One word can make a difference

The choice of one word over another can make a tremendous difference in how we understand, perceive and apply Holy Scripture to our daily lives. I remember the first time I discovered that there was just such an example in one of the most well known passages of scripture for believers and non-believers alike. I am referring to the first of Psalm 23: The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.

According to Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance, in the Hebrew the word we read as want is literally lack: חסר (2637 ) - (chacer), (khaw-sare); a primary root; to lack; by implication to fail; want; lessen; be abated; bereave; decrease; cause to fail; have lack; make lower; want. We should read The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not lack. When many modern people read the want we perceive the meaning as desire and/or we will get what we command and/or demand.

The American Dictionary defines these two words as follows:

Want: to feel a need or a desire for; wish for: to want one's dinner; to wish, need, crave, demand, or desire (often followed by an infinitive = I want to see you); to be without or be deficient in: to require or need.

Lack: deficiency or absence of something needed, desirable, or customary: something missing or needed; Verb form: to be without or deficient in: to lack ability; to lack the necessities of life; to fall short in respect of.

If you will stop and think about how many of us communicate our wants, it may bring the picture of someone stamping their foot, arms folded across their chest and a pout or defiant look on their face. Also, think about how you would perceive this verse if you had always thought of it terms of lack instead of want. Many of us have been socialized to believe if we want something then it is or should be ours, as we want it; as opposed to thinking in terms of not lacking. The difference being… Well why don’t you think about how that would be different for you.

I would love to hear how that would change your perception and how you think about God, His love, His care, and/or His provision for you on all levels: psychologically, emotionally, spiritually and behaviorally. If we can gain a more accurate understanding of God then we can begin to gain a truer and clearer understanding of ourselves and of others.