Lexical Summary izzuz: mighty man, strong Original Word: עִזּוּז Strong's Exhaustive Concordance power, strong From azaz; forcible; collectively and concretely, an army -- power, strong. see HEBREW azaz NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom 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.” “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). 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). Related Concepts and Cross-References • Divine names emphasizing strength: “LORD of Hosts” (Psalm 46:7), “Mighty One of Jacob” (Isaiah 49:26). 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·zūzLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman'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 2 Occurrences |