עַזָּן
Azzan, an Israelite
Definition
Azzan is a proper name meaning 'strong one' or 'mighty one,' derived from the Hebrew root עַז (az). In the Bible, Azzan is identified as the father of Paltiel, a leader from the tribe of Issachar (Numbers 34:26). He is mentioned only in the context of the appointment of tribal leaders who assisted in the division of the Promised Land among the Israelites after the exodus from Egypt. As a personal name, it carries the connotation of strength or might, reflecting the character or hopes associated with the individual.
Biblical Usage
The name Azzan appears only once in the Old Testament, in Numbers 34:26. It is used in a genealogical and administrative context, identifying Azzan as the father of Paltiel, who represented the tribe of Issachar. This occurs during the listing of leaders chosen to help distribute the land of Canaan, as commanded by God through Moses. The usage is strictly as a proper noun without narrative development.
Etymology
Azzan (עַזָּן) is derived from the Hebrew root עַז (az, H5794), meaning 'strong,' 'fierce,' or 'mighty.' It is a proper name formed with the addition of the suffix -ān, which can indicate belonging or characteristic, thus giving the sense of 'strong one' or 'mighty one.' This root is also seen in other Hebrew words like עֹז (oz, H5797), meaning 'strength' or 'power,' commonly used in poetic and prophetic texts.
Semantic Range
While Azzan itself is a minor figure, his inclusion highlights God's orderly provision and governance, as seen in the meticulous allocation of the Promised Land. The meaning of his name, 'strong one,' may subtly point to God as the ultimate source of strength (e.g., Psalm 28:7) who empowers His people to fulfill their roles. Understanding such names enriches appreciation for the biblical narrative's attention to detail and the theological themes of inheritance and divine strength.
In ancient Israelite culture, names often conveyed meaningful attributes or parental hopes. Azzan, meaning 'strong one,' likely reflected a desire for the child to embody physical or moral strength, a valued trait in a tribal society. As the father of a tribal leader, his name may also signify the strength and stability expected in a family lineage contributing to national leadership during a formative period of settlement.
עַז (az, H5794) — the root word meaning 'strong' or 'fierce'; עֹז (oz, H5797) — a noun meaning 'strength' or 'might,' often used of God's power; גִּבּוֹר (gibbor, H1368) — 'mighty one' or 'warrior,' emphasizing heroic strength.
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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