### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew noun machăzeh (`{{H4236}}`) is derived from the verbal root chazah (`{{H2372}}`), which fundamentally means "to see," "to behold," or "to gaze." While chazah can refer to ordinary sight, it frequently carries the nuance of seeing with prophetic insight or receiving a divine revelation. Consequently, machăzeh specifically denotes "a vision," implying a supernatural or divinely granted perception. This is distinct from mere physical sight, referring instead to an experience where divine communication is conveyed visually, whether in a dream, trance, or a heightened state of awareness. It encompasses both the act of seeing such a profound sight and the content or object that is seen, always with an emphasis on its revelatory nature.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term machăzeh appears a limited number of times in the Hebrew Bible, yet each instance is significant, highlighting its specific function as a vehicle for divine encounter and revelation:
* **[[Genesis 15:1]]**: This pivotal passage describes the Lord coming to Abram "in a vision" (בַּמַּחֲזֶה). Here, machăzeh signifies a direct, personal, and profoundly reassuring divine encounter, where God speaks to Abram, promising him protection and an heir. This vision is foundational to the Abrahamic covenant.
* **[[Numbers 24:4]], [[Numbers 24:16]]**: In the oracles of Balaam, he speaks of himself as "the man whose eyes are opened" and "who sees the vision (מַחֲזֵה) of the Almighty." Despite Balaam's morally ambiguous character, these verses affirm that he genuinely experienced a divine machăzeh, underscoring God's sovereign ability to reveal Himself even through unexpected channels.
* **[[Job 4:13]], [[Job 7:14]], [[Job 20:8]]**: In the Book of Job, machăzeh takes on a more unsettling connotation. Eliphaz describes a terrifying "vision" (מַחֲזֶה) that came to him in the night, filling him with dread ([[Job 4:13]]). Job himself laments that God terrifies him with "dreams" and "visions" (מַחֲזֶה), suggesting these are not comforting revelations but instruments of divine affliction ([[Job 7:14]]). Zophar uses it metaphorically, stating that the wicked "flee away like a vision (כְּמַחֲזֵה) of the night," emphasizing the fleeting and insubstantial nature of their prosperity ([[Job 20:8]]).
* **[[Isaiah 28:7]]**: Here, machăzeh is used in a context of prophetic failure. The prophet Isaiah laments that priests and prophets "err in vision" (בַּמַּחֲזֶה) and stumble in judgment due to strong drink. This highlights that while machăzeh is a divine gift, its reception and interpretation can be corrupted by human sin and weakness.
* **[[Ezekiel 8:3]], [[Ezekiel 8:4]], [[Ezekiel 11:24]]**: The prophet Ezekiel's ministry is characterized by intense and detailed machăzeh experiences. He is repeatedly taken by the Spirit "in visions (בְּמַרְאוֹת אֱלֹהִים, often translated as "visions of God," but in context referring to the nature of the vision itself) of God" to Jerusalem, where he witnesses the abominations committed in the temple and receives divine messages of judgment and restoration. These visions are central to his prophetic calling and provide vivid, symbolic insights into God's actions and plans.
Across these contexts, machăzeh consistently denotes a supernaturally imparted visual experience, primarily as a mode of divine communication, though it can evoke varied responses from fear to reassurance, and its message can be misconstrued.
### Related Words & Concepts
Machăzeh (`{{H4236}}`) is part of a semantic field related to seeing and divine revelation, particularly connected to its root chazah (`{{H2372}}`). Other significant terms include:
* **Chazon (`{{H2377}}`):** This is another common Hebrew word for "vision" or "prophecy." While machăzeh often emphasizes the *visual experience* or *mode* of revelation, chazon frequently refers to the *content* or *message* of the prophetic revelation itself. They are closely related and sometimes used interchangeably, but machăzeh retains a stronger emphasis on the visual, sensory aspect of the encounter.
* **Mar'eh (`{{H4758}}`):** Meaning "appearance," "sight," or "vision," mar'eh can describe anything seen, including the appearance of the glory of the Lord (e.g., [[Exodus 24:17]]). While machăzeh focuses on the *event* of receiving a divine vision, mar'eh can describe the *form* or *aspect* of what is seen, often in the context of theophanies.
* **Chalom (`{{H2472}}`):** "Dream." Dreams are often a medium through which God communicates, and machăzeh can sometimes occur within a dream state, as seen in [[Job 7:14]], where dreams and visions are linked as sources of terror.
* **Ro'eh (`{{H7203}}`) and Chozeh (`{{H2374}}`):** These are participles derived from ra'ah (to see) and chazah (to see), respectively, often translated as "seer." They denote individuals who are gifted with the ability to "see" divine revelations, thus linking machăzeh directly to the prophetic office.
* **Prophecy:** Machăzeh is a specific form of prophetic revelation, emphasizing the visual dimension of God's communication to His chosen messengers.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of machăzeh is profound, underscoring several key aspects of God's interaction with humanity:
* **Divine Revelation and Initiative:** Machăzeh serves as a potent testament to God's active and personal involvement in human history. It highlights that God is not silent but graciously takes the initiative to reveal His character, will, and plans to His people, often in direct and unmistakable ways. The visions granted to Abram and Ezekiel exemplify God's desire to communicate intimately and powerfully.
* **Authenticity of Prophetic Ministry:** For figures like Ezekiel, the machăzeh experiences are not merely subjective perceptions but divinely orchestrated encounters that authenticate their prophetic message. The vividness and specificity of these visions lend authority to the prophet's words, indicating a direct connection to the divine source of truth.
* **Beyond Ordinary Perception:** The nature of machăzeh transcends normal human sensory experience. It points to a reality where God communicates through means that defy natural explanation, inviting awe and wonder. This emphasizes God's transcendence and His ability to communicate in ways that are uniquely suited to His divine nature.
* **The Weight of Revelation:** The varied responses to machăzeh—from Abram's reassurance to Job's terror and Isaiah's warning about corrupted visions—underscore the profound impact and responsibility associated with receiving divine revelation. It highlights that even a genuine divine encounter requires proper spiritual discernment and a receptive heart.
* **God's Sovereignty in Communication:** God sovereignly chooses whom He will reveal Himself to and through what means. The fact that even Balaam, a non-Israelite prophet, receives a machăzeh demonstrates God's freedom to communicate beyond conventional boundaries.
### Summary
Machăzeh (`{{H4236}}`) is a significant Hebrew term denoting a "vision," specifically a supernaturally imparted visual experience, often originating from God. Derived from the root chazah (`{{H2372}}`, "to see"), it describes both the act of receiving such a profound sight and the content of the vision itself. Biblical occurrences demonstrate its role as a primary mode of divine revelation for patriarchs like Abram ([[Genesis 15:1]]) and prophets such as Ezekiel ([[Ezekiel 8:3]]). While generally signifying a direct encounter with the divine, machăzeh can also be a source of terror ([[Job 4:13]]) or be corrupted by human failing ([[Isaiah 28:7]]). Closely related to chazon (`{{H2377}}`, "prophetic vision") and mar'eh (`{{H4758}}`, "appearance"), machăzeh emphasizes the visual and experiential dimension of God's communication. Theologically, it powerfully underscores God's initiative in revealing Himself to humanity, authenticating prophetic messages, and demonstrating the awe-inspiring nature of divine encounter. It is a testament to God's desire to communicate His truth and presence in profound and direct ways that transcend ordinary human perception.
TRV