The Hebrew word ʼâz, represented by H227, is a demonstrative adverb used to mark a specific point in time or place. It appears 22 times across 22 unique verses. Its usage is versatile, translated as then, of old, since, now, from the beginning, or when, serving to ground narratives in a particular moment or to show a consequential relationship between events.
In biblical usage, H227 provides critical context. It can establish a historical setting, as seen when Abram arrives in Sichem and the text notes, "the Canaanite was then in the land" Genesis 12:6. It is frequently used to mark the moment of fulfillment or consequence. In the song of Moses, the fear of surrounding nations is a direct result of God's mighty acts: "Then the dukes of Edom shall be amazed" Exodus 15:15. The word also points to the ancient past, establishing the eternal nature of God's rule: "Thy throne is established of old" Psalms 93:2. In other contexts, it marks a starting point for a duration of time, as when the LORD's blessing was upon an Egyptian's house "from the time" Joseph was made overseer Genesis 39:5.
Several related words help clarify the timing and declaration of events often marked by H227:
- H1696 dâbar (to speak): This word is often linked to a moment defined by H227. In Joshua 14:10, Caleb's statement is anchored to the time "since the LORD spake this word unto Moses." This shows H227 marking the specific point of a divine promise or command.
- H5046 nâgad (to declare, announce): This highlights God's foreknowledge. God states He has declared the former things "from the beginning" H227 Isaiah 48:3 and told Israel of events from "that time" H227 so they would be His witnesses Isaiah 44:8.
- H935 bôwʼ (to come, come to pass): This word signifies the fulfillment of a prophecy. A true prophet is known when his word shall come to pass, and "then" H227 it is confirmed the LORD sent him Jeremiah 28:9. This connects the timing of an event to its prior declaration.
The theological weight of H227 is significant, particularly in demonstrating God's sovereignty over time and history.
- Divine Foreknowledge: The word is used by Isaiah to emphasize that God declared events "from the beginning" H227 so that Israel could not attribute them to idols, thereby proving God's unique power and knowledge Isaiah 48:5.
- Marking Covenant Faithfulness: Caleb uses H227 to measure the forty-five years "since the LORD spake this word unto Moses," providing a tangible marker of God's faithfulness in preserving him as promised Joshua 14:10.
- Points of Divine Judgment: H227 can signify a moment of divine anger or judgment. The question is posed, "who may stand in thy sight when once thou art angry?" Psalms 76:7, highlighting a specific point in time when God's wrath is revealed.
In summary, H227 functions as a crucial biblical signpost. More than a simple reference to "then" or "when," it precisely anchors events to a specific moment, whether in the distant past ("of old"), as a direct consequence of a prior action, or as the starting point from which God's promises unfold. It serves to structure historical narratives, frame prophetic declarations, and ultimately underscore the doctrine of God's absolute sovereignty and faithfulness throughout time.
TRV