active participle of חָזָה; a beholder in vision; also a compact (as looked upon with approval); agreement, prophet, see that, seer, (star-) gazer.
Transliteration:chôzeh
Pronunciation:kho-zeh'
Detailed Word Study
AI-Generated
Loading Study...
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term חֹזֶה (chôzeh, `{{H2374}}`) is an active participle derived from the verb חָזָה (chazah, `{{H2372}}`), which signifies "to see," "to behold," or "to gaze." As an active participle, chôzeh fundamentally denotes "one who sees" or "a beholder." This core meaning branches into two primary semantic domains within biblical usage:
1. **Visionary or Prophetic Seer:** This is the most common application, referring to an individual who perceives or apprehends divine revelation, often through visions or direct insight. Such a person is designated as a "prophet" or "seer," implying a special, God-given capacity to "see" what is hidden or future, or to discern God's will. The term can also extend to those who "gaze" at stars, though this is often presented negatively in the context of pagan practices.
2. **Compact or Agreement:** In a less direct but significant semantic extension, chôzeh can refer to a "compact" or "agreement." This usage likely stems from the idea of parties "seeing" or "looking upon" and assenting to the terms of a pact. It implies a mutual understanding and approval that is visually confirmed or acknowledged.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term chôzeh appears approximately 21 times in the Hebrew Bible, primarily in its sense of a prophetic seer.
In the context of a "seer" or "prophet," chôzeh is often used synonymously with נָבִיא (navi', `{{H5030}}`, "prophet") or רֹאֶה (ro'eh, `{{H7203}}`, "seer"). For example, Gad is consistently identified as "Gad the prophet, David's seer" (גָּד הַנָּבִיא חֹזֵה דָוִיד) in [[2 Samuel 24:11]] and [[1 Chronicles 21:9]]. Similarly, [[2 Chronicles 9:29]] refers to "Iddo the seer" (יִדּוֹ הַחֹזֶה). These individuals were divinely commissioned to convey God's messages, often through visual or revelatory experiences. The term emphasizes their direct apprehension of divine truth.
The plural form, חֹזִים (chozim), is used in [[Isaiah 29:10]] to refer to "your seers" (prophets), whose eyes the Lord has closed, indicating a spiritual blindness that prevents them from receiving true revelation. In [[Amos 7:12]], Amaziah, the priest of Bethel, dismissively tells Amos, "O seer (חֹזֶה), go, flee away to the land of Judah," highlighting the perceived threat of a true prophet's vision to the established, corrupt religious order.
The unique usage of chôzeh meaning "compact" or "agreement" is found prominently in [[Isaiah 28:15]] and [[Isaiah 28:18]]. In these verses, the arrogant leaders of Jerusalem boast, "We have made a covenant (חֹזֶה) with death, and with Sheol we have an agreement (חֹזֶה)." Here, chôzeh denotes a solemn pact, an unholy alliance they believe will protect them from divine judgment. The context of [[Isaiah 28]] reveals that this "agreement" is a deceptive human construct, offering false security against the inevitable flood of God's wrath. The Lord declares, "Your covenant (חֹזֶה) with death will be annulled, and your agreement (חֹזֶה) with Sheol will not stand" ([[Isaiah 28:18]]). This demonstrates the futility of humanly devised "agreements" that stand in opposition to God's sovereign plan.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary linguistic connection for chôzeh is its root verb, חָזָה (chazah, `{{H2372}}`), which means "to see, behold, gaze." This root is foundational to understanding the "seer" aspect of chôzeh, as it implies a direct, often profound, visual apprehension.
Other terms closely related in meaning to chôzeh in its prophetic sense include:
* נָבִיא (navi', `{{H5030}}`): The most common Hebrew word for "prophet," often emphasizing the speaker of God's word. While chôzeh emphasizes the "seeing" aspect of revelation, navi' emphasizes the "speaking" aspect.
* רֹאֶה (ro'eh, `{{H7203}}`): Also translated as "seer," derived from רָאָה (ra'ah, `{{H7200}}`), "to see." In [[1 Samuel 9:9]], ro'eh is explicitly stated as the older term for navi': "Formerly in Israel, when a man went to inquire of God, he would say, 'Come, let us go to the seer,' for today's 'prophet' was formerly called a 'seer.'" This highlights the close semantic overlap between chôzeh and ro'eh.
The concept of "covenant" or "agreement" is also strongly associated with בְּרִית (berith, `{{H1285}}`), which is the standard Hebrew term for a formal covenant, often one established by God with His people. The use of chôzeh in [[Isaiah 28]] as a "compact" or "agreement" provides a unique nuance, perhaps suggesting a more informal or humanly contrived pact, distinct from the divinely initiated berith.
### Theological Significance
The dual semantic range of chôzeh offers significant theological insights:
1. **Divine Revelation and Authority:** As a "seer" or "prophet," chôzeh underscores God's primary method of communicating His will, warnings, and future plans to humanity. The chôzeh is not merely a wise counselor but one who has been granted a direct, often visual, apprehension of divine truth. This highlights the supernatural source of biblical prophecy and the authoritative nature of the messages delivered by these individuals. True chozim were conduits of God's own "seeing" into the spiritual and temporal realities, and their pronouncements carried divine weight.
2. **The Nature of True and False Security:** The use of chôzeh for "agreement" in [[Isaiah 28]] serves as a powerful theological warning. The "covenant with death" represents humanity's attempt to find security and escape judgment through self-reliance, political maneuvering, or even occult practices, rather than trusting in God. This false chôzeh is contrasted with God's ultimate plan of salvation and judgment, emphasizing that humanly devised "agreements" cannot stand against divine sovereignty. It illustrates the danger of "seeing" and assenting to terms that are contrary to God's righteous standards, leading to spiritual blindness and ultimate destruction.
3. **God's Overarching Vision:** Ultimately, whether through the true vision of a prophet or the annulment of a false human agreement, the term chôzeh points to God's supreme "seeing" and control. God's vision is perfect, encompassing all reality and future events, and His plans will ultimately prevail over any humanly conceived "compacts" or resistances.
### Summary
The Hebrew word חֹזֶה (chôzeh, `{{H2374}}`) primarily denotes "one who sees" or "a beholder," stemming from the verb חָזָה (chazah, `{{H2372}}`). Its most prominent usage in the biblical text is to describe a "seer" or "prophet," an individual divinely gifted with the capacity to receive and convey God's revelations, often through visions. This highlights the direct, visual nature of divine communication. A less frequent, yet profound, semantic extension of chôzeh refers to a "compact" or "agreement," particularly evident in [[Isaiah 28]], where it describes a humanly contrived pact, a "covenant with death." This latter usage underscores the futility and danger of human "agreements" made apart from God's will. Both aspects of chôzeh—the divine vision of the prophet and the humanly devised compact—ultimately point to the overarching truth of God's perfect sight and His sovereign control over all human endeavors and destinies.
TRV