from עָזַז; forcible; collectively and concretely, an army; power, strong.
Transliteration:ʻizzûwz
Pronunciation:iz-zooz'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term עִזּוּז (H5808, transliterated as ʻizzûwz) is derived from the root עָזַז (`{{H5810}}`, "to be strong, mighty, fierce"). As a derivative, ʻizzûwz carries the core semantic notion of inherent power, might, or force. Its base definition encompasses "forcible," "power," and "strong." Significantly, it can also be used collectively and concretely to refer to "an army," thereby denoting a powerful, organized force. The word thus describes both an intrinsic quality of strength and the tangible manifestation of that strength, particularly in a military or political context.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term ʻizzûwz (H5808) appears sparingly in the Hebrew Bible, but its few occurrences are highly significant, illuminating its specific semantic range and theological implications.
1. **[[Daniel 2:42]]**: "And as the toes of the feet were partly of iron and partly of clay, so the kingdom shall be partly strong (עִזּוּז) and partly brittle." Here, ʻizzûwz describes the inherent strength or might of a future kingdom. In the context of Nebuchadnezzar's dream, it refers to the political and military power of the final world empire, which, despite its strength, is depicted as fundamentally unstable and prone to division due to its mixed composition. The word highlights the formidable nature of this earthly power, yet subtly foreshadows its ultimate fragility when contrasted with divine sovereignty.
2. **[[Psalm 24:8]]**: "Who is this King of glory? The LORD, strong (עִזּוּז) and mighty, the LORD mighty in battle." In this majestic psalm of ascent, ʻizzûwz is directly applied as an attribute of Yahweh. It describes God's unparalleled strength and might, particularly in the context of warfare or cosmic conflict. The parallelism with "mighty in battle" (גִּבּוֹר מִלְחָמָה) reinforces the martial aspect of divine power. Here, ʻizzûwz elevates Yahweh as the supreme warrior, whose strength is absolute and invincible, far surpassing any earthly power.
These two occurrences provide a stark contrast: in Daniel, it describes the formidable but ultimately perishable strength of human kingdoms; in Psalm 24, it describes the absolute, eternal, and unchallengeable strength of God.
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic field of ʻizzûwz (H5808) is closely tied to its root and other derivatives, all emphasizing strength and power:
* **עָזַז (`{{H5810}}`)**: The verbal root meaning "to be strong, mighty, fierce, prevail." This is the foundational concept from which ʻizzûwz derives its core meaning.
* **עֹז (`{{H5797}}`)**: A very common noun meaning "strength, might, power, vigor, security." It often refers to physical strength, military power, or divine might.
* **עַז (`{{H5794}}`)**: An adjective meaning "strong, mighty, fierce, powerful, impudent." It can describe individuals, nations, or even natural phenomena.
* **גִּבּוֹר (`{{H1368}}`)**: While not directly related by root, this word, meaning "mighty, strong, warrior," often appears in contexts describing strength and battle, as seen in the parallelism of [[Psalm 24:8]].
* **חָזָק (`{{H2389}}`)**: Another common term for "strong, firm, hard," often used in contexts of physical strength, moral fortitude, or divine power.
The concept of "strength" is pervasive in biblical theology, applied to God's character, human capabilities, and the nature of nations. ʻizzûwz contributes to this rich tapestry by specifically highlighting a forceful, potent, and sometimes martial aspect of strength.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of ʻizzûwz (H5808) lies primarily in its dual application, serving to differentiate between divine and human power.
1. **Divine Omnipotence**: In [[Psalm 24:8]], the application of ʻizzûwz to Yahweh underscores His absolute and unparalleled strength. It portrays God not merely as powerful, but as "forcible" and "mighty in battle," emphasizing His active engagement in the affairs of creation and redemption. This attribute assures believers of God's capacity to deliver, protect, and ultimately triumph over all adversaries. It is a declaration of His sovereignty and His ability to establish His kingdom. The King of Glory is ʻizzûwz because His power is inherent, eternal, and without limit.
2. **Transience of Human Power**: In [[Daniel 2:42]], ʻizzûwz describes the strength of human empires, but in a context that simultaneously highlights their inherent fragility. The "strong" kingdom is also "brittle," a stark reminder that even the most formidable human powers are temporary and ultimately subject to divine judgment and overthrow. This illustrates a key biblical theme: human might, though impressive, is never absolute and always pales in comparison to the enduring power of God.
Thus, ʻizzûwz serves as a theological marker, exalting God's supreme strength while relativizing and contextualizing the strength of human entities. It calls the reader to place their trust not in the temporary might of earthly powers, but in the eternal and invincible ʻizzûwz of the Lord.
### Summary
The Hebrew word עִזּוּז (H5808, ʻizzûwz) signifies "forcible," "strong," or "power," and can also refer to a "strong army." Derived from the root `{{H5810}}` ("to be strong"), its rare but impactful occurrences in Scripture provide profound theological insights. In [[Daniel 2:42]], it describes the formidable, yet ultimately vulnerable, strength of human kingdoms, highlighting their transient nature. Conversely, in [[Psalm 24:8]], ʻizzûwz is a majestic attribute of Yahweh, proclaiming His absolute and unchallengeable strength, particularly as a divine warrior. The word thus serves to underscore the fundamental difference between created power, which is relative and temporal, and the Creator's inherent, eternal, and omnipotent ʻizzûwz.
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