Lexical Summary azay: Then, at that time Original Word: אֲזַי Strong's Exhaustive Concordance then Probably from 'az; at that time -- then. see HEBREW 'az NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originprobably from az Definition then, in that case NASB Translation then (3). Brown-Driver-Briggs אֲזַי = אָז (probably a dialectic form; compare Aramaic אֱדַיִן) then, in that case Psalm 124:3; Psalm 124:4; Psalm 124:5, in apodosis after לוּלֵי compare אָז Psalm 119:92. Topical Lexicon Meaning and Narrative Function Although the adverb אֲזַי occurs only three times, all within Psalm 124, its placement at the head of verses 3, 4 and 5 supplies a dramatic pivot in the psalmist’s rehearsal of Israel’s story. Following the double condition “If the LORD had not been on our side” (Psalm 124:1-2), the word introduces the cascading consequences that would have ensued. It therefore signals a decisive “then” which heightens the contrast between threatened destruction and the covenant-keeper’s rescue. Occurrences and Immediate Context Psalm 124:3 – “then they would have swallowed us alive, when their anger flared against us;” Psalm 124:4 – “then the floods would have engulfed us, the torrent would have overwhelmed us;” Psalm 124:5 – “then the raging waters would have swept us away.” Each instance accompanies an escalating image: predatory enemies (verse 3), engulfing waters (verse 4), and roaring torrents (verse 5). By repeating the adverb, David constructs a triplet of hypothetical disasters, making the delivered outcome (“Blessed be the LORD,” verse 6) all the more astounding. Role within Psalm 124’s Structure 1. Conditional introduction (verses 1-2) The single psalm thus frames faith’s logic: covenant presence ➝ hypothetical calamity ➝ actual deliverance. The strategically placed אֲזַי turns the congregation’s gaze from what might have been to what actually is—a literary technique that favors gratitude over fear. Theological Significance 1. Divine Sovereignty. By piling up calamities that never materialize, the text asserts that history is steered, not by hostile forces or chaotic waters, but by the LORD who “has not given us as prey to their teeth” (Psalm 124:6). Historical and Liturgical Use Psalm 124 belongs to the Songs of Ascents (Psalms 120-134), likely sung by pilgrims en route to Jerusalem’s feasts. Repetition of אֲזַי would have echoed through processional chants, allowing each participant to feel the weight of threatened extinction and the relief of divine help. In later Jewish tradition the psalm became part of daily prayers, and in Christian liturgy it is still read after corporate confession, reinforcing assurance of pardon. Implications for Ministry Today • Pastoral Counseling: When believers replay scenes of “what might have been,” Psalm 124 offers a biblical template. Encourage them to articulate the hypothetical “then,” only to set it beside God’s proven faithfulness. Literary Echoes in Scripture While אֲזַי itself does not reappear elsewhere in the Old Testament, the pattern of conditional clause followed by a decisive “then” recurs: Doctrinal Harmony The threefold use of אֲזַי affirms the unity of Scripture’s message: divine intervention stands between humanity and otherwise certain ruin. The New Testament celebrates that same pattern in Jesus Christ, “who rescues us from the coming wrath” (1 Thessalonians 1:10). Conclusion Though small and rare, אֲזַי anchors one of Israel’s most vibrant testimonies to deliverance. Its rhythmic recurrence in Psalm 124 invites every generation to linger over the perils from which the LORD has spared His people and to respond with lifelong praise. Forms and Transliterations אֲ֭זַי אזי ’ă·zay ’ăzay AzaiLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Psalm 124:3 HEB: אֲ֭זַי חַיִּ֣ים בְּלָע֑וּנוּ NAS: Then they would have swallowed KJV: Then they had swallowed us up quick, INT: Then alive have swallowed Psalm 124:4 Psalm 124:5 3 Occurrences |
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