rich´ez , rich´iz : Used to render the following Hebrew and Greek words: (1) ‛Ōsher , which should, perhaps, be considered the most general word, as it is the most often used ( Genesis 31:16; Ecclesiastes 4:8; Jeremiah 9:23 ). It looks at riches simply as riches, without regard to any particular feature. Alongside this would go the Greek πλοῦτος , ploútos (Matthew 13:22; Ephesians 2:7 ). (2) Ḥōṣen (Proverbs 27:24; Jeremiah 20:5 ), nekhāṣı̄m and rekhūsh (Genesis 36:7; Daniel 11:13 , Daniel 11:14 the King James Version) look at riches as things accumulated, collected, amassed. (3) Hōn looks upon riches as earnings, the fruit of toil (Psalm 119:14; Proverbs 8:18; Ezekiel 27:27 ). (4) Hāmōn regards riches in the aspect of being much, this coming from the original idea of noise, through the idea of a multitude as making the noise, the idea of many, or much, being in multitude (Psalm 37:16 the King James Version). (5) Ḥayil regards riches as power (Psalm 62:1-12 :19; Isaiah 8:4; Isaiah 10:14 ). (6) Yithrāh means "running over," and so presents riches as abundance (Jeremiah 48:36 the King James Version). Along with this may be placed shūa‛ , which has the idea of breadth, and so of abundance (Job 36:19 the King James Version). (7) Ḳinyān regards riches as a creation, something made (Psalm 104:24; compare margin); (8) (χρῆμα , chrḗma ) looks at riches as useful (Mark 10:23 f parallel). Like the New Testament, the Apoe uses only ploutos and chrēma .
Material riches are regarded by the Scriptures as neither good nor bad in themselves, but only according as they are properly or improperly used. They are transitory (Proverbs 27:24 ); they are not to be trusted in (Mark 10:23; Luke 18:24; 1 Timothy 6:17 ); they are not to be gloried in (Jeremiah 9:23 ); the heart is not to be set on them (Psalm 62:10 ); but they are made by God (Psalm 104:24 ), and come from God (1 Chronicles 29:12 ); and they are the crown of the wise (Proverbs 14:24 ). Material riches are used to body forth for us the most precious and glorious realities of the spiritual realm. See, e.g., Romans 9:23; Romans 11:33; Ephesians 2:7; Philippians 4:19; Colossians 1:27 . Compare MAMMON; TREASURE; WEALTH .
The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE) was edited by James Orr, John Nuelsen, Edgar Mullins, Morris Evans, and Melvin Grove Kyle and was published complete in 1939. This web site includes the complete text.
WikipediaThe ISBE is a classic Bible reference compiled from nearly 10,000 entries written by over 200 different Bible scholars and teachers. In addition to the encyclopedia articles, all of the major words of the Bible are represented and defined.
The historical, cultural, and linguistic information in the ISBE can be of great value in Bible study and research.
But as with any writings of men, the careful student of the Bible must always compare them with Scripture. As you use this helpful study resource, remember that only God's word is pure.
Read More