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עַז

𐤏𐤆

ʻaz

H5794 adjective

SILEX Entry

Root עַזז to be strong, to prevail, to be firm

Definition

Having strength or might; exhibiting intensity or forcefulness in character or action. Often used to describe individuals, animals, or phenomena possessing conspicuous physical, moral, or social power and fortitude. In some contexts, denotes fierce or harsh qualities, emphasizing intensity or severity rather than simple strength. Can be used of both positive traits (valor, strength of character) and negative ones (fierceness, severity, greed).

Semantic Range

strong, mighty, fierce, harsh, intense, greedy, vehement, bold, impetuous, severe

Root / Etymology

Root/Etymology: From the root עזז (ʻzz), meaning 'to be strong, to prevail, to be firm.' The adjective עַז builds directly on this root, signifying a quality or state characterized by strength or intensity. Derived nominal and adjectival forms generally express aspects of strength, might, or vividness, whether physical, emotional, or social.

Historical & Contextual Notes

In the Hebrew Bible, עַז is a versatile adjective applied variously to persons (e.g. warriors), animals (notably lions), and abstract qualities (such as trust, anger, or even greed). In pre-exilic and monarchic texts, it often denotes valor or strength, especially in the context of warfare or leadership, but can also highlight harshness or severity in judgment, speech, or behavior. During later periods, semantic development sometimes emphasizes intense or vehement emotion (e.g. anger, love) or the idea of impetuous appetite (e.g. greed). English translations frequently narrow the sense to 'mighty' or 'strong,' but biblical usage can also imply negative overtones like 'fierce' or 'harsh.' When juxtaposed with words like חָסִיד ('faithful, loyal'), עַז can have a contrasting nuance, focusing less on moral alignment and more on intensity of character or outcome.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from עָזַז; strong, vehement, harsh; fierce, [phrase] greedy, mighty, power, roughly, strong.

Bantu Hebrew

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Root Family

עזז (ʿ-z-z) — to be strong, to prevail, to be firm

Strong's Lemma SIBI-P1
H4581 מָעוֹז in a stronghold of
H4590 מַעַזְיָה to Yah-is-Refuge
H5795 עֵז in the goats
H5797 עֹז my strength
H5798 עֻזָּא in Strength

Word Forms

6 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 Occurrences
H5794-01 עָֽז az HNcmsa strong strong 14
H5794-04 עַזִּ֖ים azim HAampa mighty mighty ones 4
H5794-02 עַזָּה֙ azah HAafsa strong Strong-One 3
H5794-05 עַזּֽוֹת azot HAafpa roughly strong ones 1
H5794-03 עַזֵּי azey HAampc greedy mighty ones of 1
H5794-06 וּ/מֵ/עַ֖ז umeaz HC/R/Aamsa And out of strength and from strength 1

Occurrences in Scripture

24 total occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1
H5794-01 Genesis 49:3 עָֽז az HNcmsa in power strong
H5794-01 Genesis 49:7 עָ֔ז az HAamsa it was fierce strong
H5794-02 Exodus 14:21 עַזָּה֙ azah HAafsa strong Strong-One
H5794-01 Numbers 13:28 עַ֣ז az HAamsa strong strong
H5794-01 Numbers 21:24 עַ֔ז az HAamsa strong strong
H5794-01 Deuteronomy 28:50 עַ֣ז az HAamsc fierce strong
H5794-06 Judges 14:14 וּ/מֵ/עַ֖ז umeaz HC/R/Aamsa And out of strength and from strength
H5794-01 Judges 14:18 עַ֖ז az HAamsa stronger strong
H5794-01 2 Samuel 22:18 עָ֑ז az HAamsa strong strong
H5794-01 Isaiah 19:4 עַז֙ az HAamsa fierce strong
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