from חֹזֶה; visionary; Chozai, an Israelite; the seers.
Transliteration:Chôwzay
Pronunciation:kho-zah'-ee
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term חוֹזַי (Chôwzay, `{{H2335}}`) is derived from the root חֹזֶה (chozeh, `{{H2374}}`), which primarily signifies "seer," "beholder," or "visionary." This root is intimately connected with the act of seeing, particularly in a prophetic or revelatory sense. As a proper noun, חוֹזַי designates an individual, "Chozai," whose very name reflects this connection to prophetic insight or divine vision. The Strong's definition further broadens its semantic range to include "the seers" in a collective sense, suggesting that while it can refer to a specific person, it also inherently carries the broader meaning of those who receive and declare divine revelation. Thus, the core meaning revolves around the concept of spiritual perception and the reception of divine communication.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term חוֹזַי (Chôwzay, `{{H2335}}`) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, in [[2 Chronicles 33:19]]. This verse states: "His prayer also, and how God was entreated of him, and all his sin and his trespass, and the sites where he built high places and set up Asherim and carved images, before he humbled himself, behold, these are written in the words of Hozai." The context is the account of King Manasseh's reign, specifically his profound repentance and God's merciful response.
The phrase "the words of Hozai" (דִּבְרֵי חוֹזָי) presents an interpretive challenge. Some translations and scholars interpret חוֹזַי as a proper name, referring to a specific prophet named Hozai (or Chozai) whose writings recorded these events. This would align with other references in Chronicles to historical accounts compiled by specific prophets, such as Nathan, Gad, or Iddo. Conversely, other interpretations understand חוֹזַי as a plural noun, "the seers," referring to a collective body of prophetic writers whose records documented Manasseh's life. In this view, it would signify a collection of prophetic writings rather than a single author. Given the derivation from חֹזֶה (seer), both interpretations maintain the connection to prophetic revelation. Regardless of whether it refers to an individual or a collective, the verse underscores the importance of prophetic documentation in preserving the history of God's dealings with His people, particularly in capturing the details of a king's spiritual journey.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is the root from which חוֹזַי (Chôwzay, `{{H2335}}`) is derived: חֹזֶה (chozeh, `{{H2374}}`). This noun frequently denotes a "seer" or "visionary," often used interchangeably with or alongside נָבִיא (navi, `{{H5030}}`), the more common term for "prophet." For instance, [[2 Samuel 24:11]] refers to Gad as "the prophet Gad, David's seer" (נָבִיא גָּד חֹזֵה דָוִד). Another related term for "seer" is רֹאֶה (ro'eh, `{{H7203}}`), derived from the verb רָאָה (ra'ah, `{{H7200}}`), "to see." While נָבִיא emphasizes the *speaking* forth of God's word, חֹזֶה and רֹאֶה highlight the *seeing* or *perceiving* of divine revelation.
The concept of "vision" (חָזוֹן, chazon, `{{H2377}}`) is also intrinsically linked, referring to the content of the seer's experience. These related terms collectively paint a picture of individuals specially chosen by God to receive divine insight, whether through visions, dreams, or direct communication, and to then convey that truth to others. The existence of "the words of Hozai" points to the practice of recording these prophetic insights, forming a vital part of Israel's historical and theological memory.
### Theological Significance
The single mention of חוֹזַי (Chôwzay, `{{H2335}}`) in [[2 Chronicles 33:19]] carries significant theological weight. Firstly, it affirms the divine prerogative to communicate with humanity through chosen instruments, whether an individual seer or a collective body of prophets. This underscores God's active involvement in the history of His people, not merely as an observer but as a revelatory agent. The existence of "the words of Hozai" as a documented source highlights the importance of divine revelation being preserved and accessible, serving as a testimony to God's character and actions.
Secondly, the specific context of Manasseh's repentance is crucial. That such a profound spiritual turnaround, from idolatry to humility, was recorded in "the words of Hozai" emphasizes the prophetic role in bearing witness to God's justice and mercy. It shows that prophetic insight was not limited to pronouncements of judgment but also extended to documenting moments of grace and restoration. This reinforces the theological principle that God is faithful to respond to genuine repentance, and that His dealings with humanity are meticulously observed and recorded by those attuned to His voice. The prophetic witness, whether from a specific Hozai or a body of seers, served to validate the authenticity of Manasseh's transformation and God's redemptive power.
### Summary
חוֹזַי (Chôwzay, `{{H2335}}`) is a Hebrew term derived from חֹזֶה (chozeh, `{{H2374}}`), meaning "seer" or "visionary." It functions as a proper noun, "Chozai," but also carries the broader implication of "the seers." Its sole biblical occurrence in [[2 Chronicles 33:19]] refers to "the words of Hozai," a source documenting King Manasseh's repentance and God's response. This reference underscores the vital role of prophets and seers in receiving and recording divine revelation, thereby preserving the historical and theological narrative of God's interaction with His people. Whether an individual prophet or a collective of prophetic voices, "Hozai" represents the divine communication that attests to God's active presence, His righteous judgment, and His profound mercy in the unfolding story of salvation.
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