Hebrew · H2638, H3820 · unreviewed

חָסֵר

Lacking ; hence, without · the heart ; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings , the will and even the intellect ; likewise for the centre of anything

These lexicon entries are being actively developed. If you notice missing content, incorrect definitions, or have suggestions, we'd love to hear from you. Share a note on our Connect page and include a screenshot if helpful.

Words in this compound — expand to study each participant

חָסֵר H2638 lacking ; hence, without
לֵב H3820 the heart ; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings , the will and even the intellect ; likewise for the centre of anything
Pronunciation lev
The seat of will, intellect, and emotion—the inner moral and spiritual center governing all human motivation and choice.
Open lexicon entry →

What does חָסֵר (chasar-lev) mean in the Bible?

חָסֵר · לֵב is a Hebrew word meaning "lacking ; hence, without". destitute, fail, lack, have need, void, want. The phrase describes moral deficiency rather than intellectual limitation. This term runs through the canonical themes of Wisdom.

Full entry for חָסֵר (H2638, H3820) · Browse the biblical lexicon

Meaning

lacking ; hence, without
Extended definition

Expresses deficiency or absence of something essential; often denotes spiritual or material want needing divine provision.

destitute, fail, lack, have need, void, want.

Why This Word Matters
The phrase describes moral deficiency rather than intellectual limitation. Proverbs 10:21
The phrase describes moral and intellectual foolishness. Proverbs 11:12
Grammatical Forms

How the stem changes the meaning of this verb across the biblical text.

Qal basic active stem — the word in its most common, direct sense
Perfect 1Kgs 17:16 · Eccl 10:3
Canonical Themes
Biblical Occurrences

Each occurrence shows the passage reference, the original language term as it appears in that context, its transliteration, and the contextual sense.

Sources