5808. izzuz
Lexical Summary
izzuz: mighty man, strong

Original Word: עִזּוּז
Part of Speech: Adjective
Transliteration: `izzuwz
Pronunciation: iz-ZOOZ
Phonetic Spelling: (iz-zooz')
KJV: power, strong
NASB: mighty man, strong
Word Origin: [from H5810 (עָזַז - prevail)]

1. forcible
2. collectively and concretely, an army

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance
power, strong

From azaz; forcible; collectively and concretely, an army -- power, strong.

see HEBREW azaz

NAS Exhaustive Concordance
Word Origin
from azaz
Definition
mighty, powerful
NASB Translation
mighty man (1), strong (1).

Brown-Driver-Briggs
עִזּוּז adjective mighty, powerful; — of an army Isaiah 43:17; of ׳י Psalm 24:8.

Topical Lexicon
Term Essence

עִזּוּז signifies dynamic, prevailing strength in the sense of battle-worthy power. Far more than raw force, it describes potency that secures decisive victory and inspires reverent awe.

Scriptural Occurrences

1. Psalm 24:8

“Who is this King of Glory? The LORD strong and mighty, the LORD mighty in battle.”
2. Isaiah 43:17

“who brings out the chariot and horse, the army and the mighty warrior. They lie down together, never to rise again; they are extinguished, quenched like a wick.”

Psalm 24:8 – The Royal Warrior-King

In the enthronement hymn of Psalm 24, עִזּוּז frames the LORD as victor returning from conquest. The term accentuates that His kingship is not ceremonial but earned on the field of conflict. The psalm envisions covenant people opening ancient gates to welcome their triumphant Sovereign. The title “King of Glory” gains weight from עִזּוּז: the One entering possesses unconquerable power, rendering all rival forces impotent.

Isaiah 43:17 – Redemptive Judgment

Within Isaiah’s “New Exodus” oracle, עִזּוּז depicts the might of Egypt’s forces that God overwhelms. The prophet recalls chariot, horse, army, and “mighty warrior” sinking beneath the sea. By attributing עִזּוּז to the enemy, the text magnifies the LORD’s supremacy: even the world’s strongest collapse under His sovereign hand. The passage roots Israel’s future hope in a historical pattern—God nullifies every opposing might to preserve His people.

Theological Themes

• Divine Warrior Motif: In both occurrences, עִזּוּז is inseparable from battle imagery. Whether applied to Yahweh or to human armies, it underscores that ultimate victory belongs to the LORD (Proverbs 21:31).
• Covenant Faithfulness: By wielding invincible power, God safeguards His covenant purposes—delivering Israel at the Red Sea, enthroning the Messiah, and finally subduing all enemies under His feet (1 Corinthians 15:25).
• Paradox of Strength: Human עִזּוּז is transient (Isaiah 43:17); divine עִזּוּז is everlasting (Psalm 24:8). Scripture consistently contrasts creaturely might with the Creator’s unassailable power (Psalm 33:16-17).

Historical Background

Psalm 24 likely accompanied processions ascending Mount Zion, dramatizing the ark’s entrance into the sanctuary. Its use of עִזּוּז would have reminded worshipers of victories such as Jericho or David’s campaigns, reinforcing present trust. Isaiah’s prophecy, delivered to exiles or soon-to-be exiles, evokes the Exodus (Exodus 15:4) to assure a coming deliverance greater than Pharaoh’s defeat.

Christological Fulfillment

Early church tradition hears Psalm 24 in Christ’s ascension. The gates of Heaven lift for the risen Lord, “mighty in battle,” having conquered sin and death (Hebrews 2:14). At the cross and empty tomb, divine עִזּוּז reaches its climactic display, confirming Jesus as both Son of David and eternal King of Glory.

Ministry and Devotional Application

• Worship: Believers approach God with joyous confidence, declaring His prevailing might in song and liturgy (Revelation 5:12).
• Spiritual Warfare: Ephesians 6:10 echoes the term’s sense—“be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power”—calling saints to rely on Christ’s proven עִזּוּז rather than personal resolve.
• Pastoral Encouragement: When congregations face cultural pressures or personal trials, leaders can anchor hope in the God who still drowns every adversarial force, whether external persecution or internal sin (Romans 8:31-39).

Related Concepts and Cross-References

• Divine names emphasizing strength: “LORD of Hosts” (Psalm 46:7), “Mighty One of Jacob” (Isaiah 49:26).
• Victory psalms: Psalm 18; Psalm 110.
• New Testament echoes: Colossians 2:15, Revelation 19:11-16.

Summary

עִזּוּז encapsulates the undefeatable potency of God that secures covenant victory and undergirds faith. Whether announcing the King of Glory or toppling the mightiest armies, Scripture wields this term to remind every generation that true power belongs to the LORD alone.

Forms and Transliterations
וְעִזּ֑וּז ועזוז עִזּ֣וּז עזוז ‘iz·zūz ‘izzūz izZuz veizZuz wə‘izzūz wə·‘iz·zūz
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Interlinear GreekInterlinear HebrewStrong's NumbersEnglishman's Greek ConcordanceEnglishman's Hebrew ConcordanceParallel Texts
Englishman's Concordance
Psalm 24:8
HEB: הַכָּ֫ב֥וֹד יְ֭הוָה עִזּ֣וּז וְגִבּ֑וֹר יְ֝הוָ֗ה
NAS: The LORD strong and mighty,
KJV: The LORD strong and mighty,
INT: glorious the LORD strong and mighty the LORD

Isaiah 43:17
HEB: וָס֖וּס חַ֣יִל וְעִזּ֑וּז יַחְדָּ֤ו יִשְׁכְּבוּ֙
NAS: The army and the mighty man (They will lie down
KJV: the army and the power; they shall lie down
INT: and the horse the army and the mighty together will lie

2 Occurrences

Strong's Hebrew 5808
2 Occurrences


‘iz·zūz — 1 Occ.
wə·‘iz·zūz — 1 Occ.

5807
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