חוֹזַי

Chozai, an Israelite

Definition

חוֹזַי (Chôwzay) is a proper noun referring to an individual named Chozai, identified as an Israelite. The name itself means 'visionary' or 'seer,' derived from the Hebrew root for seeing or beholding. In the biblical text, Chozai is mentioned in 2 Chronicles 33:19 as a source for the chronicler's account of King Manasseh's reign, specifically his prayer and the sins he committed. This indicates Chozai was likely a prophetic figure or historian whose records were used in compiling the history of Judah. The name underscores a role connected to divine revelation or historical testimony.

Biblical Usage

The word appears only once in the Old Testament, in 2 Chronicles 33:19, where it is used to cite Chozai as an authority: 'His prayer also, and how God was entreated of him, and all his sin, and his trespass, and the places wherein he built high places, and set up groves and graven images, before he was humbled: behold, they are written among the sayings of the seers.' This singular usage places Chozai in a context of historical documentation, linking him to the prophetic tradition of 'seers' who recorded God's dealings with kings.

Etymology

The name חוֹזַי (Chôwzay) is derived from the Hebrew root חָזָה (ḥāzâ, H2374), meaning 'to see,' 'to behold,' or 'to perceive,' often in a visionary or prophetic sense. It is related to the noun חֹזֶה (ḥōzeh), meaning 'seer' or 'visionary.' This etymology highlights a connection to prophetic insight, suggesting Chozai was associated with receiving or recording divine visions, akin to other seers in Israel's history.

Semantic Range

Chozai's mention in 2 Chronicles 33:19 emphasizes the importance of prophetic testimony and historical records in understanding God's interaction with His people. It illustrates how God uses individuals, even lesser-known figures like seers, to preserve truth and document repentance, as seen in King Manasseh's story. Understanding this Hebrew term enriches Bible reading by highlighting the role of visionaries in shaping biblical history and affirming the reliability of scriptural accounts based on eyewitness sources.

In ancient Israel, 'seers' (חֹזִים) were prophetic figures who received divine visions and often served as advisors or historians. Chozai's inclusion reflects a cultural practice of maintaining official records by such visionaries, which were considered authoritative for chronicling royal and national events. This differs from modern historical methods, as it blends spiritual insight with documentation, showing how faith and history were intertwined in Israelite society.

חֹזֶה (ḥōzeh, H2374) — a general term for 'seer' or 'visionary,' often used interchangeably with 'prophet' (נָבִיא).

Word Details