Lexical Summary machazeh: Vision Original Word: מַחֲזֶה Strong's Exhaustive Concordance vision From chazah; a vision -- vision. see HEBREW chazah NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom chazah Definition a vision NASB Translation vision (4). Brown-Driver-Briggs מַחֲזֶה noun [masculine] vision — absolute ׳מ Genesis 15:1; construct מַחֲזֵה Numbers 24:4,16; Ezekiel 13:7; — vision, in the ecstatic state מַחֲזֵה שָׁוְא ("" מִקְסַם כָּזָב) Ezekiel 13:7 of the false prophets; מַחֲזֵה שַׁדַּי Numbers 24:4,16 (J E; poems of Balaam); אֶלאַֿבְרָם בַּמַּחֲזֶה ׳הָיָה דְבַר י Genesis 15:1 (R) the word of ׳י came unto Abram in a vision. Topical Lexicon Essence of מַחֲזֶהThe word denotes an encounter with the living God by means of a divinely granted sight-experience. It is never used for mere imagination or dreamlike speculation; every occurrence is tied to prophetic revelation that carries covenantal weight and moral authority. Canonical Occurrences • Genesis 15:1 presents the term at one of Scripture’s great turning points—Abram’s covenantal assurance: “After these events, the word of the LORD came to Abram in a vision, saying, ‘Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield; your reward will be very great.’” The vision frames the formal ratification of God’s promises and anchors future salvation history. • Numbers 24:4 and 24:16 apply the word to Balaam, emphasizing that even a Gentile seer can be made to “see a vision from the Almighty,” demonstrating Yahweh’s sovereign freedom to speak through unlikely vessels while still furthering His redemptive plan for Israel. • Ezekiel 13:7 employs the noun negatively when the Lord indicts false prophets: “Have you not seen a false vision and spoken a lying divination when you said, ‘This is the declaration of the LORD,’ even though I have not spoken?” The passage contrasts authentic מַחֲזֶה with counterfeit claims, underlining the need for spiritual discernment. Revelatory Character 1. Objective Reality A מַחֲזֶה is not subjective intuition; it is a God-initiated disclosure in real time and space, often accompanied by the “word of the LORD.” The term therefore binds sight and speech, sensory perception and verbal proclamation. 2. Covenant Administration In Genesis it buttresses the divine oath to Abram; in Numbers it affirms the irrevocable blessing on Israel; in Ezekiel it polices the prophetic office. Each occurrence intersects with the unfolding covenant narrative. 3. Prophetic Authentication True visions validate the messenger. False visions, like those condemned in Ezekiel, bring divine judgment. The term thus functions as a litmus test for spiritual authenticity. Historical Setting • Patriarchal Period: Abram receives revelation prior to the formal establishment of Israel, showing that visionary speech precedes and shapes redemptive history. Ministry Implications 1. Foundation for Faith The term reminds believers that faith is grounded in historical revelation, not private speculation (cf. Hebrews 11:1–3). 2. Guardrails for Teaching Modern ministry must submit to the canonized visions already given. Scripture, the completed record of divine מַחֲזֶה, remains the final authority (2 Timothy 3:16–17). 3. Discernment of Spirits Distinguishing genuine from spurious revelation is a perennial task (1 John 4:1). Ezekiel’s warning speaks to every generation that encounters deceptive claims. Christological and Eschatological Horizon Abram’s vision sets the trajectory toward the Seed (Galatians 3:16). Balaam’s vision anticipates the coming King: “I see Him, but not now; I behold Him, but not near” (Numbers 24:17). Authentic visions culminate in the incarnate Word, Jesus Christ, and look forward to the consummating sight of His glory (Revelation 22:4). Related Concepts חָזוֹן (ḥāzôn) – broader term for prophecy; דָּבָר (dāḇār) – the communicated word; רוּחַ (rûaḥ) – the Spirit who empowers revelation. Together they define the triad of prophetic experience: Spirit, Word, Vision. Summary מַחֲזֶה anchors pivotal moments in redemptive history, authenticates God’s messengers, exposes false pretenders, and ultimately directs attention to the promised Messiah. Its fourfold biblical usage urges today’s church to cherish the sufficiency of Scripture, cultivate spiritual discernment, and live in expectant hope of the final, unmediated vision of the Lord. Forms and Transliterations בַּֽמַּחֲזֶ֖ה במחזה מַֽחֲזֵה־ מַחֲזֵ֤ה מחזה מחזה־ bam·ma·ḥă·zeh bammachaZeh bammaḥăzeh ma·ḥă·zêh ma·ḥă·zêh- machaZeh maḥăzêh maḥăzêh-Links Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Genesis 15:1 HEB: אֶל־ אַבְרָ֔ם בַּֽמַּחֲזֶ֖ה לֵאמֹ֑ר אַל־ NAS: to Abram in a vision, saying, KJV: unto Abram in a vision, saying, INT: to Abram A vision saying not Numbers 24:4 Numbers 24:16 Ezekiel 13:7 4 Occurrences |
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