Lexical Summary misken: Poor, needy Original Word: מִסְכֵּן Strong's Exhaustive Concordance poor man From cikluwth; indigent -- poor (man). see HEBREW cikluwth NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originof uncertain derivation Definition poor NASB Translation poor (3), poor man (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs מִסְכֵּן adjective poor, only Ecclesiastes (Late Hebrew id.; Aramaic id.;  PS2632; Arabic  ; Ethiopic  Di382; √ dubious; usually derived from III. סכן q. v.; perhaps loan-word; according to JenZA iv (1889), 271 f Zimib. vii (1892), 353 = Assyrian muškênu, beggar, needy one); — always absolute ׳מ: — וְחָכָם ׳יֶלֶד מ Ecclesiastes 4:13 (opposed to מֶלֶח זֶקֵן וּכְסִיל); חָכָם ׳אִישׁ מ Ecclesiastes 9:15, ׳הָאִישׁ הַמּ Ecclesiastes 9:15; as substantive ׳הַמּ Ecclesiastes 9:16 the poor man. Topical Lexicon Scriptural Usage The term appears exclusively in Ecclesiastes, always paired with “wisdom.” Contrast with Kingship and Status Solomon, writing as Qoheleth, juxtaposes the disadvantaged youth with a complacent king (4:13) and the marginalized sage with forgetful citizens (9:15-16). In both scenes, wealth and rank are exposed as transient, while wisdom that fears God (see Ecclesiastes 12:13) endures. The poor man’s counsel is decisive, the king’s authority is hollow, and the crowd’s applause fades. The word therefore functions as an instrument of irony, overturning cultural expectations shaped by ancient Near-Eastern honor-shame values. Historical Backdrop In Israel’s monarchy period, royal courts prized learned advisors, yet class lines often hindered social mobility. Qoheleth’s anecdotes may recall true episodes or familiar folk motifs in which a village sage rescues a city through strategy rather than arms (cf. 2 Samuel 20:16-22, the “wise woman” of Abel Beth-maacah). Such accounts resonated with communities where a small, fortified town could suddenly face siege. The poor wise man personifies the overlooked members of society who still contribute decisively to covenant life. Theological Emphasis 1. God’s valuation: Scripture consistently affirms that “the LORD raises the poor from the dust” (1 Samuel 2:8) and “does not show partiality” (Acts 10:34). Ecclesiastes adds that He also grants them wisdom. Christological Foreshadowing The poor wise man anticipates Jesus Christ, “though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor” (2 Corinthians 8:9), whose wisdom confounded the mighty (1 Corinthians 1:27) and who was likewise rejected and forgotten by the crowd He saved. Ecclesiastes thus forms part of the canonical tapestry that reveals God’s pattern of working through humble vessels to accomplish redemption. Practical Ministry Applications • Dignity of the marginalized: Local congregations should heed James 2:1-7, combating partiality and elevating voices that lack social clout. Homiletical Insights A sermon on Ecclesiastes 9:15-16 can explore “Remembering the Forgotten Deliverer,” urging gratitude toward unnoticed servants in the body of Christ and ultimately toward the Savior Himself. Ecclesiastes 4:13 can challenge both youth and elders: wisdom remains teachable, folly refuses correction regardless of age. Intertextual Echoes for Study Proverbs 14:31; 22:2; Isaiah 66:2; Matthew 5:3; Luke 21:1-4; Revelation 3:17-18. Summary Strong’s Hebrew 4542 highlights Scripture’s recurring theme: authentic wisdom is often housed in unlikely vessels. Earthly status fades, but the fear of the Lord—imparted even to the poor—endures forever. Forms and Transliterations הַמִּסְכֵּ֖ן הַמִּסְכֵּן֙ המסכן מִסְכֵּ֖ן מִסְכֵּן֙ מסכן ham·mis·kên hammisKen hammiskên mis·kên misKen miskênLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Ecclesiastes 4:13 HEB: ט֛וֹב יֶ֥לֶד מִסְכֵּ֖ן וְחָכָ֑ם מִמֶּ֤לֶךְ NAS: A poor yet wise lad KJV: Better [is] a poor and a wise child INT: is better lad A poor wise king Ecclesiastes 9:15 Ecclesiastes 9:15 Ecclesiastes 9:16 4 Occurrences |
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