shall not make him to serve as a slave.

Leviticus 25:47

“‘If an alien or temporary resident with you becomes rich, and your brother beside him has grown poor, and sells…

Leviticus 27:8

But if he is poorer than your valuation, then he shall be set before the priest, and the priest shall assign a value to…