a primitive root; to gaze at; mentally to perceive, contemplate (with pleasure); specifically, to have avision of; behold, look, prophesy, provide, see.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **châzâh**, represented by `{{H2372}}`, describes a specific kind of seeing that goes beyond simple sight. It appears **51 times** across **47 unique verses**. Its definition, "to gaze at; mentally to perceive, contemplate (with pleasure); specifically, to have a vision of; behold, look, prophesy, provide, see," indicates a range from intense contemplation to prophetic revelation.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H2372}}` is used in several key contexts. It is frequently associated with prophetic ministry, describing the visions received by prophets like Isaiah, Amos, and Micah ([[Isaiah 1:1]], [[Amos 1:1]], [[Micah 1:1]]). The word also conveys a deep, contemplative gazing upon God, as when the psalmist longs "to behold the beauty of the LORD" [[Psalms 27:4]]. This is further exemplified by the nobles of Israel who "saw God, and did eat and drink" in a moment of profound communion [[Exodus 24:11]]. On a more practical level, it can mean to perceive or provide, such as when Jethro advises Moses to "provide out of all the people able men" [[Exodus 18:21]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words expand upon the concept of seeing and perception:
* `{{H7200}}` **râʼâh** (to see, literally or figuratively): This is a general term for seeing. Its use alongside `{{H2372}}` can create a distinction, as when the people tell the seers, "See not," and the prophets, "Prophesy not" [[Isaiah 30:10]], suggesting `{{H2372}}` carries a more specialized, visionary sense.
* `{{H1239}}` **bâqar** (to inspect, admire, care for, consider): This word implies a deep and thoughtful inquiry. It is paired directly with `{{H2372}}` in the desire to "behold the beauty of the LORD, and to enquire in his temple" [[Psalms 27:4]], linking the act of gazing with careful consideration.
* `{{H1540}}` **gâlâh** (to reveal, uncover): This term often describes the source of a prophetic vision. False prophets fail because they have "not discovered thine iniquity" [[Lamentations 2:14]], while a true visionary experience involves having one's eyes "open" [[Numbers 24:4]].
* `{{H7080}}` **qâçam** (to divine): This word is frequently used to describe false or forbidden forms of revelation. It stands in contrast to legitimate vision from God, as seen when "the diviners have seen a lie" [[Zechariah 10:2]], using `{{H2372}}` to describe their deceitful vision.
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H2372}}` is significant, particularly in distinguishing true and false spiritual sight.
* **Prophetic Revelation:** The word is foundational to the prophetic office. The messages of prophets like Isaiah and Amos are introduced as the "vision" or "word" that they "saw" ([[Isaiah 1:1]], [[Amos 1:1]]), establishing their words as divinely sourced.
* **Contrasting Truth and Deceit:** The Bible uses `{{H2372}}` to condemn false prophets who "have seen vanity and lying divination" [[Ezekiel 13:6]] or "prophesy deceits" [[Isaiah 30:10]]. This highlights that not all who claim to "see" are conveying God's truth.
* **Beholding God's Presence:** The ultimate hope for the righteous is to see God. The psalmist finds satisfaction in beholding God's face [[Psalms 17:15]], and Job's profound declaration of faith is that "in my flesh shall I see God" [[Job 19:26]].
* **Observational Wisdom:** The term is also applied to gaining wisdom through careful observation. Seeing a diligent man [[Proverbs 22:29]] or considering the state of a field [[Proverbs 24:32]] are acts of perception that lead to understanding and instruction.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H2372}}` is far more than a simple word for "see." It denotes an intense, focused form of perception that encompasses contemplative gazing, practical discernment, and, most importantly, the visionary experience of a prophet. It serves as a critical term for understanding divine revelation, the nature of communion with God, and the vital distinction between true and false spiritual insight.
TRV