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אָז

𐤀𐤆

ʼâz

H227 adverb

SILEX Entry

Root uncertain to signal a specific time, to situate an event in sequence

Definition

A demonstrative adverb primarily indicating a specific point in time, usually past, meaning 'then' or 'at that time.' אָז functions to situate actions or events temporally in relation to a previously mentioned or implied context. In some constructions, it serves a logical or inferential function ('thus', 'thereupon'). Rarely, it may introduce a consequence or development, especially in poetic texts or parallelism.

Semantic Range

then, at that time, thereupon, thus, consequently, thereafter, once, at which time

Root / Etymology

Root uncertain. The word אָז is likely archaic and not transparently derived from any common Hebrew root. Some suggest a connection to a primitive Semitic adverbial demonstrative or temporal particle, but the etymology remains uncertain.

Historical & Contextual Notes

אָז occurs primarily in narrative and poetic contexts, marking a sequence of events—often transitions of importance, climactic moments, or shifts in narrative focus (e.g., Exodus 15:1, 'Then Moses and the Israelites sang...'). Its function is distinct from temporal prepositions like בְּ (in, at) or כְּ (as, like), as it points specifically to a moment in the narrative fabric. In post-exilic and later Hebrew, אָז retains its temporal nuance but sometimes further develops inferential or conjunctional uses (paralleling Aramaic and later usage). English translations often render אָז as 'then,' though this can miss subtle connections to rhetorical emphasis or signal of causal resolution in poetic structures. Unlike later Hebrew or English adverbial usage, אָז does not refer to the present or future unless situated within a narrative that already frames those as past events. While the English term 'now' may sometimes appear in translations, it is contextually tied to the sequence of prior events, not to immediate present experience. There is no ethnic or geographic connotation associated with the word. The basic sense is consistent over time, but context determines whether emphasis falls on temporal sequence, climax, or consequence.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

a demonstrative adverb; at that time or place; also as a conjunction, therefore; beginning, for, from, hitherto, now, of old, once, since, then, at which time, yet.

Bantu Hebrew

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Root Family

אז (ʾ-z) — specific time reference, sequential situating, temporal demonstration

Strong's Lemma SIBI-P1
H233 אֲזַי at that very time

Word Forms

4 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 Occurrences
H227-01 אָ֣ז az HD then at that time 119
H227-02 מֵ/אָז֩ meaz HR/D from then from then 17
H227-04 וְ/אָז֙ veaz HC/D and then and then 4
H227-03 וּ/מֵ/אָ֞ז umeaz HC/R/D For since and from that time 1

Occurrences in Scripture

141 total occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1
H227-01 Genesis 4:26 אָ֣ז az HD then at that time
H227-01 Genesis 12:6 אָ֥ז az HD then at that time
H227-01 Genesis 13:7 אָ֖ז az HD then at that time
H227-01 Genesis 24:41 אָ֤ז az HD then at that time
H227-02 Genesis 39:5 מֵ/אָז֩ meaz HR/D from then from then
H227-01 Genesis 49:4 אָ֥ז az HD then at that time
H227-02 Exodus 4:10 מֵ/אָ֥ז meaz HR/D since from then
H227-01 Exodus 4:26 אָ֚ז az HD then at that time
H227-03 Exodus 5:23 וּ/מֵ/אָ֞ז umeaz HC/R/D For since and from that time
H227-02 Exodus 9:24 מֵ/אָ֖ז meaz HR/D since from then
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