from חָזָה; a sight (mentally), i.e. a dream, revelation, or oracle; vision.
Transliteration:châzôwn
Pronunciation:khaw-zone'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term חָזוֹן (châzôwn, `{{H2377}}`) is a masculine noun derived from the verb חָזָה (chazah, `{{H2372}}`), which means "to see," "to behold," or "to perceive," often in a prophetic or revelatory sense. Consequently, חָזוֹן signifies a "sight" that is not merely physical observation but a mental, spiritual, or supernatural apprehension. Its core meaning extends to encompass a divine communication, a revelation, an oracle, or a prophetic dream. It denotes a specific mode of divine communication where God grants an individual, typically a prophet or seer, a supernatural glimpse into His will, plans, or future events. The semantic range of חָזוֹן thus points to divinely initiated insight, emphasizing its origin beyond human perception and its authoritative, revelatory nature.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term חָזוֹן appears frequently in the Old Testament, predominantly in prophetic literature, underscoring its pivotal role in divine communication.
One of the most profound uses is found in [[Proverbs 29:18]]: "Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he." Here, חָזוֹן refers to the lack of divine revelation or prophetic guidance, leading to moral decay and societal breakdown. This verse highlights the essential nature of God's revealed will for the flourishing of a people.
In [[1 Samuel 3:1]], the text states, "the word of the Lord was rare in those days; there was no frequent vision," indicating a period of spiritual scarcity and a lack of direct divine communication through prophets. This emphasizes that חָזוֹן was a vital sign of God's active presence and guidance among His people.
Many prophetic books commence with חָזוֹן to introduce their divine origin. For instance, [[Isaiah 1:1]] begins, "The vision of Isaiah the son of Amoz, which he saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem..." Similarly, [[Obadiah 1:1]] states, "The vision of Obadiah." This usage asserts the prophetic message as a direct, authoritative revelation from God, not merely human insight or opinion.
The book of Daniel is replete with חָזוֹן, often referring to complex, symbolic, and apocalyptic revelations. Daniel's experiences are frequently described as "visions" (e.g., [[Daniel 1:17]], [[Daniel 8:1]], [[Daniel 9:24]], [[Daniel 10:1]]). These visions often involve intricate details about future kingdoms, judgments, and the ultimate triumph of God's kingdom, demonstrating the comprehensive scope of divine חָזוֹן.
In [[Joel 2:28]] (quoted in [[Acts 2:17]]), the prophecy declares, "Your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions," foretelling a future outpouring of God's Spirit where divine revelation would become more widespread, transcending specific prophetic offices. This indicates חָזוֹן as a means of personal encounter with God's truth.
Contextually, חָזוֹן consistently points to a supernatural origin, a divine initiative, and an authoritative message intended for God's people, whether for instruction, warning, comfort, or foretelling.
### Related Words & Concepts
The study of חָזוֹן is enriched by examining its relationship with other significant Hebrew terms:
1. **חָזָה (chazah, `{{H2372}}`):** The root verb from which חָזוֹן is derived. It means "to see," but often with the nuance of prophetic or spiritual insight, distinct from mere physical sight (רָאָה - ra'ah, `{{H7200}}`). חָזָה emphasizes the act of receiving the vision, while חָזוֹן is the content or result of that seeing.
2. **דָּבָר (dabar, `{{H1697}}`):** Meaning "word" or "utterance," often used in the phrase "the word of the Lord." While חָזוֹן emphasizes the visual or revelatory *form* of God's communication, דָּבָר emphasizes the *content* and *authority* of the message. Often, a חָזוֹן would be accompanied by or interpreted through a דָּבָר (e.g., [[Isaiah 1:1]] combines "vision" and "word").
3. **נְאֻם (ne'um, `{{H5002}}`):** An "oracle" or "utterance," almost exclusively used in prophetic contexts to introduce a direct divine declaration, often translated as "declares the LORD." Like חָזוֹן, it signifies a message from God.
4. **מַשָּׂא (massa, `{{H4853}}`):** Meaning "burden" or "oracle." This term often refers to a heavy prophetic message, particularly one of judgment. While חָזוֹן can encompass any divine revelation, מַשָּׂא specifically highlights the weighty nature of certain oracles.
5. **חֲלוֹם (chalom, `{{H2472}}`):** "Dream." While not all dreams are divine חָזוֹן, some dreams are explicitly identified as vehicles for God's revelation (e.g., Joseph's dreams, Pharaoh's dreams interpreted by Joseph, Daniel's dreams). In these cases, the dream functions as a form of חָזוֹן.
6. **רֹאֶה (ro'eh, `{{H7203}}`):** "Seer." This term denotes a person who receives and communicates חָזוֹן, often synonymous with נָבִיא (navi, `{{H5030}}`), "prophet."
These related terms collectively paint a picture of various forms and aspects of divine revelation in the Old Testament, with חָזוֹן being a central and pervasive mode.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of חָזוֹן is profound and multifaceted:
1. **Divine Initiative and Communication:** חָזוֹן underscores God's active involvement in human history and His desire to communicate His will and purposes to humanity. It is a testament to a God who is not silent but actively reveals Himself.
2. **Foundation of Prophetic Authority:** The חָזוֹן served as the primary source of authority for the prophets. Their messages were not based on human wisdom or speculation but on direct, supernatural encounters with God's truth. This divine origin authenticated their pronouncements.
3. **Guidance and Direction for God's People:** As highlighted in [[Proverbs 29:18]], the presence of חָזוֹן is essential for the moral, spiritual, and societal well-being of a people. It provides the necessary divine framework for righteous living, justice, and faithfulness to the covenant. Without it, humanity is left to its own devices, leading to chaos and destruction.
4. **Revelation of God's Character and Plan:** Through חָזוֹן, God reveals aspects of His character (e.g., His holiness, justice, mercy, sovereignty) and His overarching plan for creation, redemption, and judgment. Many visions concern future events, offering hope (e.g., the coming Messiah, restoration of Israel) or warnings (e.g., impending judgment, exile).
5. **Continuity of Revelation:** While חָזוֹן is a prominent feature of the Old Testament, the New Testament testifies to the culmination of God's revelation in Jesus Christ ([[Hebrews 1:1-2]]). However, the concept of divine revelation through spiritual sight continues, as seen in the visions granted to apostles like Peter ([[Acts 10:9-16]]) and John ([[Revelation 1:1]]), particularly in the book of Revelation, which is itself a grand חָזוֹן in the Greek sense.
### Summary
The Hebrew word חָזוֹן (châzôwn, `{{H2377}}`) signifies a divine revelation or prophetic insight, a "mental sight" or "oracle" granted by God. Rooted in the verb "to see" (חָזָה, `{{H2372}}`) in a spiritual sense, חָזוֹן is the primary means by which prophets received and communicated God's word in the Old Testament. Its occurrences, particularly in the introductions to prophetic books and the book of Daniel, underscore its authoritative and supernatural origin. The absence of חָזוֹן signals spiritual desolation, while its presence indicates God's active guidance and communication, essential for the well-being of His people ([[Proverbs 29:18]]). Theologically, חָזוֹן highlights God's initiative in revealing Himself, provides the foundation for prophetic authority, offers crucial guidance, and unveils God's character and sovereign plans for history. It serves as a testament to a God who continually seeks to communicate His truth and purposes to humanity.
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