from חָזָה; a revelation, expectation by dream; vision.
Transliteration:chizzâyôwn
Pronunciation:khiz-zaw-yone'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term `{{H2384}}` (חִזָּיוֹן, transliterated as *chizzâyôwn*) is a noun derived from the verb `{{H2372}}` (חָזָה, *chazah*), which means "to see, behold, gaze, perceive, prophesy." Consequently, chizzâyôwn fundamentally refers to the *result* or *object* of such seeing, specifically in a heightened, revelatory, or prophetic sense. Its core meaning encompasses "vision" and "revelation," often implying a divinely granted insight. The semantic range extends to include "expectation by dream," indicating that it can describe a significant, often prophetic, dream experience that conveys a message or foretells an event. Unlike ordinary sight, chizzâyôwn denotes a supernatural or extraordinary perception, a window into divine realities or future occurrences.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term `{{H2384}}` appears throughout the Hebrew Bible, primarily in contexts related to divine communication and prophetic experience.
One of its earliest and most significant occurrences is in [[Genesis 15:1]], where "the word of the Lord came to Abram in a *vision* (בַּמַּחֲזֶה, though some texts read בַּחִזָּיוֹן; the context is certainly of a divinely imparted chizzâyôwn), saying, 'Do not be afraid, Abram, I am your shield, your exceedingly great reward.'" This establishes chizzâyôwn as a direct medium for God's personal address and covenantal promise.
In [[Numbers 12:6]], God distinguishes the mode of revelation to prophets: "If there is a prophet among you, I, the Lord, make myself known to him in a *vision* (בַּמַּרְאָה), I speak with him in a dream (בַּחֲלוֹם)." While `{{H4758}}` (מַרְאָה, *mar'ah*) is used here, chizzâyôwn is often interchangeable or closely associated with it, both signifying a direct, often visual, divine encounter. The inclusion of "dream" (`{{H2472}}`, *chalom*) in the definition of chizzâyôwn highlights that night visions or revelatory dreams fall within its scope.
The book of Job frequently uses chizzâyôwn to describe nighttime experiences. For instance, [[Job 4:13]] speaks of "thoughts from the *visions* (חֶזְיֹנוֹת) of the night, when deep sleep falls on men," referring to Eliphaz's terrifying supernatural encounter. Similarly, [[Job 7:14]] has Job lamenting, "then you scare me with dreams and terrify me with *visions* (וּמֵחֶזְיֹנוֹת)," indicating disturbing, vivid experiences. [[Job 20:8]] and [[Isaiah 29:7]] use chizzâyôwn to describe something fleeting or unreal, like a "night vision" that vanishes upon waking.
Prophetic books extensively employ chizzâyôwn. [[Joel 2:28]] (3:1 MT) famously prophesies, "Your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see *visions* (חֶזְיֹנוֹת)," indicating a widespread outpouring of prophetic revelation in the last days. [[Ezekiel 13:7]] warns against false prophets, asking, "Have you not seen a false *vision* (חִזְיוֹן שָׁוְא) and uttered a lying divination?" This underscores the possibility of counterfeit visions and the need for discernment.
Daniel's unique prophetic gift is described using chizzâyôwn. [[Daniel 1:17]] states that "God gave them knowledge and skill in all literature and wisdom; and Daniel had understanding in all *visions* (חֶזְיֹנוֹת) and dreams." His deep engagement with complex divine revelations is further emphasized in [[Daniel 10:1]], where he receives "understanding of the *vision* (בַּחֲזֹון)."
Contextually, chizzâyôwn is consistently linked to supernatural communication, often occurring during sleep or in a trance-like state. It serves as a primary vehicle for God to reveal His will, future events, warnings, and promises to His chosen servants.
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic field of `{{H2384}}` is rich with terms related to divine perception and communication:
* **Root Verb:** `{{H2372}}` (חָזָה, *chazah*): "to see, behold, gaze, perceive, prophesy." This is the foundational verb, emphasizing the act of seeing that gives rise to the chizzâyôwn.
