חָזוּת

חָזוּת

a look; hence (figuratively) striking appearance, revelation, or (by implication) compact

Definition

The Hebrew noun חָזוּת (chazuth) primarily denotes a 'vision' or 'revelation' received from God, as seen in Daniel 8:5 where Daniel beholds a vision of a ram. It can also refer to the content or message of such a vision, which can be sealed and unreadable to the uninitiated (Isaiah 29:11). By extension, the word develops a figurative sense of a 'pact' or 'covenant agreement,' likely because such agreements were solemnly witnessed or 'seen' as binding, as in Isaiah 28:18 where God's 'covenant with death' is called a חָזוּת.

Biblical Usage

This word is used five times in the Old Testament, exclusively in the prophetic books of Isaiah and Daniel. In Isaiah, it is used for both divine visions (Isaiah 21:2) and for a solemn, but ultimately false, covenant (Isaiah 28:18). In Daniel, it refers specifically to the apocalyptic visions received by the prophet (Daniel 8:5, 8:8). The usage shows a pattern of moving from the act of seeing a revelation to the binding nature of what is revealed.

Etymology

Derived from the root חָזָה (H2372), meaning 'to see,' 'to behold,' or 'to perceive.' חָזוּת is a noun form indicating the thing seen or the result of the seeing action. Its semantic range developed from a simple 'look' or 'sight' to the more specialized prophetic 'vision' and finally to the metaphorical 'covenant,' which is something 'seen' or witnessed as binding.

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant as it bridges divine communication and human covenant. It highlights that true revelation (חָזוּת) comes from God, as in Daniel's visions, and stands in contrast to human-made, futile agreements like the 'covenant with death' in Isaiah 28:18. Understanding this term enriches reading by showing how biblical prophecy is rooted in divine sight and how covenants are understood as solemn, witnessed realities. In the ancient Near East, covenants and treaties were formal, witnessed agreements, often sealed with oaths and signs. The use of חָזוּת for a 'covenant' taps into this cultural understanding of a binding pact that is publicly established and 'seen.' A sealed vision (Isaiah 29:11) reflects the practice of securing important documents, indicating its authoritative and potentially hidden nature until the proper time. חָזוֹן (chazon, H2377) — A more common term for 'vision' or 'oracle,' often emphasizing the prophetic message itself. מַרְאָה (mar'ah, H4759) — A 'vision' or 'appearance,' frequently used for supernatural sights seen by prophets. בְּרִית (berith, H1285) — The primary word for 'covenant,' a formal alliance or pact, whereas חָזוּת implies the covenantal agreement as a witnessed vision.

Word Details