רֵישׁ (resh)

resh

poverty

H7389 · Hebrew · Old Testament · 7 verses

H:N-M

Language: Biblical Hebrew
Testament: Old Testament
Occurrences: 7 verses
Root: —
Part of speech: H:N-M

Word Overview

The Hebrew noun resh denotes a state of poverty, appearing exclusively in the book of Proverbs across seven verses. It describes the tangible condition of lacking material resources rather than an abstract spiritual concept. The text treats this lack as a significant social reality that influences human behavior and divine perspective.

Proverbs frequently contrasts resh with wealth to illustrate moral lessons. For instance, the text notes that a generous person thrives while those who give nothing remain poor (Proverbs 11:24-25). Another passage observes that laziness leads to deep sleep, while a negligent worker suffers from hunger and poverty (Proverbs 19:15). These examples show how the word anchors ethical teaching in everyday economic experience.

Translators typically render resh as "poverty" or "want." The consistency of its usage highlights wisdom literature’s focus on practical outcomes. The term serves as a reminder that material scarcity is a common human condition addressed directly within Israel’s instructional tradition.

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

What This Word Means for Your Faith

The word resh appears in Proverbs to describe the real, physical hardship of lacking basic resources. It is not a metaphor for spiritual emptiness but a concrete reality that affects daily life. The text presents this condition as a serious consequence of choices like laziness or ignoring correction, reminding us that our actions have tangible outcomes.

Yet the wisdom literature does not leave the poor in despair. In Proverbs 30:8, Agur asks God for neither extreme poverty nor overwhelming riches, seeking instead a balanced life where he can trust God without being distracted by desperate need or arrogant self-sufficiency. This prayer invites us to seek contentment and reliance on divine provision rather than chasing wealth that offers no true security.

Understanding resh helps us see the Bible’s concern for justice and practical wisdom. It encourages us to value hard work, accept discipline, and care for those in need. Rather than viewing poverty as a curse or a reward, we can recognize it as a shared human vulnerability that calls for compassion, prayer, and steady faith in God’s sustaining grace.

How it's translated

How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 7 verses where it appears, by frequency.

poverty3×
poverty/ your2×
poverty/ their1×
poverty/ his1×

Forms in the text

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

רֵישָֽׁ/ם\׃1×
רֵישֶׁ֑/ךָ1×
רֵאשֶׁ֑/ךָ1×
רֵ֣ישׁ1×
רֵ֣אשׁ1×
רִישׁ֑/וֹ1×
רִֽישׁ\׃1×

Key Verses

Proverbs 30:8
Remove far from me falsehood and lies. Give me neither poverty nor riches. Feed me with the food that is needful for me,

Agur uses resh to request a balanced life, showing that poverty can distract from trusting God just as riches might.
Proverbs 6:11
so your poverty will come as a robber, and your scarcity as an armed man.

The verse personifies resh as an unexpected thief, emphasizing how quickly financial ruin can arrive without diligence.
Proverbs 28:19
One who works his land will have an abundance of food; but one who chases fantasies will have his fill of poverty.

Here resh is the direct result of chasing fantasies instead of working the land, linking economic stability to faithful labor.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Hebrew word resh mean?

Resh means poverty or a state of lacking material resources. It appears exclusively in Proverbs to describe the physical reality of financial need, often as a consequence of poor choices or laziness.

Is resh used in the New Testament?

No, resh is a Hebrew noun found only in the Old Testament book of Proverbs. The Greek equivalent concepts are often expressed by words like ptōcheia (G4192) or penes (G3983) in the New Testament.

How does Proverbs 30:8 use resh?

In this verse, Agur asks God to remove falsehood and give him neither poverty nor riches. He seeks a moderate amount of food so he will not be tempted by theft when poor or by denial when wealthy.

Why does Proverbs link poverty to laziness?

Proverbs uses resh to illustrate practical wisdom: neglecting work leads to scarcity. This is not a promise that all poor people are lazy, but a general principle that diligence brings stability while idleness brings ruin.

Every Occurrence (7 verses across 1 books)

Proverbs 7 verses

Proverbs 6:11

so your poverty will come as a robber, and your scarcity as an armed man.

Proverbs 10:15

The rich man’s wealth is his strong city. The destruction of the poor is their poverty.

Proverbs 13:18

Poverty and shame come to him who refuses discipline, but he who heeds correction shall be honored.

Proverbs 24:34

so your poverty will come as a robber and your want as an armed man.

Proverbs 28:19

One who works his land will have an abundance of food; but one who chases fantasies will have his fill of poverty.

Proverbs 30:8

Remove far from me falsehood and lies. Give me neither poverty nor riches. Feed me with the food that is needful for me,

Proverbs 31:7

Let him drink, and forget his poverty, and remember his misery no more.