נֶ֫כֶס (ne.khes)
ne.khes
wealth
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 4 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun neḵes refers specifically to wealth or treasures, appearing only in the plural form in Scripture. It denotes tangible assets and accumulated riches rather than abstract prosperity. The word surfaces in four distinct passages, primarily within historical and wisdom literature such as 2 Chronicles, Joshua, and Ecclesiastes.
In these contexts, neḵes often highlights the material side of blessing or loss. For instance, it describes the vast spoils taken by Israel’s armies (Joshua 7:21) or the immense wealth accumulated by King Solomon (2 Chronicles 9:13). Ecclesiastes uses the term to reflect on the fleeting nature of earthly accumulation, noting that one may heap up neḵes for others who have no part in earning it (Ecclesiastes 2:18).
This term is closely related to the Aramaic neḥas, carrying a similar sense of stored value. Unlike words that might imply spiritual richness or general favor, neḵes points squarely to property, gold, and goods. It serves as a concrete marker of earthly status and security in the biblical narrative.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word neḵes points to tangible wealth—silver, gold, livestock, and goods. It appears in Scripture to describe both the spoils of war and the riches granted to kings like Solomon. This concrete focus reminds us that material resources are real parts of our earthly lives, not just abstract ideas.
Yet Ecclesiastes offers a sobering perspective on these treasures. A person might receive great wealth but lack the ability to enjoy it, watching instead an outsider consume what was earned. This reality invites us to examine where we place our security. Is it in accumulated goods or in the One who provides?
Our faith calls us to stewardship rather than hoarding. When resources come into our hands, we are invited to use them for good. The fleeting nature of earthly accumulation encourages a heart fixed on eternal values. We find true satisfaction not in what we keep, but in how we share.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 4 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- and/ riches2×
- with/ riches1×
- riches1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- נְכָסִ֤ים1×
- וּ/נְכָסִ֨ים1×
- וּ/נְכָסִ֤ים1×
- בִּ/נְכָסִ֨ים1×
Key Verses
-
II Chronicles 1:12
therefore wisdom and knowledge is granted to you. I will give you riches, wealth, and honor, such as none of the kings have had who have been before you, and none after you will have.”
God promises Solomon wealth alongside wisdom, showing that material blessing can accompany spiritual priorities when sought for God's purposes.
-
Ecclesiastes 6:2
a man to whom God gives riches, wealth, and honor, so that he lacks nothing for his soul of all that he desires, yet God gives him no power to eat of it, but an alien eats it. This is vanity, and it is an evil disease.
This verse highlights the frustration of possessing riches without the power to enjoy them, illustrating the vanity of hoarding wealth.
-
Joshua 22:8
and spoke to them, saying, “Return with much wealth to your tents, with very much livestock, with silver, with gold, with bronze, with iron, and with very much clothing. Divide the plunder of your enemies with your brothers.”
The return of Israelite warriors with great wealth demonstrates how God provides material abundance as part of His covenant faithfulness.