a primitive root; to be stout (literally or figuratively); harden, impudent, prevail, strengthen (self), be strong.
Transliteration:ʻâzaz
Pronunciation:aw-zaz'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew verb H5810 (ʻâzaz), a primitive root, fundamentally conveys the notion of "to be stout" or "to be strong." Its semantic range extends from a literal sense of physical robustness and might to a figurative sense of firmness, power, and even an unyielding, often defiant, disposition. The core idea is an inherent or manifested strength that enables one to prevail or resist. This strength can be positive, denoting divine power or human fortitude, or negative, implying stubbornness, impudence, or a hardened heart. The various English translations provided in the base definition—"harden," "impudent," "prevail," "strengthen (self)," "be strong"—aptly capture this breadth, highlighting its application to both internal states and external actions. It speaks to a state of being powerfully equipped, whether by nature or by divine endowment, to confront or overcome.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The occurrences of H5810 across the Hebrew Bible illuminate its diverse applications. In many contexts, it describes the *strength* or *might* of God, nations, or individuals. For instance, in [[Psalm 68:28]], it is used in the imperative, "Your God has commanded your strength; *strengthen* (עָזְזָה) what You have done for us, O God." Here, it signifies divine empowerment and the establishment of strength. Similarly, [[Psalm 28:8]] declares, "The LORD is their strength (עֹז, a cognate noun from the same root), and He is the saving defense of His anointed."
The verb also frequently denotes the act of *prevailing* or *overcoming*. In [[Numbers 13:28]], the spies report concerning the inhabitants of Canaan, "Nevertheless, the people who dwell in the land are strong (עָז) and the cities are fortified." Here, the adjectival form derived from H5810 describes the formidable nature of the inhabitants, implying their capacity to resist. In [[Deuteronomy 2:16]], it describes the Lord's action: "So it was, when all the men of war had perished from among the people, that the LORD spoke to me, saying..." (The verb itself is not in this verse, but the context of overcoming and prevailing is strong). A more direct example of prevailing is found in [[Psalm 52:7]], where the wicked man "makes his strength (עֹז) his refuge," highlighting a misguided reliance on human power.
A significant facet of H5810 is its use to describe a negative quality: *impudence* or *hardening*. In [[Proverbs 21:29]], it is said, "A wicked man hardens (יָעוּז) his face," conveying a sense of brazenness or defiance against righteousness. This usage points to an inward resolve that is unyielding in a negative sense, often associated with a lack of shame or a persistent rejection of divine wisdom. This hardening is not merely stubbornness but an active, often aggressive, assertion of one's own will.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary and most significant related word to H5810 (ʻâzaz) is the noun עֹז ('oz, `{{H5797}}`), meaning "strength," "might," or "power." This noun is a direct cognate, deriving from the same root, and frequently appears in contexts that parallel the verbal usage of ʻâzaz. For example, [[Psalm 29:1]] speaks of giving "to the LORD glory and strength (עֹז)." The relationship between the verb and its cognate noun highlights the active process of being strong or strengthening, and the resultant state of possessing strength.
Other related concepts include:
* חָזַק (chazaq, `{{H2388}}`): "to be strong," "to seize," "to grip." While ʻâzaz often implies an inherent or prevailing strength, chazaq can emphasize the act of taking hold or strengthening oneself, often with a focus on firmness or courage (e.g., "be strong and courageous").
* כֹּחַ (koach, `{{H3581}}`): "strength," "power," "ability." This term often refers to the inherent capacity or vigor, whether physical or mental.
* גְּבוּרָה (gevurah, `{{H1369}}`): "strength," "might," "valor," often in the context of heroic deeds or divine power.
While these terms share the semantic domain of "strength," ʻâzaz uniquely carries the nuance of prevailing, often in the face of opposition, and can also denote the negative aspect of impudent, unyielding resolve.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of H5810 is profound, particularly in its application to both the divine and human realms. When applied to God, ʻâzaz underscores His absolute sovereignty and omnipotence. He is the one who *is strong* and *strengthens* His people, enabling them to prevail against adversaries and overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles. This divine strength is not merely a static attribute but an active, empowering force that upholds His covenant promises and delivers His chosen. It speaks to God's unwavering faithfulness and His capacity to bring about His will, even when human strength falters.
Conversely, when ʻâzaz describes human strength, it often highlights its limitations or its potential for misuse. Human strength, when self-reliant or used for wicked purposes, leads to impudence and defiance against God's will. The hardening of one's face or heart, as seen in Proverbs, represents a dangerous spiritual condition, a stubborn rejection of divine wisdom and righteousness. However, when human beings are *strengthened* by God, or when they rely on His ʻoz (strength), their seemingly weak efforts can achieve great things, demonstrating that true prevailing power originates from the divine. This theological tension between human frailty and divine might is central to biblical understanding. The call to be strong in the Lord is not a call to self-sufficiency, but to draw upon the inexhaustible ʻazaz of God.
### Summary
The Hebrew root H5810 (ʻâzaz) is a versatile term signifying "to be stout" or "to be strong." Its semantic range encompasses physical might, the act of prevailing or overcoming, and, notably, the negative connotation of hardening or impudence. Biblical occurrences reveal its application to God's unassailable power, His ability to strengthen His people, and the formidable nature of adversaries. It also powerfully describes human defiance and stubbornness. Closely related to the noun עֹז ('oz, `{{H5797}}`), ʻâzaz distinctively emphasizes active prevailing and the inherent quality of being strong. Theologically, it illuminates God's omnipotence as the source of all true strength and highlights the danger of human self-reliance and hardened hearts, while simultaneously offering the promise of divine empowerment for those who trust in Him.
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