feminine of חֵזֶק; prevailing power; strength(-en self), (was) strong.
Transliteration:chezqâh
Pronunciation:khez-kaw'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew noun חֶזְקָה (transliterated chezqâh, Strong's `{{H2393}}`) is derived from the root חָזַק (transliterated chazaq, Strong's `{{H2388}}`), meaning "to be strong, firm, courageous, or to prevail." As the feminine form of חֵזֶק (transliterated chezeq, Strong's `{{H2389}}`), chezqâh carries the core meaning of "prevailing power" or "strength." Its semantic range extends beyond mere physical might to encompass intensity, severity, and the overwhelming nature of a force or condition. It denotes a power that is not merely present but actively dominant and effective, often implying an irresistible or firmly established quality.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term chezqâh appears in a limited number of biblical passages, each illuminating its nuanced meaning:
* **[[2 Chronicles 16:12]]**: "And in the thirty and ninth year of his reign Asa was diseased in his feet, until his disease was exceeding great (ad-chezqâh): yet in his disease he sought not to the LORD, but to the physicians." Here, chezqâh describes the *intensity* or *severity* of King Asa's disease. It was not merely a mild ailment but an illness that had gained a prevailing, overwhelming hold on him, highlighting his profound suffering and his failure to seek God in such a critical state.
* **[[Ezra 7:9]]**: "For upon the first day of the first month began he to go up from Babylon, and on the first day of the fifth month came he to Jerusalem, according to the good hand of his God upon him, and according to the strength (k'chezqath) of the LORD his God." In this verse, chezqâh refers to the *prevailing power* or *might* of God's hand that was upon Ezra. It signifies the divine enablement and protection that ensured the success of Ezra's arduous journey and mission, demonstrating God's active and effective support for His servant.
* **[[Ezra 8:22]]**: "For I was ashamed to ask the king for a band of soldiers and horsemen to help us against the enemy in the way: because we had spoken unto the king, saying, The hand of our God is upon all them for good that seek him; but his power (u-chezqath) and his wrath is against all them that forsake him." Similar to [[Ezra 7:9]], chezqâh here denotes the *prevailing power* of God, specifically in the context of His wrath. It underscores the inescapable and overwhelming nature of divine judgment against those who abandon Him, serving as a stark contrast to His benevolent hand upon those who seek Him.
Across these occurrences, chezqâh consistently emphasizes the *prevailing* or *intense* aspect of the subject it describes, whether it be a human affliction or the mighty hand of God.
### Related Words & Concepts
chezqâh is intrinsically linked to its linguistic family:
* **`{{H2388}}` (חָזַק - chazaq)**: The verbal root meaning "to be strong, firm, courageous, to seize, to prevail." This root forms the conceptual bedrock for chezqâh, emphasizing the action or state of being strong and overcoming.
* **`{{H2389}}` (חֵזֶק - chezeq)**: The masculine noun from which chezqâh is derived, also meaning "strength, power, might." The feminine form chezqâh may subtly emphasize the inherent quality or the prevailing nature of the strength.
Other Hebrew terms related to strength and power, though distinct in nuance, contribute to a broader understanding:
* **`{{H3581}}` (כֹּחַ - koach)**: General term for strength, power, or ability, often physical or inherent.
* **`{{H1369}}` (גְּבוּרָה - gevurah)**: Strength, might, valor, often associated with heroic deeds or acts of power.
* **`{{H2428}}` (חַיִל - chayil)**: A versatile term meaning strength, wealth, army, or virtue, often implying effective force or capability.
The concept of "prevailing power" inherent in chezqâh connects to broader theological themes of divine sovereignty, human weakness, and the efficacy of God's will.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of chezqâh primarily stems from its application to God. When describing the "strength" or "power" of God's hand ([[Ezra 7:9]], [[Ezra 8:22]]), chezqâh highlights the *irresistible* and *effective* nature of divine action. It is not merely that God possesses power, but that His power *prevails* in all circumstances, whether for blessing or judgment.
In [[Ezra 7:9]], God's chezqâh signifies His providential care and enabling power for those who faithfully serve Him. It assures the believer that divine strength is sufficient to overcome obstacles and fulfill God's purposes. This underscores God's active involvement in the lives of His people, providing the necessary might for their tasks.
Conversely, in [[Ezra 8:22]], chezqâh describes the *prevailing intensity* of God's wrath against those who forsake Him. This serves as a solemn warning, emphasizing that divine judgment is not a fleeting emotion but an overwhelming force that will inevitably come upon the disobedient. It speaks to God's justice and His unwavering commitment to righteousness.
The single instance where chezqâh describes human experience ([[2 Chronicles 16:12]], the "exceeding great" disease of Asa) offers a contrasting theological point. It underscores human vulnerability and the overwhelming nature of suffering, particularly when one fails to rely on God's strength. Asa's chezqâh of disease serves as a poignant reminder of the limits of human power and the ultimate need for divine intervention and wisdom.
### Summary
The Hebrew word chezqâh (`{{H2393}}`) denotes a prevailing, intense, or overwhelming power or strength. While infrequently used, its occurrences are highly significant. It consistently emphasizes the *effective* and *dominant* nature of the force or condition it describes. When applied to God, chezqâh powerfully conveys His irresistible might, whether manifested in His gracious enablement for His servants or in the inescapable intensity of His righteous judgment. When applied to human experience, such as King Asa's disease, it highlights the profound and overwhelming nature of affliction, underscoring human frailty and the crucial need for dependence on God. Thus, chezqâh serves as a potent descriptor of prevailing power, both divine and otherwise, shaping our understanding of God's sovereignty and the human condition.
TRV