עֹ֫שֶׁר (o.sher)
o.sher
riches
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 30 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The noun osher denotes wealth or riches, appearing thirty times in the Hebrew Bible with a heavy concentration in Proverbs and the historical books of Kings and Chronicles. It describes material abundance in its broadest sense, referring to possessions that provide security and status. The word is neutral in itself; it does not inherently carry moral judgment but rather points to the tangible resources a person holds.
Its usage often highlights the tension between material gain and spiritual wisdom. In Proverbs, osher is frequently contrasted with understanding or fear of the Lord, as seen when Solomon asks for an understanding heart rather than riches (1 Kings 3:11). The text notes that while God can grant such wealth, as He did to Solomon (1 Kings 3:13) or Hezekiah (2 Chronicles 32:27), true blessing is found in the fear of the Lord, which is richer than gold (Proverbs 15:16). The sources emphasize that accumulating wealth without wisdom leads to loss, as illustrated in Ecclesiastes 5:13.
Etymologically, osher derives from a root meaning to be happy or blessed. This connection suggests that in ancient Israelite thought, material prosperity was often viewed as a sign of divine favor. However, the biblical writers consistently warn against trusting in this security. The word appears in Psalms and Proverbs to remind readers that riches can vanish suddenly (Ecclesiastes 5:14), whereas righteousness endures. Translators typically render it simply as "riches," preserving the focus on the external reality of wealth rather than an internal state.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word osher describes material wealth, appearing thirty times in Scripture. It refers to tangible resources like silver, gold, or land that provide security and status. While often linked to divine favor in ancient Israel, the text treats it as neutral rather than inherently good or evil. The focus remains on how we hold these gifts rather than the gifts themselves.
Scripture consistently places osher alongside wisdom and fear of the Lord. In 1 Kings 3:11, Solomon chooses understanding over riches, yet God grants both because of his right heart. Proverbs 22:4 reminds us that humility and reverence for God lead to wealth, honor, and life. This suggests that true stability comes from character, not just accumulation.
Wealth can vanish suddenly, as Ecclesiastes notes, but righteousness endures. The biblical view invites us to trust in God’s provision rather than our own stores. When we seek wisdom first, we find that spiritual riches far outlast material ones. This perspective helps us hold possessions lightly while remaining grateful for every good gift.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 30 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- wealth15×
- to/ wealth2×
- and/ wealth2×
- wealth/ their1×
- wealth/ his1×
- the/ wealth1×
- rich[es]1×
- more than/ wealth1×
- in/ wealth/ his1×
- by/ wealth/ his1×
- and/ rich[es]1×
- and/ <the>/ wealth1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- עֹ֣שֶׁר4×
- עֹֽשֶׁר\־3×
- עֹ֖שֶׁר3×
- עֹ֥שֶׁר2×
- עֹ֔שֶׁר2×
- לְ/עֹ֖שֶׁר2×
- עֹשֶׁר֩1×
- עֹֽשֶׁר\׃1×
- עֹ֙שֶׁר֙1×
- עֹ֑שֶׁר1×
- עָשְׁרָ֑/ם1×
- עָשְׁר֖/וֹ1×
Key Verses
-
I Kings 3:11
God said to him, “Because you have asked this thing, and have not asked for yourself long life, nor have you asked for riches for yourself, nor have you asked for the life of your enemies, but have asked for yourself understanding to discern justice,
Solomon explicitly rejects asking for osher, showing that wisdom is prioritized over material gain in this pivotal moment of divine encounter.
-
Proverbs 22:4
The result of humility and the fear of Yahweh is wealth, honor, and life.
This verse links the fear of Yahweh directly to the outcome of wealth and honor, framing riches as a potential byproduct of humility rather than an end goal.
-
I Chronicles 29:12
Both riches and honor come from you, and you rule over all! In your hand is power and might! It is in your hand to make great, and to give strength to all!
David acknowledges that all osher comes from God, establishing the theological foundation that resources are entrusted to us rather than owned by us.
-
Proverbs 11:28
He who trusts in his riches will fall, but the righteous shall flourish as the green leaf.
The text warns that trusting in riches leads to falling, contrasting the temporary nature of wealth with the enduring flourishing of the righteous.