### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term חֶזְיוֹן (Chezyôwn, `{{H2383}}`) is a noun derived from the verb חָזָה (chazah, `{{H2372}}`), which means "to see, behold, gaze, or perceive," often with an emphasis on prophetic or divine seeing. Consequently, חֶזְיוֹן primarily denotes a "vision," specifically an extraordinary sight or a divine revelation. This can encompass prophetic experiences, divine encounters, or even significant dreams. The semantic range extends beyond mere physical sight to encompass spiritual perception and the reception of divine messages. Interestingly, the term also serves as a proper noun, "Hezion" or "Chezjon," referring to a Syrian individual, suggesting a name derived from the concept of "vision" or "seer."
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term חֶזְיוֹן appears in various contexts throughout the Old Testament, illustrating its diverse applications:
* **Divine Revelation:** In [[Numbers 24:4]] and [[Numbers 24:16]], חֶזְיוֹן describes the profound prophetic insights granted to Balaam, specifically as "the vision of the Almighty." Here, the term emphasizes the divine origin and authoritative nature of the revelation, highlighting a direct and powerful encounter with God's truth.
* **Night Visions and Dreams:** In the book of Job, חֶזְיוֹן frequently refers to night visions or dreams, often with a terrifying or disturbing quality. For instance, [[Job 4:13]] speaks of "thoughts from the visions of the night," and [[Job 7:14]] describes how God "terrifiest me through visions," underscoring the psychological impact and sometimes unsettling nature of such experiences. Similarly, [[Job 20:8]] and [[Isaiah 29:7]] use the term to describe something fleeting and transient, like a "vision of the night" that quickly vanishes.
* **Absence of Prophecy:** [[Lamentations 2:9]] poignantly states that "her prophets also find no vision from the LORD." In this context, the lack of חֶזְיוֹן signifies a period of spiritual desolation, divine silence, and a profound absence of God's guiding word for His people.
* **False Visions:** In [[Ezekiel 13:7]], God condemns false prophets, asking, "Have ye not seen a vain vision, and have ye not spoken a lying divination?" Here, חֶֶזְיוֹן is used pejoratively to denote deceptive or self-generated "visions" that lack divine authorization, drawing a clear distinction between true and false prophetic claims.
* **Proper Noun:** As a proper noun, "Hezion" (חֶזְיוֹן) is mentioned in [[1 Kings 15:18]] as the father of Tabrimmon and grandfather of Ben-Hadad, a king of Aram (Syria). Its usage as a personal name suggests a cultural understanding or appreciation for the concept of "vision" or "sight," perhaps implying wisdom or insight associated with the individual or his lineage.
### Related Words & Concepts
The meaning of חֶזְיוֹן is enriched by its relationship to several other Hebrew terms:
* חָזָה (chazah, `{{H2372}}`): The root verb, meaning "to see" or "to behold," especially in a prophetic or revelatory sense. This verb is foundational to understanding חֶזְיוֹן.
* חָזוֹן (chazon, `{{H2377}}`): Another common noun derived from חָזָה, also meaning "vision," often used for prophetic revelation (e.g., "the vision of Isaiah"). While very similar in meaning and often interchangeable, חֶזְיוֹן might sometimes emphasize the *experience* or *manifestation* of the vision, particularly when it is intense or even terrifying.
* מַרְאֶה (mar'eh, `{{H4758}}`): Meaning "appearance, sight, or vision," this term can refer to what is seen physically or in a prophetic context, sometimes overlapping with חֶזְיוֹן.
* נָבִיא (navi, `{{H5030}}`): "Prophet," one who receives and delivers messages, which often come through visions or divine words.
* רֹאֶה (ro'eh, `{{H7203}}`): "Seer," an older term for a prophet, highlighting the visual aspect of their divine communication.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of חֶזְיוֹן is profound, as it illuminates God's primary method of revealing Himself and His will to humanity in the Old Testament. It underscores the concept of divine communication as a direct, often visual, encounter. True חֶזְיוֹן is understood as originating from God, carrying His authority, and providing crucial guidance and insight into His plans (e.g., Balaam's visions).
The varied contexts in which חֶזְיוֹן appears also highlight the importance of discernment. While some visions are divine and authoritative, others can be terrifying nightmares (Job) or, more dangerously, false and deceptive fabrications by human beings (Ezekiel). This distinction emphasizes the need to test the source and content of any claimed revelation. Furthermore, the absence of חֶזְיוֹן (Lamentations) signifies a period of spiritual barrenness and divine silence, underscoring the vital role of God's active communication in sustaining His people's faith and direction. Ultimately, חֶזְיוֹן points to a God who actively engages with His creation, revealing truth and purpose through extraordinary means.
### Summary
חֶזְיוֹן (Chezyôwn, `{{H2383}}`) is a Hebrew noun derived from חָזָה (chazah, `{{H2372}}`), meaning "vision" or "extraordinary sight." It primarily refers to divine revelation, often experienced prophetically, as seen in Balaam's encounters with the Almighty ([[Numbers 24:4]]). However, its usage extends to terrifying night visions ([[Job 7:14]]), the fleeting nature of earthly things ([[Isaiah 29:7]]), and the condemnation of false prophecies ([[Ezekiel 13:7]]). The term also functions as a proper noun, Hezion, a historical figure mentioned in [[1 Kings 15:18]]. Theologically, חֶזְיוֹן is central to understanding divine communication, emphasizing God's active self-disclosure and the authoritative nature of true prophecy, while also highlighting the spiritual desolation that accompanies its absence and the dangers of false visions.
TRV