"#Prosper " originates from the Latin word "#prosperus ", which combines:
"pro-"
: meaning "forward" or "toward"
+
"-sperus"
: derived from "spes", meaning "hope" or "expectation"
Thus, the meaning of "prosper" or "prosperus" is to "move forward toward hope and expectation."
In the story of Joseph, the word "prosper" is repeatedly mentioned in Genesis 39.
For example:
Genesis 39:2
NKJV: "The LORD was with Joseph,
and he was a successful man."
NIV: "The LORD was with Joseph,
so he prospered."
In Hebrew, the word for "prosper" is "צָלַח" (tsalach) or its derivative "יַצְלִיחַ" (yatzliach).
#Meaning of "צָלַח" (tsalach)
The Hebrew verb "צָלַח" (tsalach) comes from the root Tz-L-Ch (צלח), which means:
To "move forward vigorously"
To "succeed", To "prosper", To "progress"
To "flourish spiritually"
It often signifies a state where one's life progresses well under God's plan and guidance, not just material success.
Biblical Examples
1. Genesis 39:2 – Joseph's Prosperity
Hebrew: "וַיְהִי יְהוָה אֶת־יוֹסֵף וַיְהִי אִישׁ מַצְלִיחַ"
Translation: "The LORD was with Joseph, and he was a prosperous man."
Here, "מַצְלִיחַ" (matsliach) is an active participle, meaning "a successful person."
2. Psalm 1:3 – The Prosperity of the Righteous
Hebrew: "וְכֹל אֲשֶׁר־יַעֲשֶׂה יַצְלִיחַ"
Translation: "Whatever he does shall prosper."
Here, "יַצְלִיחַ" (yatzliach) is in the future active form, meaning "will prosper."
#Theological Significance
The word "צָלַח" (tsalach) emphasizes that prosperity is not solely the result of human effort but rather stems from God's guidance and blessing.
For example,
Genesis 39:2 refers to the time when Joseph was sold as a slave into Potiphar’s house. Shortly afterward, we read about Joseph’s wrongful imprisonment due to the false accusations of Potiphar’s wife.
The word "צָלַח" (tsalach) reveals that Joseph’s unjust life as a slave was not merely a time of suffering but a season when God was walking with him toward the hope He had planned.
It was a process of fulfilling God’s purpose, even though it appeared dark and hopeless to human eyes.
This reminds us that "צָלַח" (tsalach) does not represent success achieved through personal effort but rather prosperity and progress as God walks with His people, leading them to His intended hope and future.
What about your life?
Are you experiencing injustice or walking through a dark season that seems to have no purpose?
Through this word, God seems to reassure us:
"Do not despair.
You are walking with Me toward the hope I have planned for you.
I am with you, and you are not alone,
so be at peace."
Thus, the Hebrew word "צָלַח" (tsalach), which means "to move forward vigorously," conveys not just success or prosperity but a divine journey toward hope, guided by God’s presence.
In Genesis 39, this word highlights that Joseph’s prosperity was not about escaping hardship but about God’s active presence, leading him step by step toward the fulfillment of His greater plan.
Even in the darkest circumstances, God was walking toward His promised hope alongside Joseph.
#Returning to "Prosper"
The Latin "prosperus" entered Old French as "prosperer" and then Middle English, where it evolved into the modern word "prosper," meaning "to thrive" or "succeed."
Today, "prosper" refers to overall success, whether material, emotional, or spiritual.
#Related Words:
"Prosperity"
(the state of being prosperous)
"Prosperous"
(flourishing, successful)
The original Latin meaning of "prosper" reminds us that true success involves moving forward with hope and expectation.