### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **chăçîyn**, represented by `{{H2626}}`, is a term meaning **mighty** or **strong**. It is derived from a root that means firm. This word is exceedingly rare, appearing only **1 time** in **1 unique verse** in the entire Bible, where it is used to describe the singular power of God.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The sole appearance of `{{H2626}}` is in a powerful, rhetorical question that emphasizes God's incomparable nature. In the Psalms, the question is posed, "O LORD God of hosts, who is a **strong** LORD like unto thee?" [[Psalms 89:8]]. Here, the word is not used to describe a human warrior or a physical object, but is reserved for the LORD `{{H3050}}` himself, setting His strength apart as unique and unrivaled among all powers.
### Related Words & Concepts
The context of `{{H2626}}` in [[Psalms 89:8]] places it alongside other significant Hebrew words that define God's divine authority and character:
* `{{H3068}}` **Yᵉhôvâh** ((the) self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God; Jehovah, the Lord): This is the covenant name of God, used to emphasize His personal and eternal nature, as when David declares, "The **LORD** is my shepherd; I shall not want" [[Psalms 23:1]].
* `{{H430}}` **ʼĕlôhîym** (plural of אֱלוֹהַּ; gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme God): This word points to God as the supreme creator and sovereign, as established from the very beginning: "In the beginning **God** created the heaven and the earth" [[Genesis 1:1]].
* `{{H6635}}` **tsâbâʼ** (a mass of persons (or figuratively, things), especially reg. organized forwar (an army); by implication, a campaign... host): This term, often translated as "hosts," signifies God's command over all armies, both earthly and heavenly. It is frequently used in the title "LORD of **hosts**" [[Zechariah 4:6]].
* `{{H530}}` **ʼĕmûwnâh** (literally firmness; figuratively security; morally fidelity; faith(-ful, -ly, -ness, (man)), set office, stability, steady, truly, truth, verily): This word is used in the same verse as `{{H2626}}` to describe God's unwavering reliability, highlighting that his great power is matched by his fidelity [[Lamentations 3:23]].
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H2626}}` is concentrated in its exclusive application to God.
* **Incomparable Might:** The word's use in a question—"who is a **strong** LORD like unto thee?"—is designed to declare that no other being or power can compare to God's strength. It establishes His absolute supremacy [[Psalms 89:8]].
* **Divine Authority:** By appearing within the full title "LORD God of hosts" (`{{H3068}}`, `{{H430}}`, `{{H6635}}`), **chăçîyn** links God's might directly to His role as the eternal, supreme commander of all creation.
* **Strength and Faithfulness:** The verse pairs God's unique strength with His surrounding "faithfulness" `{{H530}}`, indicating that His omnipotence is not arbitrary but is perfectly aligned with His moral character and covenant promises [[Psalms 89:8]].
### Summary
In summary, though used only once, `{{H2626}}` provides a potent and focused declaration of God's character. The word **chăçîyn** is reserved for a specific theological purpose: to define the Lord's might as absolute and unparalleled. Its placement in [[Psalms 89:8]], surrounded by terms for God's eternal name, supreme authority, and perfect faithfulness, elevates it from a simple adjective to a cornerstone of divine identity, illustrating how a single word can convey profound theological truth.
TRV