or חִזְקִיָּהוּ; also יְחִזְקִיָּה; or יְחִזְקִיָּהוּ; from חָזַק and יָהּ; strengthened of Jah; Chizkijah, a king of Judah, also the name of two other Israelites; Hezekiah, Hizkiah, Hizkijah. Compare יְחִזְקִיָּה.
Transliteration:Chizqîyâh
Pronunciation:khiz-kee-yaw'
Detailed Word Study
AI-Generated
Loading Study...
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew proper noun H2396, *Chizqîyâh* (also appearing as *Chizqîyâhû*, *Yᵉchizqîyâh*, or *Yᵉchizqîyâhû*), is a theophoric name meaning "Yahweh strengthens" or "strengthened of Jah." It is formed from the verb `{{H2388}}` (חָזַק, *chazaq*), which denotes "to be strong, firm, courageous, or to prevail," and the divine element `{{H3050}}` (יָהּ, *Yah*), a shortened form of the Tetragrammaton, YHWH. The passive implication in the name's structure (strengthened *by* Yahweh) emphasizes divine agency rather than human initiative. The semantic range of this name is tightly focused on this core meaning, primarily functioning as a proper identifier for individuals whose lives or roles might exemplify divine empowerment and reliance on God's strength.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The most prominent individual bearing the name H2396 is **King Hezekiah of Judah**, son of Ahaz. His life and reign are extensively documented in [[2 Kings 18-20]], [[Isaiah 36-39]], and [[2 Chronicles 29-32]].
* **Religious Reformer:** Hezekiah initiated a widespread religious reform, purging idolatry and restoring proper worship of Yahweh in Judah ([[2 Kings 18:3-6]], [[2 Chronicles 29-31]]). This monumental undertaking, which reversed generations of apostasy, required immense spiritual and political fortitude, directly reflecting the meaning of his name—he was "strengthened by Yahweh" to accomplish this task.
* **Deliverance from Assyria:** During his reign, Judah faced the existential threat of the Assyrian Empire under Sennacherib. Hezekiah's unwavering trust in Yahweh during the siege of Jerusalem ([[2 Kings 19]], [[Isaiah 37]]) perfectly illustrated the divine strength implied by his name, as God miraculously delivered the city by destroying the Assyrian army ([[2 Kings 19:35-36]]).
* **Divine Healing:** Hezekiah also experienced a miraculous healing from a mortal illness, with his life extended by fifteen years ([[2 Kings 20:1-11]], [[Isaiah 38]]). This personal intervention further underscored the theme of divine strengthening and life-giving power.
Beyond King Hezekiah, the name H2396 is also attributed to two other individuals:
* An ancestor of the prophet Zephaniah ([[Zephaniah 1:1]]).
* One of the returning exiles from Babylon, mentioned in the lists of those who returned with Zerubbabel ([[Ezra 2:16]], [[Nehemiah 7:21]]). In these instances, the name serves primarily as an identifier, yet its inherent meaning would still resonate within the context of God's people requiring divine strength for restoration and rebuilding.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **`{{H2388}}` (חָזַק, *chazaq*)**: This is the foundational verbal root from which Hezekiah's name is derived. It conveys ideas of being strong, firm, courageous, and prevailing. Throughout the Old Testament, *chazaq* is frequently used to describe God strengthening individuals for specific tasks ([[Deuteronomy 31:6]], [[Joshua 1:6-7]], [[Haggai 2:4]]), or people taking courage in the Lord. The name Hezekiah is a direct theological declaration rooted in this concept.
* **`{{H3050}}` (יָהּ, *Yah*)**: This divine element, a shortened form of the divine name Yahweh, is crucial to the meaning of H2396. Its inclusion in numerous theophoric names (e.g., Isaiah `{{H3470}}`, Jeremiah `{{H3414}}`, Obadiah `{{H5662}}`) highlights the direct involvement of God's character and power in the life and destiny of the named individual.
* **Theophoric Names**: Hezekiah belongs to a broad category of Hebrew names that incorporate a divine title or name. These names often reflect the parents' faith, a prayer for the child, or a prophetic statement about God's character and His relationship with His people. Hezekiah, meaning "Yahweh strengthens," is a powerful example of such a declaration.
* **Divine Sovereignty and Providence**: The very structure and meaning of Hezekiah's name point to God's active and benevolent involvement in human affairs, empowering individuals to fulfill His purposes and overcome adversity through His strength.
### Theological Significance
The name H2396, "Hezekiah," carries profound theological weight, serving as a constant reminder that the source of true strength and capability is not human might but divine empowerment. King Hezekiah's life is a vivid testament to this truth. His audacious religious reforms were not merely an act of human will but required God's enabling strength to cleanse a nation steeped in idolatry. His steadfast reliance on Yahweh during the Assyrian crisis, when all human odds were against Judah, resulted in miraculous deliverance, underscoring that God's strength prevails where human strength fails. His personal healing further emphasized God's life-giving and sustaining power.
The name thus encapsulates a theology of divine dependency: believers' ability to stand firm in faith, resist evil, and accomplish God's will flows directly from God's active strengthening. This resonates deeply with New Testament themes, such as the believer's ability to do all things through Christ who strengthens them ([[Philippians 4:13]]) and the Holy Spirit empowering believers with inner strength ([[Ephesians 3:16]]). It also highlights God's faithfulness to those who trust in Him; Hezekiah's trust was met with divine intervention, demonstrating that the God who strengthens is also the God who delivers.
### Summary
H2396, *Chizqîyâh* (Hezekiah), is a significant Hebrew proper noun derived from the verb `{{H2388}}` ("to be strong") and the divine element `{{H3050}}` ("Yah"). Its core meaning, "Yahweh strengthens" or "strengthened by Yahweh," profoundly encapsulates the character and experiences of its most notable bearer, King Hezekiah of Judah. His reign, marked by radical religious reform, miraculous deliverance from the Assyrians, and divine healing, vividly illustrated the truth that true strength and capability come from God alone. The name stands as a powerful testament to the theological principle of divine empowerment and dependency, reminding all who encounter it that God is the ultimate source of fortitude for His people.
TRV