Lexical Summary yaaz: To advise, counsel, consult, determine Original Word: יָעַז Strong's Exhaustive Concordance to be bold or obstinateA primitive root; to be bold or obstinate: d-fierce. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origina prim. root Definition perhaps barbarous NASB Translation fierce (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs [יָעַז] verb only Niph`al Participle as adjective (precise meaning dubious; Arabic יעזיאל, יעזיהו see below עזה. יַעְזִרִ see below עזר. p. 741. Topical Lexicon Biblical SettingThe solitary appearance of יָעַז (Strong’s 3267) occurs in Isaiah 33:19, situated in a prophetic oracle that contrasts the coming reign of the LORD in Zion with the downfall of His enemies. The verse promises Judah that, once the LORD intervenes, they “will no longer see the insolent people, people of confusing speech you cannot comprehend, with a strange tongue you cannot understand” (Isaiah 33:19). The word paints an unforgettable picture of an overbearing, intimidating foreign nation whose very presence had once struck fear into Jerusalem’s streets. Historical Background Isaiah chapters 28–35 revolve around Assyrian aggression (circa 701 BC) and Judah’s temptation to rely on human alliances. Assyria epitomized military ferocity and cultural arrogance; its language would have sounded threateningly alien inside Jerusalem’s walls. By using יָעַז, Isaiah captures that oppressive force in a single term. Yet the prophecy was fulfilled when the LORD struck the Assyrian army (Isaiah 37:36-38), making good on His promise that Judah would “not see” those haughty invaders again. Literary Nuance and Imagery 1. Untranslatable Speech: The verse highlights the invaders’ unintelligible tongue, emphasizing Israel’s isolation and vulnerability. Throughout Scripture an unknown language often symbolizes judgment (Deuteronomy 28:49; Jeremiah 5:15; 1 Corinthians 14:21). Theological Significance • Divine Deliverance: יָעַז underscores that no matter how fierce the foe, the LORD’s intervention removes the dread. “The LORD is our Judge, the LORD is our Lawgiver, the LORD is our King; He will save us” (Isaiah 33:22). • Judgment on Pride: Scripture consistently depicts prideful nations as temporary actors in God’s redemptive drama (Habakkuk 2:4-14; Daniel 4:30-37). Isaiah 33:19 anticipates the humbling of every arrogant power before the throne of the Messiah (Philippians 2:10-11). • Assurance of Zion’s Security: In prophetic literature, Zion becomes the focal point of God’s kingdom. The disappearance of the יָעַז-people prefigures the ultimate peace of the New Jerusalem (Revelation 21:4, 8, 27). Practical Ministry Applications • Encouragement amid Opposition: Believers facing cultural hostility can take heart that God can remove or silence every insolent voice in His timing. • Call to Humility: The fate of the יָעַז warns against adopting a proud posture in personal life or ministry. “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble” (James 4:6). • Mission among the Nations: While Isaiah 33:19 depicts foreign speech as frightening, Pentecost reverses the image by making diverse tongues instruments of blessing (Acts 2:4-11). The same God who once judged through unintelligible speech now proclaims salvation in every language. Christological Perspective Jesus Christ embodies the end of every arrogant power. In His first advent He entered the world in humility (Philippians 2:6-8), confronting the spiritual forces behind earthly tyranny. At His return He will consummate Isaiah’s vision, eternally banishing every manifestation of יָעַז. Related Themes and Cross-References • God’s mastery over nations: Psalm 2; Isaiah 40:15 – 17 Conclusion Though יָעַז appears only once, it encapsulates the Scripture’s consistent storyline: God judges the proud, rescues His people, and establishes an unshakable kingdom. For the believer, Isaiah 33:19 is both a memorial of past deliverance and a prophecy of future peace—a reminder that every insolent voice will one day fall silent before the Prince of Peace. Forms and Transliterations נוֹעָ֖ז נועז nō·w·‘āz noAz nōw‘āzLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Isaiah 33:19 HEB: אֶת־ עַ֥ם נוֹעָ֖ז לֹ֣א תִרְאֶ֑ה NAS: longer see a fierce people, KJV: Thou shalt not see a fierce people, INT: people A fierce will no see 1 Occurrence |
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is give a nod or sign, then command, whence Hebrew might have meaning nodding, making signs (not intelligibly speaking), so Hi — Che barbarous, De 'ungeberdig' — which context favours, or arrogant; Thes proposes durus, saevus, and compare עזז) — in phrase עַם נוֺעָז