יָזִיז
Jaziz, an Israelite
Definition
Yaziz is a proper noun referring to an Israelite named Jaziz, who served as the chief shepherd over King David's flocks. He is mentioned only once in the Bible in 1 Chronicles 27:31, where he is identified as 'Jaziz the Hagrite.' His role was administrative, overseeing the royal livestock, which was a position of significant trust and responsibility within the kingdom's economic structure. The name itself, meaning 'he will make prominent' or 'he shines,' likely reflects a parental hope for the child's future distinction.
Biblical Usage
This word is used exclusively as a personal name in the Old Testament, appearing only in 1 Chronicles 27:31. The context is a list of David's officials, where Jaziz is noted for his responsibility over the flocks. His designation as 'the Hagrite' indicates he was from a people group descended from Hagar, often associated with the Ishmaelites, showing that David appointed capable men from various backgrounds to his administration.
Etymology
The name יָזִיז (Yaziz) is derived from the root זוּז (zûz, H2114), meaning 'to move' or 'to depart,' but in this form, it is understood as a causative verb meaning 'he will make prominent' or 'he will cause to shine.' It is related to the common noun זִיז (zîyz, H2123), meaning 'moving thing' or 'wild beast,' suggesting something conspicuous or in motion. The name thus conveys a sense of distinction or prominence.
Semantic Range
While the name Jaziz itself is not theologically loaded, its single appearance contributes to the biblical theme of God's sovereignty in administration. The inclusion of a Hagrite—a descendant of Hagar—in a key royal position under David illustrates God's providence in raising individuals from unexpected backgrounds for His purposes (cf. 1 Samuel 16:7). It subtly reinforces that God's plans often work through a diverse tapestry of people.
In ancient Israel, overseeing the king's flocks was a crucial economic role, as livestock represented wealth, food, and resources for sacrifice. That a Hagrite held this position is culturally significant; the Hagrites were a nomadic people often in conflict with Israel (1 Chronicles 5:10, 19-20). Jaziz's appointment reflects David's pragmatic and inclusive leadership, integrating a former enemy into his government, which was a rare practice in the ancient Near East.
No direct synonyms as a proper name, but related in role: נָגִיד (nagid, H5057) — a leader or ruler, a more general term for an official.
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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