### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **chozqâh**, represented by `{{H2394}}`, is a term for **force** or **vehemence**. It appears **6 times** in **6 unique verses**. As the feminine form of חֹזֶק (chôzeq), its definition includes concepts like force, mightily, sharply, and repair. The word typically carries a negative connotation, describing vehemence in a bad sense, though its meaning can shift depending on the context.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In biblical narratives, `{{H2394}}` is most often used to describe negative actions of power or intensity. It depicts coercive action, such as when the sons of Eli threaten to take an offering "by **force**" [[1 Samuel 2:16]], and the oppression of Israel, who were "**mightily** oppressed" for twenty years [[Judges 4:3]]. Similarly, it characterizes the harsh rule of Israel’s unfaithful shepherds, who governed with "**force** and with cruelty" [[Ezekiel 34:4]]. The word can also describe sharp contention, as when the men of Ephraim "did chide with him **sharply**" [[Judges 8:1]]. In contrast, it is used positively to describe the fervent repentance of Nineveh, where the people were to "cry **mightily** unto God" [[Jonah 3:8]], and neutrally to describe the work done "to **repair**" the house of the LORD [[2 Kings 12:12]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words clarify the nuances of strength, force, and oppression associated with `{{H2394}}`:
* `{{H2388}}` **châzaq** (to fasten upon; hence, to seize, be strong): As the primitive root of `{{H2394}}`, this word covers a broad spectrum of meanings, from being told to "**be strong** and of a good courage" [[Deuteronomy 31:6]] to the act of strengthening or making repairs.
* `{{H3905}}` **lâchats** (to press, i.e. (figuratively) to distress): This word specifically denotes oppression and is used alongside `{{H2394}}` to describe how Israel’s enemies "**mightily oppressed**" them [[Judges 4:3]].
* `{{H6531}}` **perek** (cruelty, rigour): This term defines the nature of the force used. It is paired directly with `{{H2394}}` when describing the shepherds who ruled the people with "force and with **cruelty**" [[Ezekiel 34:4]].
* `{{H7378}}` **rîyb** (to wrangle, i.e. hold a controversy): This word for contention is used to describe the verbal forcefulness when the Ephraimites "**did chide** with him sharply" [[Judges 8:1]].
### Theological Significance
The use of `{{H2394}}` carries significant weight, often highlighting a contrast between proper and improper applications of power.
* **Abuse of Authority:** The word is frequently used to condemn those in power who rule through illegitimate means. This is seen in the leaders who ruled with "**force** and with cruelty" instead of care [[Ezekiel 34:4]] and in the priests' sons who took offerings by **force** [[1 Samuel 2:16]].
* **Foreign Oppression:** `{{H2394}}` describes the overwhelming power of Israel's enemies, such as when a king with hundreds of iron chariots "**mightily** oppressed" the children of Israel, prompting them to cry out to the LORD [[Judges 4:3]].
* **Vehemence of Human Expression:** The term can describe the intensity of human emotion and action, both negatively in sharp contention [[Judges 8:1]] and positively in the urgent, "**mightily**" prayer of repentance from the people of Nineveh [[Jonah 3:8]].
* **Constructive Force:** In a unique context, `{{H2394}}` is applied to the act of restoration, where resources were used to **repair** the house of the LORD [[2 Kings 12:12]]. This connects it to the positive sense of its root, `{{H2388}}`, meaning to strengthen or amend.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H2394}}` **chozqâh** is a potent word that primarily signifies force used in a negative or vehement manner. While it most often describes oppressive rule, coercive acts, and sharp conflict, its application is not exclusively negative. The word also captures the intensity of a desperate cry to God and the constructive effort required for repair. Through its few but powerful occurrences, `{{H2394}}` illustrates the critical distinction between illegitimate force that harms and righteous vehemence or strength that restores.
TRV