### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew noun חֵזֶק (chêzeq, `{{H2391}}`) is derived directly from the verbal root חָזַק (chazaq, `{{H2388}}`), which conveys the fundamental ideas of being strong, firm, courageous, or seizing. As a noun, chêzeq therefore denotes the *quality* or *manifestation* of strength, firmness, or, crucially, the *provision* of help or support. Its primary semantic range encompasses "strength" and "help," with the latter often implying the former – help is extended through strength or provides strength. The word suggests a robust, firm kind of assistance, reflecting the root's emphasis on steadfastness and might.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term חֵזֶק (chêzeq, `{{H2391}}`) appears sparingly in the Hebrew Bible, but its few occurrences are highly significant, particularly in their theological implications.
1. **[[Psalm 60:11]] / [[Psalm 108:12]]**: These parallel verses offer the most direct and poignant use of chêzeq. Both psalms are prayers for divine assistance in times of national distress. The psalmist cries out, "Give us help (חֵזֶק) from trouble, for vain is the help (תְּשׁוּעָה, teshu'ah, `{{H8668}}`) of man." Here, chêzeq is translated as "help" or "succor," emphasizing the strength and support needed to overcome adversity. The juxtaposition with "vain is the help of man" underscores the inadequacy of human strength or alliances when compared to divine intervention. The term highlights a robust, effective kind of aid that is sorely lacking from human sources.
2. **[[Daniel 11:6]]**: In this prophetic passage detailing the conflicts between the "king of the North" and the "king of the South," chêzeq appears in a context of political alliances and support. The verse states concerning a princess, "But she shall not retain the power of her arm, nor shall he stand, nor his arm; but she shall be given up, and those who brought her, and he who begot her, and he who strengthened her (מַחֲזִיקָהּ, machazikah, from the Hiphil of חָזַק) in those times." While some translations render this as "he who strengthened her" (ESV, NASB), others interpret it as "her helper" or "her supporter" (NIV, KJV). The underlying concept is one of providing support, strength, or aid in a political or military sense. This usage aligns with the core meaning of providing strength or help, even if the specific form is a participle of the root חָזַק rather than the noun chêzeq itself, the conceptual link is vital for understanding chêzeq's broader semantic field. The form machazikah is a participle of the verb חָזַק (H2388), not the noun chêzeq (H2391). *Correction*: My initial search for H2391 in Daniel was incorrect. H2391 does *not* appear in [[Daniel 11:6]]. I must only cite actual occurrences of H2391.
*Revised analysis for [[Daniel 11:6]]*: H2391 does not appear in [[Daniel 11:6]]. The form there is from the verb H2388. Therefore, I will remove [[Daniel 11:6]] from the direct occurrences of H2391 and focus solely on the Psalms.
*Revised Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis*:
The term חֵזֶק (chêzeq, `{{H2391}}`) appears sparingly in the Hebrew Bible, found exclusively in the book of Psalms, where its theological weight is profound.
1. **[[Psalm 60:11]] / [[Psalm 108:12]]**: These parallel verses offer the most direct and poignant use of chêzeq. Both psalms are prayers for divine assistance in times of national distress. The psalmist cries out, "Give us help (חֵזֶק) from trouble, for vain is the help (תְּשׁוּעָה, teshu'ah, `{{H8668}}`) of man." Here, chêzeq is explicitly translated as "help" or "succor," emphasizing the robust strength and support needed to overcome adversity. The juxtaposition with "vain is the help of man" starkly underscores the inadequacy of human strength, alliances, or resources when confronted with overwhelming challenges, highlighting the absolute necessity of divine intervention. The term points to a firm, effective, and substantive kind of aid that is uniquely found in God.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is the verbal root חָזַק (chazaq, `{{H2388}}`), from which chêzeq is derived. This root signifies "to be strong, firm, courageous, to seize, to strengthen." Thus, chêzeq represents the *result* or *manifestation* of this strength or the *act* of providing it.
Other related concepts and words include:
* עֵזֶר (ezer, `{{H5828}}`): A common Hebrew word for "help" or "aid," often used in contexts of divine assistance (e.g., God as a "helper"). While ezer generally denotes assistance, chêzeq specifically highlights the *strength* inherent in that help.
* כֹּחַ (koach, `{{H3581}}`): "Strength, power, might." This word focuses more on inherent ability or force. chêzeq can describe the *provision* of such power or the *effect* of it.
* גְּבוּרָה (gevurah, `{{H1369}}`): "Strength, might, valor, heroic deeds." Similar to koach, but often with connotations of valor or mighty acts.
The distinctiveness of chêzeq lies in its direct link to the root חָזַק, emphasizing a help that is firm, steadfast, and provides true reinforcement, contrasting with any fragile or insufficient human support.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of חֵזֶק (chêzeq, `{{H2391}}`) is profound, especially given its use in the Psalms. It serves as a stark declaration of God's exclusive sufficiency as the source of true strength and help.
1. **Divine Sufficiency vs. Human Futility**: The repeated phrase "Give us help (חֵזֶק) from trouble, for vain is the help (תְּשׁוּעָה) of man" ([[Psalm 60:11]] / [[Psalm 108:12]]) is a powerful theological statement. It asserts that in times of deep distress, human strength, alliances, or wisdom are utterly insufficient. Any "help" derived from human effort or resources is ultimately "vain" (שָׁוְא, shav, `{{H7723}}`), meaning empty, worthless, or deceitful. True, effective, and lasting strength and aid must come from God alone.
2. **God as the Ultimate Source of Strength**: The use of chêzeq implies a help that is robust, firm, and capable of truly sustaining or delivering. This attribute belongs solely to Yahweh. When the psalmist prays for chêzeq, it is an acknowledgment of God's omnipotence and His unique ability to provide steadfast support and deliverance where all human efforts fail. It underscores a theology of absolute dependence on God in the face of overwhelming odds.
3. **A Call to Trust and Reliance**: The prayer for chêzeq is not merely a request but an act of faith. It is a recognition that only God can provide the necessary firmness and power to overcome adversity. This word, though rare, encapsulates a core biblical truth: humanity's inherent weakness and God's unwavering, unshakeable strength, which He graciously extends to those who call upon Him.
### Summary
The Hebrew word חֵזֶק (chêzeq, `{{H2391}}`) is a noun derived from the root חָזַק (`{{H2388}}`), meaning "to be strong or firm." It primarily denotes "strength" and "help," specifically a robust and firm kind of assistance. Though appearing only in [[Psalm 60:11]] and [[Psalm 108:12]], its theological impact is significant. In these contexts, chêzeq highlights the utter inadequacy of human strength and aid ("vain is the help of man") and simultaneously proclaims the exclusive sufficiency and steadfastness of God as the ultimate source of true and effective help in times of trouble. It serves as a profound reminder of the necessity of absolute reliance on divine power.
TRV