Lexical Summary az: Strong, mighty, fierce Original Word: עַז Strong's Exhaustive Concordance fierce, greedy, mighty, power, roughly, strong From azaz; strong, vehement, harsh -- fierce, + greedy, mighty, power, roughly, strong. see HEBREW azaz NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom azaz Definition strong, mighty, fierce NASB Translation fierce (2), fierce men (1), greedy* (1), insolent* (1), mighty (2), power (1), raging (1), roughly (1), strong (10), strong ones (1), stronger (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs עַז adjective strong, mighty, fierce; — ׳ע absolute Numbers 13:28 2t., עָז Judges 14:18, עָ֑ז Amos 5:9 4t.; עַז construct Deuteronomy 28:50; Daniel 8:23; feminine עַזָּה Exodus 14:21 2t.; plural עַזִּים Ezekiel 7:24 3t.; feminine עַזּוֺת Proverbs 18:23; construct עַזֵּי Isaiah 56:11; — strong, mighty, wind Exodus 14:21 (J); border Numbers 21:24 (JE), but read probably יַעְזֵר (ᵐ5 Di and others) Ya`zer was t. border; of people Proverbs 30:25 (figurative of ants), מַיִם עַזִּים Isaiah 43:16 ("" הַיָּם), Nehemiah 9:11; of love Songs 8:6; = substantive the mighty Amos 5:9; Ezekiel 7:24 + Proverbs 24:5 (of physical force; reading טוֺב מֵעַז or the like ᵐ5 ᵑ6 ᵑ7 KmpKau Wild Toy); formidable, fierce, of lion Judges 14:18, so (= substantive) Judges 14:14, of king Isaiah 19:4 ("" אֲדֹנִים קָשֶׁה, of people Numbers 13:28 (JE), Isaiah 25:3 ("" עָרִיצִים); of enemy 2 Samuel 22:18 = Psalm 18:18, so as substantive Psalm 59:4; עַז מָּנִים Deuteronomy 28:50 fierce of countenance, Daniel 8:23, so perhaps = impudent Ecclesiastes 8:1 (reading עַז for עֹז q. v. ); of anger (אַף) Genesis 49:7 (poem in J), wrath (חֵמָה) Proverbs 21:14; הַכְּלָבִים עַזֵּינֶֿפֶשׁ Isaiah 56:11 dogs fierce of appetite ("" לֹא יָָֽדְעוּ שָׂבְעָה); feminine plural as adverb accusative יַעֲנֶה עַזּוֺת Proverbs 18:23 the rich answereth fiercely. Topical Lexicon Core Meaning and Scopeעַז (ʿaz) portrays concentrated force—physical, emotional, or moral—that may work either for protection or for oppression. The term ranges from the raw power of invading armies to the passionate intensity of covenant love. Each occurrence underscores that every form of human or natural strength remains secondary to the LORD’s sovereign might. Distribution across Scripture The twenty-four appearances cluster in five main settings: patriarchal blessing (Genesis 49), narratives of deliverance (Exodus 14; Nehemiah 9; Isaiah 43), military confrontation (Numbers, Judges, Samuel, Amos), wisdom instruction (Proverbs, Song of Solomon), and prophetic oracles concerning nations and the end of the age (Isaiah, Ezekiel, Daniel). The word’s flexibility allows a single root to illuminate both the dread of ruthless powers and the steadfast security found in God. Strength and Primacy in Patriarchal Blessing In Jacob’s oracle Reuben is called “excelling in power” (Genesis 49:3) while Simeon and Levi’s anger is condemned “for it is fierce” (Genesis 49:7). The juxtaposition sets a lifelong pattern: true strength is honorable only when submitted to righteousness; otherwise it becomes destructive. Fierceness in Human Anger and Oppression Deuteronomy 28:50 forewarns “a ruthless nation with no respect for the old and no pity for the young,” and Daniel 8:23 predicts “a fierce king” who will arise in the latter days. Amos echoes the theme: God “flashes destruction on the strong” (Amos 5:9), reminding every generation that unbridled power invites divine judgment. Proverbs personalizes the warning: “The rich man answers harshly” (Proverbs 18:23) and “a concealed bribe pacifies great wrath” (Proverbs 21:14). The same intensity that builds empires can corrode ordinary relationships. Divine Deliverance Through Mighty Waters When Moses stretched