### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew adjective H5794 (ʻaz), transliterated as ʻaz, is derived from the verbal root `{{H5810}}` (ʻazaz), meaning "to be strong" or "to be mighty." As an adjective, ʻaz primarily conveys the sense of "strong" or "mighty." Its semantic range extends to encompass various nuances of intensity, power, and even severity:
* **Strength/Might:** The most fundamental meaning, referring to physical power, military might, or inherent capability.
* **Vehemence/Intensity:** Describes something forceful, passionate, or deeply felt, often translated as "vehement."
* **Harshness/Fierceness:** Can denote a severe, unyielding, or even cruel quality, applied to actions, character, or conditions, rendered as "harsh" or "fierce."
* **Boldness/Brazenness:** In some contexts, it can describe a defiant, impudent, or unashamed attitude.
* **Greed/Voraciousness:** When applied to desire or appetite, it can imply an intense, almost insatiable longing, leading to translations like "greedy" in specific idiomatic phrases.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term H5794 appears across various genres in the Hebrew Bible, describing a range of subjects:
* **Divine Attributes:** Most significantly, ʻaz is used to describe the power and might of Yahweh. He is portrayed as "strong and mighty" (ʻaz wĕgibbor) and "strong in battle" (ʻaz milḥamah) in [[Psalm 24:8]], emphasizing His invincible sovereignty and capacity to overcome all opposition. This divine strength is a source of comfort and trust for His people.
* **Human Strength and Character:**
* It can refer to the physical or military strength of individuals or nations, such as "mighty men" (gibborim ʻazim). [[2 Samuel 15:12]]
* Often, ʻaz describes a strong or stubborn character. In [[Proverbs 21:29]], it characterizes a "bold" or "brazen" person who hardens their face, contrasting with the upright who considers their way.
* In [[Proverbs 7:13]], the adulteress is described as "bold" (ʻaz) and without shame, highlighting her impudent and defiant demeanor.
* [[Deuteronomy 28:50]] uses ʻaz to describe a "fierce" nation, emphasizing their unyielding and aggressive nature.
* **Animal Characteristics:** The word is employed to depict the strength or ferocity of animals, such as the "lion, mighty among beasts" (layish gibbor ba-behemot) in [[Proverbs 30:30]], underscoring their inherent power.
* **Abstract Qualities/Emotions:** ʻaz can also describe the intensity of abstract concepts. For instance, in [[Proverbs 27:4]], it states that "wrath is cruel, and anger is ʻaz (vehement/fierce)," indicating the destructive power of intense human emotion.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **Root Verb:** The primary related word is its root verb, `{{H5810}}` (ʻazaz), which means "to be strong," "to prevail," or "to be mighty." The adjective H5794 is a direct derivative, describing the state or quality of being strong.
* **Noun Form:** Closely related is the noun `{{H5797}}` (ʻoz), which means "strength," "might," or "power." Often, H5794 and `{{H5797}}` are used in parallel or in close proximity, reinforcing the concept of strength. For example, ʻoz is also used to describe God's strength.
* **Other Words for Strength:** H5794 belongs to a cluster of Hebrew words denoting strength, power, and might, including `{{H1369}}` (gibbor, "mighty man, warrior"), `{{H2388}}` (ḥazaq, "strong, firm"), and `{{H3581}}` (koach, "strength, power"). While each has distinct nuances, they collectively articulate the concept of potency.
* **Semantic Field:** The word operates within a semantic field that encompasses power, courage, intensity, and, when used negatively, stubbornness, defiance, or violence.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of H5794 (ʻaz) is profound, particularly in its application to God and humanity:
* **Divine Omnipotence and Sovereignty:** The most crucial theological implication is its portrayal of God's absolute and unchallengeable power. When God is described as ʻaz, it affirms His omnipotence, His ability to act decisively, and His ultimate control over creation and history. This attribute undergirds the biblical understanding of God as the ultimate deliverer, protector, and judge. The believer finds security in the ʻaz of Yahweh.
* **Human Weakness and Rebellion:** Conversely, when ʻaz describes human strength or character, it often highlights either the fleeting nature of human power compared to God's, or the negative aspects of human will. A "fierce" or "stubborn" heart (ʻaz panim) signifies a rebellious spirit that resists God's commands and wisdom. This human "strength" often leads to sin and judgment.
* **God's Justice and Judgment:** God's ʻaz is not merely abstract power but is actively manifested in His justice. His "strong" hand and "mighty" arm execute His righteous judgments against sin and rebellion, demonstrating His power to uphold His covenant and moral order.
* **Call to Trust:** The contrast between God's unwavering ʻaz and humanity's limited strength underscores the biblical call to trust in God alone, rather than relying on human might or self-will.
### Summary
The Hebrew adjective H5794 (ʻaz), derived from `{{H5810}}` (ʻazaz), fundamentally means "strong" or "mighty." Its semantic range extends to "vehement," "harsh," and "fierce," denoting intensity, severity, or forceful power. Biblically, it is prominently used to describe the invincible power and sovereignty of God ([[Psalm 24:8]]), the physical or moral strength of humans (sometimes negatively indicating stubbornness or brazenness, as in [[Proverbs 7:13]]), and the ferocity of animals ([[Proverbs 30:30]]). Theologically, ʻaz is crucial for understanding God's omnipotence, His capacity for righteous judgment, and the contrast between divine strength and the often rebellious or insufficient strength of humanity. It is closely related to the noun `{{H5797}}` (ʻoz), meaning "strength" or "might."
TRV