חָזֵק

powerful

Definition

The Hebrew word חָזֵק (châzêq) is a noun meaning 'strong' or 'powerful,' describing a state of strength or intensity. In its two biblical occurrences, it refers to sound growing louder, as with the trumpet blast at Mount Sinai (Exodus 19:19), and to political or military strength increasing, as in the conflict between the houses of David and Saul (2 Samuel 3:1). It conveys the concept of a force or phenomenon becoming more potent and overwhelming.

Biblical Usage

This word is used only twice in the Old Testament, but in two distinct contexts that illustrate its semantic range. In Exodus 19:19, it describes the sound of a trumpet 'waxing louder and louder,' emphasizing an intensifying auditory phenomenon in a theophanic event. In 2 Samuel 3:1, it describes a war or struggle that 'waxed stronger,' referring to the escalating political and military conflict following Saul's death. Both uses depict a process of increasing power or intensity.

Etymology

The noun חָזֵק (châzêq, H2390) is directly derived from the common Hebrew root חזק (ḥzq), which means 'to be strong, to strengthen, to seize.' This root is the basis for many words related to strength, firmness, and holding fast. The noun form specifically denotes the quality or state of being strong or powerful.

Semantic Range

Though used infrequently, this word connects to the broader biblical theme of God's manifest power. In Exodus 19:19, the 'waxing louder' trumpet sound accompanies God's descent onto Mount Sinai, marking a moment of divine revelation and covenant establishment. Understanding this Hebrew term enriches the reading by highlighting how God's communication and the forces of human conflict (2 Samuel 3:1) are both described with language of intensifying strength, pointing to the overwhelming nature of both divine and historical events.

In the ancient Near Eastern context, a trumpet blast (shofar) was not merely a musical instrument but a vital tool for communication, signaling assembly, war, or religious ceremony. Its sound 'waxing louder' (Exodus 19:19) would have been understood as a progressively more urgent and awe-inspiring divine summons. Similarly, a conflict 'waxing stronger' (2 Samuel 3:1) reflects the reality of prolonged, intensifying tribal warfare for political consolidation in early monarchic Israel.

חָזָק (châzaq, H2388) — The verbal root meaning 'to be strong, to strengthen'; denotes the action. עָצַם (ʿāṣam, H6105) — To be vast, mighty, or numerous; often emphasizes great quantity or intensity. כֹּחַ (kōaḥ, H3581) — Strength, power, or ability; often denotes inherent capacity or force.

Word Details

Scripture References