עָשַׁר (a.shar)
a.shar
to enrich
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 13 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb a.shar describes the state of becoming wealthy or the act of making someone rich. It appears thirteen times in the Old Testament, with a significant concentration in Proverbs where it often discusses the moral implications of wealth. The basic meaning is straightforward: to possess abundance, whether through divine blessing, personal effort, or deception.
Its usage reveals a nuanced range of meanings depending on the grammatical form. In the Qal stem, it simply means to be rich, as seen in 1 Samuel 2:5 where Hannah’s prayer contrasts those who were hungry with those who are now filled and rich. The Hiphil stem indicates causation, meaning to enrich others or gain riches for oneself. Notably, the Hithpael stem can carry a negative connotation, implying one is pretending to be rich or self-aggrandizing, a subtle warning against superficial displays of prosperity found in Proverbs.
Translators typically render this word as "enrich" or "become rich," capturing the dynamic shift from lack to abundance. The sources highlight that its presence in wisdom literature often serves as a theological checkpoint, reminding readers that wealth is not merely an economic status but a condition influenced by righteousness and divine favor.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word a.shar describes the movement from lack to abundance, whether that wealth comes as a divine gift or through human effort. In Proverbs, we see a gentle warning against chasing riches with anxious energy, suggesting that true stability rests in faithful stewardship rather than relentless accumulation. When we understand this term, we recognize that material prosperity is not inherently evil, but it requires a heart oriented toward God’s provision.
Scripture reminds us that while hard work and diligence often lead to gain, the ultimate source of lasting blessing is the Lord Himself. This perspective frees us from the pressure to prove our worth through bank accounts or possessions. Instead, we can find peace in knowing that our security does not depend on our ability to amuse ourselves with wealth, but on the faithful character of God who provides according to His wisdom.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 13 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- to/ gain riches2×
- so/ I may gain riches1×
- it makes rich1×
- it gains riches1×
- he will make rich/ him1×
- he will gain wealth1×
- he will gain riches1×
- he will be rich1×
- and/ they have gained riches1×
- and/ [is] making rich1×
- [is one who] enriches himself1×
- I made rich1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- תַּעֲשִֽׁיר\׃1×
- תַעֲשִׁ֑יר1×
- מִ֭תְעַשֵּׁר1×
- לְֽ/הַעֲשִׁ֑יר1×
- לְ֝/הַעֲשִׁ֗יר1×
- יַעֲשִֽׁיר\׃1×
- יַעֲשִׁ֤יר1×
- יַעְשְׁרֶ֥/נּוּ1×
- יֶ֭עְשַׁר1×
- וּ/מַעֲשִׁ֑יר1×
- וַֽ/יַּעֲשִֽׁירוּ\׃1×
- וַ/אעְשִׁ֑ר1×
Key Verses
-
I Samuel 2:7
Yahweh makes poor and makes rich. He brings low, he also lifts up.
This verse establishes the theological foundation that Yahweh alone holds the power to elevate or humble, reminding us that all abundance originates from Him.
-
Proverbs 10:22
Yahweh’s blessing brings wealth, and he adds no trouble to it.
Here the word highlights the unique quality of divine blessing, which brings wealth without the accompanying trouble found in self-made success.
-
Proverbs 23:4
Don’t weary yourself to be rich. In your wisdom, show restraint.
This occurrence serves as a practical warning against exhausting oneself in the pursuit of riches, urging wisdom and restraint instead.