out his hand, “the LORD drove back the sea with a strong east wind” (Exodus 14:21). Centuries later Nehemiah recalls that the pursuers were cast “into the depths like a stone into raging waters” (Nehemiah 9:11). Isaiah celebrates the same event: the LORD “makes a way in the sea and a path through surging waters” (Isaiah 43:16). Human strength is helpless before the power that commands creation for redemption. Military Strength and Warring Powers The spies concede, “the people living in the land are strong” (Numbers 13:28). Israel herself becomes strong enough to defeat Sihon, yet must halt at Ammon “because their border was fortified” (Numbers 21:24). Samson’s riddle turns the battlefield image inward: “out of the strong came something sweet” (Judges 14:14), hinting that God can reverse expected outcomes. David’s song testifies, “He rescued me from my powerful enemy” (2 Samuel 22:18; Psalm 18:17). Warfare exposes the limits of human might and the necessity of divine intervention. Wisdom Literature on Societal Dynamics “Fierce men conspire against me” (Psalm 59:3) contrasts with “ants are creatures of little strength, yet they store up their food” (Proverbs 30:25). Strength without prudence threatens community; weakness disciplined by foresight prevails. The Song of Solomon draws the highest comparison: “Love is as strong as death” (Song of Solomon 8:6). The ultimate power is covenantal, sacrificial love—a theme fulfilled in the gospel. Prophetic Warnings and Eschatological Visions Isaiah denounces “a fierce king” over Egypt (Isaiah 19:4) but promises that “a strong people will honor You” (Isaiah 25:3) and that “We have a strong city; He sets up salvation as its walls” (Isaiah 26:1). Ezekiel pictures the “pride of the mighty” brought low (Ezekiel 7:24). The prophets contrast ruthless strength that will be shattered with redeemed strength that endures in the kingdom of God. Theology of Strength: Human versus Divine Every use of עַז invites comparison between finite power and the LORD’s omnipotence. When strength serves His purposes, it protects, delivers, and builds. When it defies Him, it devolves into fierceness, cruelty, or arrogant self-reliance. Scripture consistently shows God overruling the former and overthrowing the latter. Practical Ministry Implications 1. Encourage godly boldness: courage rooted in obedience, not aggression. Summary עַז reveals that strength is never neutral. It is either harnessed under God for blessing or turned against Him for judgment. From the patriarchs to the prophets, from Red Sea deliverance to eschatological hope, Scripture presents one consistent message: “The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth; He will not grow weary” (Isaiah 40:28). All other power is derivative, accountable, and ultimately subordinate to Him. Forms and Transliterations וּמֵעַ֖ז ומעז עַ֔ז עַ֖ז עַ֣ז עַז֙ עַזִ֑ים עַזִּ֔ים עַזִּ֖ים עַזִּֽים׃ עַזֵּי־ עַזָּ֤ה עַזָּֽה׃ עַזָּה֙ עַזּֽוֹת׃ עַז־ עָ֑ז עָ֔ז עָֽז׃ עָז־ עז עז־ עז׃ עזה עזה׃ עזות׃ עזי־ עזים עזים׃ ‘a·zîm ‘az ‘āz ‘az- ‘āz- ‘az·zāh ‘az·zê- ‘az·zîm ‘az·zō·wṯ ‘azîm ‘azzāh ‘azzê- ‘azzîm ‘azzōwṯ Az aZim azZah azzei azZim azZot oz ū·mê·‘az ūmê‘az umeAzLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Genesis 49:3 HEB: שְׂאֵ֖ת וְיֶ֥תֶר עָֽז׃ NAS: in dignity and preeminent in power. KJV: and the excellency of power: INT: dignity and preeminent power Genesis 49:7 Exodus 14:21 Numbers 13:28 Numbers 21:24 Deuteronomy 28:50 Judges 14:14 Judges 14:18 2 Samuel 22:18 Nehemiah 9:11 Psalm 18:17 Psalm 59:3 Proverbs 18:23 Proverbs 21:14 Proverbs 30:25 Songs 8:6 Isaiah 19:4 Isaiah 25:3 Isaiah 26:1 Isaiah 43:16 Isaiah 56:11 Ezekiel 7:24 Daniel 8:23 Amos 5:9 24 Occurrences |
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