עֹז
strength in various applications (force, security, majesty, praise)
Definition
The Hebrew noun עֹז (ʻôz) fundamentally denotes strength, power, or might, but its application in Scripture is rich and varied. It most often describes physical or military strength, as seen in the power of a king's army (Judges 9:51) or the might of God in delivering Israel (Exodus 15:2). Beyond raw force, it extends to concepts of security and refuge, such as God being the 'strength' of His people (Psalm 28:7). In a more abstract sense, it can convey majesty or splendor, particularly of God (1 Chronicles 29:11), and even the 'loud' or powerful sound of joyful praise (Psalm 81:1).
Biblical Usage
עֹז is used 92 times across the Old Testament, appearing most frequently in the Psalms and poetic/prophetic books. It describes human strength (e.g., Samson's might in Judges 16:5), but is overwhelmingly applied to divine strength. A key pattern is its use in declarative praise, where God's 'strength' is celebrated as the source of salvation and security (Exodus 15:2, Psalm 59:17). It is also used in covenantal contexts, where God promises strength to His people (Isaiah 40:29) or warns of removing the 'pride of your power' (Leviticus 26:19).
Etymology
The noun עֹז derives from the root עָזַז (ʻāzaz, H5810), which means 'to be strong' or 'to prevail.' This root is also the source for related words like עַז (ʻaz, 'strong, fierce') and the name עֻזָּה (ʻUzzah). The core concept is inherent, forceful strength. Cognates in other Semitic languages, like Ugaritic ʻzz, carry similar meanings of power and strength.
Semantic Range
עֹז is a theologically significant word because it is a primary attribute of God in the Hebrew Bible. It captures God's mighty power in creation, history, and salvation. Understanding this term enriches reading by highlighting that biblical 'strength' is not merely physical capacity but a reliable, saving, and majestic power that God shares with His people. It is central to the doctrine of God's omnipotence and His role as a fortress and deliverer (Psalm 62:7).
In ancient Near Eastern culture, strength (ʻôz) was a supreme virtue for kings and warriors, directly tied to security and honor. For Israel, however, true and ultimate ʻôz was not found in military might (Psalm 33:16-17) but in the covenant God, who fought for them. This redefined strength as relational trust in Yahweh's power rather than self-reliance, a concept that often contrasted with surrounding nations' views.
חַיִל (ḥayil, H2428) — strength, often in the sense of wealth, army, or valor. כֹּחַ (kōaḥ, H3581) — power, capacity, or force, often physical. גְּבוּרָה (gᵊḇûrâ, H1369) — might, heroic power or victory.
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.
Full methodology & sources →