### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **chôzeh**, represented by `{{H2374}}`, is an active participle meaning "a beholder in vision." It is primarily translated as **seer** or **prophet**, but can also refer to a **compact** or **agreement**. Occurring 22 times in 22 unique verses, the term is applied to individuals who receive divine revelation and, in a negative context, to those who engage in illegitimate forms of divination like stargazing.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H2374}}` is often used to denote an official prophetic role, particularly one associated with a king. Several figures are identified by this title, including Gad, "David's seer" [[2 Samuel 24:11]], Asaph the seer [[2 Chronicles 29:30]], and Heman the king's seer [[1 Chronicles 25:5]]. The word also distinguishes between true and false prophecy. Ezekiel condemns prophets who are "seeing vanity" and "divining lies" [[Ezekiel 22:28]]. In a distinct usage, Isaiah describes a covenant with death as an **agreement** `{{H2374}}` with hell [[Isaiah 28:15]], highlighting its secondary meaning of a pact. In another context, it is used pejoratively for the "stargazers" of Babylon [[Isaiah 47:13]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words expand upon the concepts of vision and prophecy:
* `{{H2372}}` **châzâh**: This is the root verb meaning "to gaze at; mentally to perceive" or "to have a vision of." It is the action a **chôzeh** performs, such as when the people told the prophets, "**Prophesy** not unto us right things" [[Isaiah 30:10]].
* `{{H2377}}` **châzôwn**: This noun refers to the revelation itself, meaning "a sight (mentally), i.e. a dream, revelation, or oracle; vision." It is written, "Where there is no **vision**, the people perish" [[Proverbs 29:18]].
* `{{H5030}}` **nâbîyʼ**: Translated as **prophet**, this term is often used alongside **chôzeh**. Scripture notes that the LORD testified to Israel "by all the prophets `{{H5030}}`, and by all the seers `{{H2374}}`" [[2 Kings 17:13]].
* `{{H7200}}` **râʼâh**: A common word for "to see," its participle form is also used for a **seer**. In [[1 Chronicles 29:29]], the acts of David are recorded in the books of "Samuel the **seer** `{{H7200}}`," "Nathan the prophet `{{H5030}}`," and "Gad the **seer** `{{H2374}}`," showing the terms could be used distinctly for different individuals.
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H2374}}` is significant, defining the means of divine communication and the standard for spiritual truth.
* **Authorized Revelation:** A true **seer** was an authorized messenger for God, delivering His commandments to kings and the people. The arrangement of the Levites in the temple was established according to the commandment of David, Gad the king's **seer**, and Nathan the prophet [[2 Chronicles 29:25]].
* **Spiritual Rebellion:** The term is used to expose Israel's willful rejection of God's word. The people demanded that the seers "**Prophesy** deceits" instead of truth [[Isaiah 30:10]]. As a form of judgment, God covered the eyes of their "seers" [[Isaiah 29:10]].
* **False Prophecy:** The role of the **seer** is contrasted with those who claim spiritual insight apart from God. False prophets who "see vanity" `{{H2374}}` [[Ezekiel 13:9]] and "divine lies" [[Ezekiel 22:28]] are condemned, and those who are "stargazers" `{{H2374}}` are deemed powerless [[Isaiah 47:13]].
* **Prophetic Accountability:** Those who claimed the title of **seer** were held accountable. Micah prophesied that false seers would be "ashamed" and diviners "confounded" because they had "no answer of God" [[Micah 3:7]].
### Summary
In summary, **chôzeh** `{{H2374}}` is a specific and weighty term for a "seer" or one who beholds visions. While it can denote a formal agreement, its primary function is to describe a prophetic office, setting a clear distinction between those who receive genuine revelation from God and those who practice false divination. The word is foundational to understanding the office of the prophet and the critical difference between divine truth and human or demonic falsehood.
TRV