feminine of חֹזֶק; vehemence (usually in a bad sense); force, mightily, repair, sharply.
Transliteration:chozqâh
Pronunciation:khoz-kaw'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term חׇזְקָה (chozqâh, `{{H2394}}`) is a feminine noun derived from the root `{{H2388}}` (chazaq), meaning "to be strong, firm, hard, courageous." It is the feminine form of חֹזֶק (chozeq, `{{H2391}}`), which denotes strength, power, or might.
The core meaning of חׇזְקָה encompasses an intense degree of strength, force, or vehemence. The nuances of its semantic range include:
* **Force/Mightily:** Indicating a powerful, vigorous, or intense application of strength. This is often an adverbial sense, describing *how* an action is performed.
* **Vehemence (often in a bad sense):** This highlights an intensity that can be overwhelming, severe, or even oppressive. It suggests a forceful quality that is not always beneficial, as seen in the severity of a disease.
* **Repair (with force):** In specific contexts, it describes the vigorous and determined effort put into restoration or strengthening, implying a forceful and effective repair.
* **Sharply:** While less common or more interpretative, this nuance suggests an acute or sudden intensity, a forceful and decisive manner.
Thus, חׇזְקָה describes not just strength itself, but the *manner* or *degree* of its application, often with a qualitative assessment of its impact.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term חׇזְקָה (chozqâh, `{{H2394}}`) appears in a limited number of biblical passages, each illuminating its distinct nuances:
* **1 Kings 16:27**: "Now the rest of the acts of Omri, and his might that he showed, and his sin that he committed..." Here, חׇזְקָה (rendered "might" or "mightily") refers to the powerful actions or display of strength by King Omri, likely in a context of his reign and perhaps military exploits. The verse notes both his "might" and his "sin," suggesting that his powerful rule was not necessarily righteous.
* **2 Chronicles 16:12**: "And in the thirty-ninth year of his reign Asa was diseased in his feet, until his disease was exceeding great..." In this context, חׇזְקָה (translated "exceeding great" or "severe") describes the intense and severe progression of King Asa's disease. This exemplifies the "vehemence (in a bad sense)" aspect of the word, where the intensity is negative and debilitating.
* **2 Chronicles 26:8**: "And the Ammonites gave gifts to Uzziah: and his name spread abroad even to the entering in of Egypt; for he strengthened himself exceedingly." Here, חׇזְקָה (rendered "mightily" or "exceedingly") describes the robust and powerful manner in which King Uzziah strengthened his kingdom and his reputation. This showcases the positive application of intense effort and power.
* **Nehemiah 3:35 (ESV Nehemiah 4:9)**: "For the breach of the wall of Jerusalem was great; and they repaired it with great force." This verse uses חׇזְקָה (translated "with great force" or "mightily") to describe the vigorous and determined effort put into repairing the breaches in Jerusalem's wall. This is a clear instance of "repair" being done with intense effort and purpose, demonstrating the constructive application of force.
* **Nehemiah 3:36 (ESV Nehemiah 4:10)**: "And Judah said, 'The strength of the burden bearers is failing, and there is too much rubbish. By ourselves we cannot rebuild the wall.'" While some translations render this as "mightily," the context here implies "strength" or "force" in a more general sense, referring to the diminishing capacity of the laborers to continue the arduous work. It highlights the need for sustained strength in a demanding task.
These occurrences demonstrate the versatility of חׇזְקָה, applying to human actions, the progression of illness, and the intensity of labor, always conveying a sense of significant force or vehemence.
### Related Words & Concepts
חׇזְקָה (chozqâh, `{{H2394}}`) is deeply rooted in the semantic field of strength and power in Hebrew.
* **Root Verb:** The primary related word is the verb חָזַק (chazaq, `{{H2388}}`), meaning "to be strong, firm, courageous, to seize, to prevail." This root forms the basis for the noun's meaning of intense strength or application of force.
* **Masculine Noun:** Its direct cognate is חֹזֶק (chozeq, `{{H2391}}`), the masculine form, which also means strength, power, or might. The feminine form חׇזְקָה often emphasizes the *quality* or *manner* of the strength's manifestation.
* **Other Words for Strength/Power:** The Hebrew Bible employs various terms for strength, each with its own nuance:
* כֹּחַ (koach, `{{H3581}}`): Inherent strength, power, ability, often divine or natural.
* גְּבוּרָה (gevurah, `{{H1369}}`): Might, valor, power, often associated with military strength or heroic deeds.
* חַיִל (chayil, `{{H2428}}`): Strength, wealth, ability, army, often denoting effective power or resources.
* עֹז (oz, `{{H5797}}`): Strength, might, often referring to a fortified or unyielding power.
While these terms often describe *what* strength is, חׇזְקָה more often describes *how* strength is applied—with intensity, vehemence, or great force.
* **Concepts:** The word relates to broader concepts such as determination, severity, resilience, and the exertion of will or effort.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of חׇזְקָה (chozqâh, `{{H2394}}`) lies in its portrayal of the *application* of strength, both human and, by extension, divine principles.
1. **Human Agency and Responsibility:** The occurrences in Nehemiah highlight the necessity of human strength and determined effort in carrying out God's work (e.g., rebuilding the wall). This underscores the principle that while God provides the means, human agents are called to exert themselves with diligence and "great force." Conversely, Omri's "might" serves as a reminder that human power, even when formidable, can be wielded for unrighteous purposes.
2. **The Dual Nature of Intensity:** The word's definition explicitly notes its use "usually in a bad sense" (e.g., the severity of Asa's disease). This points to a theological truth: strength, intensity, or vehemence are morally neutral in themselves. Their ethical value is determined by the direction and purpose for which they are employed. Intense effort can rebuild a wall, or it can manifest as a debilitating illness or oppressive rule.
3. **God's Sovereignty over Strength:** While חׇזְקָה is not typically used to describe God's inherent omnipotence (for which other terms are preferred), the contexts implicitly acknowledge God's sovereignty over all forms of strength. He allows kings to wield might, permits disease to become severe, and empowers His people to undertake arduous tasks with great force. Ultimately, all strength, whether for good or ill, operates within the parameters of His divine plan.
4. **Resilience and Endurance:** The use in Nehemiah, particularly the concern over failing strength, speaks to the theological theme of perseverance in the face of daunting challenges. The call to "repair with great force" implies a steadfast and unyielding commitment, a spiritual resilience empowered by faith.
### Summary
חׇזְקָה (chozqâh, `{{H2394}}`) is a feminine Hebrew noun denoting an intense degree of strength, force, or vehemence. Derived from the root {{H2388}}` (chazaq), it describes not merely the presence of strength but the *manner* of its application—with power, vigor, or severity. Biblical occurrences in 1 Kings 16:27, 2 Chronicles 16:12, 2 Chronicles 26:8, and Nehemiah 3:35-36 demonstrate its use in contexts of human might, the severity of illness, and the forceful effort in repair. The term highlights the dual potential of intense strength, capable of both constructive action (like rebuilding Jerusalem's wall) and negative manifestation (like a debilitating disease or unrighteous rule). Theologically, חׇזְקָה underscores human responsibility in applying strength, the moral neutrality of intensity, and the ultimate sovereignty of God over all forms of power and their outcomes, calling believers to employ their strength with purpose and diligence in His service.
TRV