עַז
strong, vehement, harsh
Definition
The Hebrew word עַז (ʻaz) primarily means 'strong' or 'mighty,' describing intense physical power or force. It can also convey the sense of 'fierce' or 'harsh,' characterizing aggressive behavior or severe conditions, as seen in Deuteronomy 28:50 where a nation is described as 'fierce of countenance.' In some contexts, it denotes something 'vehement' or overwhelming, such as the 'strong' east wind in Exodus 14:21 that parted the Red Sea. The word's range extends from raw strength to harsh severity, depending on its biblical context.
Biblical Usage
עַז is used 23 times across various Old Testament books, including the Pentateuch, Historical Books, and Poetry. It often describes nations or armies (e.g., Numbers 21:24, 'a people too strong'), natural forces (Exodus 14:21), or human character traits like fierceness (Deuteronomy 28:50). In poetic contexts like Judges 14:14, 18 (Samson's riddle), it carries a metaphorical sense of strength. Its usage is concentrated in narratives depicting conflict, power, or divine intervention.
Etymology
Derived from the root עָזַז (ʻāzaz, H5810), meaning 'to be strong' or 'to prevail.' This root conveys concepts of strength and firmness. עַז is the adjectival or nominal form, emphasizing the quality of strength. Cognates appear in other Semitic languages with similar meanings, reinforcing its core idea of power or intensity.
Semantic Range
עַז is theologically significant as it often describes attributes of God or actions under His sovereignty. For example, the 'strong' wind in Exodus 14:21 is an instrument of divine deliverance, highlighting God's mighty power in salvation history. When applied to nations or enemies (e.g., Deuteronomy 28:50), it underscores human strength in contrast to divine might, reminding readers of God's ultimate authority over all powers. Understanding this Hebrew term enriches Bible study by revealing nuances of strength—both divine and human—in biblical narratives.
In ancient Israelite culture, strength (עַז) was highly valued for survival, warfare, and social standing, as seen in descriptions of mighty warriors or formidable nations. The term's application to natural forces, like winds, reflects an understanding of the environment as powerful and sometimes divinely directed. Its use for 'harsh' or 'fierce' behavior aligns with a worldview where strength could be both admirable and threatening, depending on its moral alignment.
חָזָק (ḥāzāq, H2389) — often denotes physical strength or firmness, with a broader range including 'hard' or 'severe'; גִּבּוֹר (gibbôr, H1368) — emphasizes might, especially in a heroic or warrior context; עֹז (ʻōz, H5797) — a closely related noun meaning 'strength' or 'might,' frequently used for God's power.
Word Details
How this works
Hebrew definitions are from Brown-Driver-Briggs (1906) and Strong's Exhaustive Concordance (1890), both public domain. BDB was groundbreaking for its era but reflects 19th-century assumptions about Semitic etymology. Modern scholarship (HALOT, DCH) has revised many entries. Use these definitions as a starting point for exploration, not as the final word on a term's meaning in context.
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