from חָזַק; powerful; [idiom] wax louder, stronger.
Transliteration:châzêq
Pronunciation:khaw-zake'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word חָזֵק (châzêq, `{{H2390}}`) is an adjective derived directly from the verbal root חָזַק (châzaq, `{{H2388}}`). The root חָזַק carries the fundamental meaning "to be strong, firm, courageous, to seize, to hold fast, to prevail." As a derivative, חָזֵק embodies the quality of this strength, signifying "powerful," "strong," or "mighty." Its semantic range extends to describe an intense or vehement degree of strength, often implying an overwhelming or unyielding force. The idiomatic extension "wax louder, stronger" further suggests a dynamic, increasing intensity, particularly in an auditory or experiential context, indicating a power that grows in its manifestation. Thus, חָזֵק conveys not merely a static state of strength, but an active, potent, and often escalating power.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
Occurrences of חָזֵק (châzêq, `{{H2390}}`) in the Hebrew Bible are relatively few but highly illustrative of its intense meaning:
* **[[Exodus 10:19]]**: "And the LORD turned a very strong west wind, which took away the locusts and drove them into the Red Sea." Here, חָזֵק (ruach yam *chazeq* me'od) describes the wind (רוּחַ) as "very strong" or "exceedingly powerful." This wind is an instrument of divine judgment and deliverance, demonstrating God's absolute control over natural forces. The intensity of the wind directly corresponds to the magnitude of the divine act.
* **[[Jonah 4:8]]**: "When the sun rose, God appointed a vehement east wind, and the sun beat down on the head of Jonah so that he was faint and wished that he might die." Similarly, חָזֵק (ruach qadim *chazaq*) describes the east wind as "vehement" or "fierce." This wind, combined with the scorching sun, is a divinely appointed discomfort for Jonah, designed to teach him a lesson about God's compassion and sovereignty. The wind's intensity contributes directly to Jonah's distress and the theological point being made.
* **[[Nahum 1:6]]**: "Who can stand before his indignation? and who can abide in the fierceness of his anger?" (וּמִי יָקוּם בַּחֲרוֹן אַפּוֹ חָזֵק). In this context, חָזֵק modifies God's anger (חֲרוֹן אַפּוֹ), translating as "fierce," "strong," or "vehement." It emphasizes the overwhelming and irresistible nature of divine wrath, portraying it as an uncontainable force that none can withstand. This usage highlights God's justice and the terrifying aspect of His holiness when confronted with sin.
In all these instances, חָזֵק denotes an overwhelming, intense, or unyielding power, often with a clear connection to divine agency or consequence. It consistently describes a force that is beyond human resistance or control.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is the verbal root חָזַק (châzaq, `{{H2388}}`), from which חָזֵק (châzêq) is directly derived. This root is foundational, meaning "to be strong, firm, courageous, to seize, to hold fast." חָזֵק functions as an adjective emphasizing the quality of being strong or powerful, often in an intensified degree.
Other words related to strength and power in Hebrew include:
* כֹּחַ (koach, `{{H3581}}`): General term for strength, power, might, ability.
* עֹז (oz, `{{H5797}}`): Strength, might, power, often implying boldness or a fortified state.
* גְּבוּרָה (gevurah, `{{H1369}}`): Strength, might, valor, often referring to mighty deeds.
Concepts related to חָזֵק include:
* **Divine Sovereignty:** God's absolute control over creation and events.
* **Divine Judgment:** The manifestation of God's wrath against sin.
* **Intensity:** The high degree or force of a phenomenon or attribute.
* **Irresistibility:** The inability to withstand a particular force or power.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of חָזֵק (châzêq, `{{H2390}}`) is profound, primarily underscoring the attributes and actions of God:
1. **Divine Sovereignty and Power over Creation:** The descriptive use of חָזֵק for the wind in [[Exodus 10:19]] and [[Jonah 4:8]] vividly illustrates God's absolute dominion over the natural world. These winds are not merely natural phenomena but are divinely appointed instruments of His will, whether for judgment against Pharaoh or for the pedagogical discipline of Jonah. This highlights God's omnipotence and His ability to manipulate creation to achieve His purposes.
2. **The Terrifying Nature of Divine Wrath:** In [[Nahum 1:6]], חָזֵק describes the "fierceness" of God's anger. This portrayal emphasizes the uncontainable, overwhelming, and utterly devastating power of God's righteous indignation against sin. It serves as a solemn reminder of His holiness and justice, before which no creature can stand. This aspect of God's character is not to be trifled with but approached with profound reverence and awe.
3. **Contrast with Human Impotence:** While חָזֵק describes something powerfully strong, its contexts implicitly highlight the contrasting weakness of humanity in the face of such divine might. Whether it is the Egyptians unable to withstand the locusts or Jonah brought to despair by the wind, or indeed, any sinner facing God's wrath, the word underscores human inability to resist or control divine power. This implicitly calls for humility and reliance upon God's strength and mercy.
In essence, חָזֵק consistently points to an overwhelming, unyielding, and often divinely directed power that demands recognition and response, whether in fear, repentance, or worship.
### Summary
The Hebrew word חָזֵק (châzêq, `{{H2390}}`), derived from the root חָזַק (châzaq, `{{H2388}}`), denotes an intense, overwhelming, or vehement quality of strength and power. It conveys a sense of "fierce," "mighty," or "very strong," often in a dynamic or escalating manner, as suggested by the idiomatic "wax louder, stronger." Biblical occurrences in [[Exodus 10:19]], [[Jonah 4:8]], and [[Nahum 1:6]] consistently apply חָזֵק to phenomena of significant, often divine, intensity: a powerful wind, or the fierce anger of God. The word thus serves to underscore God's absolute sovereignty over creation and His terrifying, irresistible power in judgment. It highlights the overwhelming nature of divine action and attributes, inviting awe and reverence for the God who is supremely חָזֵק.
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