### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma עֱזוּז (ʻĕzûwz, `{{H5807}}`) is a noun denoting "forcibleness," "might," or "strength." It is derived from the verbal root עָזַז (ʻāzaz, `{{H5810}}`), which means "to be strong," "to be mighty," or "to be fierce." The term thus conveys an inherent, potent quality of power or vigor. Unlike some other terms for strength that might emphasize physical ability or military prowess, ʻĕzûwz points more towards the intrinsic, compelling force or intensity of something. Its semantic range is narrow due to its limited occurrences, but it consistently highlights a formidable, awe-inspiring power.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word ʻĕzûwz appears only twice in the Hebrew Bible, each instance offering a distinct contextual nuance that illuminates its meaning:
1. **[[Psalm 145:6]]**: "Men shall speak of the might (עֱזוּז) of Your awesome deeds, and I will declare Your greatness."
Here, ʻĕzûwz refers to the **divine might** of God. It is the inherent power that undergirds His "awesome deeds" (נוֹרָאוֹת, *nôrāʾôth*). The context is a hymn of praise, where the psalmist extols the majesty and greatness of Yahweh. The "might" of God's deeds evokes awe and wonder, prompting declaration and worship. It is a power that is both effective in action and glorious in its display.
2. **[[Daniel 11:38]]**: "But in his place he shall honor a god of fortresses (מָעֻזִּים, *māʻuzzîm*); and a god whom his fathers did not know he shall honor with gold and silver, with precious stones and costly gifts."
While the lemma ʻĕzûwz itself does not appear in the Masoretic Text of [[Daniel 11:38]], some ancient versions and commentators have understood the phrase "god of fortresses" (אֱלוֹהַ מָעֻזִּים) as referring to a god of "might" or "strength." This interpretation often stems from the close lexical relationship between ʻĕzûwz and the root ʻāzaz (from which māʻuzzîm is also derived, meaning "strongholds" or "fortresses"). The passage describes the blasphemous king (Antiochus IV Epiphanes, or a future eschatological figure) who exalts military power and worldly strength above the God of his fathers. If ʻĕzûwz were to be understood here, it would represent a misplaced, idolatrous worship of human or worldly might, contrasting sharply with the divine ʻĕzûwz of [[Psalm 145:6]]. The focus shifts from God's inherent, righteous power to a human-conceived, often oppressive, reliance on physical or military "forcibleness."
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary linguistic connection for ʻĕzûwz is its root, עָזַז (ʻāzaz, `{{H5810}}`), "to be strong, mighty, fierce." This root gives rise to several related terms signifying strength:
* **עֹז** (ʻoz, `{{H5797}}`): A very common noun meaning "strength," "might," "power," often used in reference to God's divine strength or the strength of a nation. It shares a close semantic field with ʻĕzûwz, both highlighting a robust, inherent power.
* **מָעוֹז** (māʻôz, `{{H4581}}`): "Stronghold," "fortress," "refuge." This term emphasizes strength as a source of security or protection, often used metaphorically for God as a refuge. Its plural form, māʻuzzîm, appears in [[Daniel 11:38]].
* **כֹּחַ** (koach, `{{H3581}}`): General term for "strength," "power," "ability," often referring to physical or vital strength.
* **גְּבוּרָה** (gevurah, `{{H1369}}`): "Might," "power," "valor," often describing a display of strength or heroic action.
* **חַיִל** (chayil, `{{H2428}}`): "Strength," "might," "valor," "army," "wealth." This term is broad, encompassing military strength, vital force, and even economic power.
Conceptually, ʻĕzûwz relates to the broader themes of divine omnipotence, human weakness, the nature of true power, and the dangers of idolatry.
### Theological Significance
The sparse but poignant appearances of ʻĕzûwz offer profound theological insight. In [[Psalm 145:6]], ʻĕzûwz unequivocally points to the **sovereign and majestic power of God**. It is His inherent "forcibleness" that enables His "awesome deeds," evoking worship and declaration from humanity. This divine ʻĕzûwz is not merely brute force but an attribute of His holy and righteous character, worthy of all praise. It is the power that upholds creation, executes justice, and brings about salvation.
The implied contrast with [[Daniel 11:38]] is particularly striking. While God's ʻĕzûwz is to be lauded, the king in Daniel exalts a "god of fortresses" or a god of "might" that his fathers did not know. This represents a profound theological error: the worship of worldly power, military might, or human ingenuity as ultimate. It highlights the human tendency to deify strength derived from material or strategic sources, rather than acknowledging the true source of all power in God. This misplaced devotion leads to arrogance, oppression, and ultimately, destruction.
Thus, ʻĕzûwz serves as a theological marker distinguishing between:
1. **Righteous, divine might:** God's inherent, awe-inspiring power that works wonders and demands worship.
2. **Misplaced, worldly might:** Human reliance on or worship of physical, military, or political strength, which is ultimately fleeting and idolatrous when divorced from God.
### Summary
The Hebrew word ʻĕzûwz (`{{H5807}}`) denotes "forcibleness," "might," or "strength," deriving from the root ʻāzaz (`{{H5810}}`), "to be strong." Though appearing only twice in the Hebrew Bible, its usage carries significant theological weight. In [[Psalm 145:6]], it describes the **awe-inspiring, inherent might of God**, which enables His wondrous deeds and elicits praise. In contrast, the context of [[Daniel 11:38]]—where a "god of fortresses" or "might" is honored—highlights the danger of **misplaced worship of worldly or human power**. ʻĕzûwz therefore underscores the critical distinction between the righteous, divine source of all true power and the misguided, idolatrous pursuit of strength apart from God, serving as a powerful reminder of where ultimate might resides and to whom honor is due.
TRV