* **Other Nouns for "Vision":**
* `{{H4758}}` (מַרְאָה, *mar'ah*): "vision, appearance, mirror." Often used interchangeably or alongside chizzâyôwn, emphasizing the visual aspect of the revelation (e.g., [[Numbers 12:6]]).
* `{{H4236}}` (מַחֲזֶה, *machazeh*): "vision, spectacle." Another noun derived from `{{H2372}}`, signifying a similar concept of a divinely imparted sight.
* **"Dream":** `{{H2472}}` (חֲלוֹם, *chalom*): "dream." Frequently paired with chizzâyôwn as a distinct yet related medium for divine communication, especially during the night (e.g., [[Numbers 12:6]], [[Joel 2:28]]). While not all dreams are chizzâyôwn, a chizzâyôwn can manifest as a revelatory dream.
* **"Seer" / "Prophet":**
* `{{H2374}}` (חֹזֶה, *chozeh*): "seer." This noun is a direct derivative of `{{H2372}}` and refers to one who receives and interprets chizzâyôwn.
* `{{H5030}}` (נָבִיא, *navi'*): The most common term for "prophet," one who speaks God's word. chizzâyôwn is often the source of the navi's message.
* `{{H7203}}` (רֹאֶה, *ro'eh*): "seer," from `{{H7200}}` (רָאָה, *ra'ah*), "to see." Another term for a prophet emphasizing the visual aspect of their calling.
These related terms collectively paint a picture of various facets and agents of divine revelation in the biblical world.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H2384}}` is profound, underscoring several key aspects of God's interaction with humanity:
1. **Divine Revelation and Communication:** chizzâyôwn serves as a primary and authoritative channel through which the transcendent God communicates His will, plans, and truths to His chosen servants and, through them, to His people. It signifies a direct, often visual or experiential, encounter with divine reality that transcends ordinary human perception.
2. **Authenticity and Authority of Prophecy:** The presence of a chizzâyôwn often validates the message of a prophet, indicating its divine origin. Prophets like Abraham, Daniel, and Ezekiel received chizzâyôwn that formed the bedrock of their prophetic ministries. However, the Bible also warns against false chizzâyôwn ([[Ezekiel 13:7]]), highlighting the necessity of discernment and testing the spirits.
3. **Intimacy with God:** Receiving a chizzâyôwn implies a special relationship or access to God's presence and hidden counsels. It demonstrates God's desire to draw near to His creation and share His purposes, particularly with those He has set apart.
4. **Guidance, Warning, and Future Disclosure:** Visions provide divine guidance, warn against impending judgment, reveal God's redemptive plans, and offer glimpses into future events, both near and distant. They shape the understanding of God's sovereignty and His unfolding work in history.
5. **Continuity of Revelation:** The prophetic outpouring described in [[Joel 2:28]] (quoted in [[Acts 2:17]]) explicitly links the Spirit's work in the new covenant era to the experience of "visions" (chizzâyôwn in the Hebrew), indicating that this mode of divine communication continues as part of God's ongoing revelation to His people.
### Summary
`{{H2384}}` (חִזָּיוֹן, *chizzâyôwn*) denotes a "vision" or "revelation," specifically a divinely granted insight or prophetic dream. Derived from the verb "to see" (`{{H2372}}`), it signifies a supernatural perception that transcends ordinary human understanding. Throughout the Old Testament, chizzâyôwn is a crucial medium through which God communicates His will, imparts knowledge of future events, and establishes covenantal relationships with His chosen servants like Abraham and Daniel. Theologically, it underscores God's active involvement in human affairs, the authoritative nature of His prophetic word, and His desire to reveal Himself to humanity. While primarily a vehicle for divine truth, the Bible also cautions against false chizzâyôwn, emphasizing the need for discernment. Ultimately, chizzâyôwn stands as a testament to God's continuous and multifaceted revelation to His people across generations.
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