### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word `{{H5811}}` (*ʻÂzâz*) is a proper noun, functioning as a personal name. Its meaning is directly derived from its root, `{{H5810}}` (*ʻâzaz*), which signifies "to be strong," "to be mighty," "to be fierce," or "to be defiant." Therefore, the name *ʻÂzâz* itself means "Strong" or "Mighty." As a proper noun, its semantic range is limited to its identity as a specific individual, though the inherent meaning of the name often conveyed a desired quality, a characteristic, or a prophetic hope for the bearer in ancient Israelite culture.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name `{{H5811}}` (*ʻÂzâz*) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, specifically in the genealogies of the tribe of Reuben:
* **[[1 Chronicles 5:8]]**: "Bela the son of Azaz, the son of Shema, the son of Joel, who lived in Aroer, as far as Nebo and Baal-meon."
In this verse, Azaz is listed as an ancestor in the lineage of the Reubenites, specifically as the father of Bela. The context is purely genealogical, providing a record of the tribal descendants and their dwelling places. Genealogies in the Old Testament served crucial purposes, including establishing tribal identity, land rights, priestly succession, and, ultimately, tracing the lineage leading to the Messiah. While no specific actions or character traits are attributed to Azaz in this passage, his inclusion in the sacred record underscores the divine preservation of family lines and the meticulous attention to detail within the biblical narrative. The name "Strong" might have been bestowed by his parents as an aspiration for his character, a recognition of his physical prowess, or perhaps even a testament to God's strength manifested in their family line.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word to `{{H5811}}` is its verbal root, `{{H5810}}` (*ʻâzaz*), meaning "to be strong, mighty, fierce." This root is used to describe various forms of strength:
* **Physical strength**: For example, in [[Deuteronomy 2:16]], describing the strength of a people.
* **Spiritual or moral strength**: Often implying firmness or resilience.
* **Defiance or boldness**: As seen in [[Proverbs 21:29]], "A wicked man hardens his face."
* **Divine strength**: God's might and power, as in [[Psalm 68:35]], "God is awesome from your sanctuaries; the God of Israel himself gives strength and power to his people."
Other Hebrew words related to the concept of strength include:
* `{{H2389}}` (*chazaq*): To be strong, firm, courageous, often implying a grasping or holding fast.
* `{{H1368}}` (*gabar*): To be strong, mighty, to prevail, often in a context of overcoming or triumphing.
* `{{H6105}}` (*'atsam*): To be mighty, numerous, powerful, often referring to a multitude or great force.
While these words all convey aspects of strength, `{{H5810}}` (*ʻâzaz*) and its derivative `{{H5811}}` (*ʻÂzâz*) often carry a connotation of unyielding, firm, or even fierce strength, fitting for a name that might denote a leader or a formidable figure in a tribal lineage.
### Theological Significance
As a proper noun appearing only once in a genealogical list, the direct theological significance of `{{H5811}}` (*ʻÂzâz*) is limited. However, the *meaning* of the name, "Strong" or "Mighty," resonates deeply with central biblical themes:
1. **God's Attribute of Strength**: The Bible frequently portrays God as the ultimate source of strength and might. He is described as a "strong tower" [[Proverbs 18:10]], "mighty in battle" [[Psalm 24:8]], and the one who "gives strength to the weary" [[Isaiah 40:29]]. The very concept of strength, when applied to a human, ultimately points to the divine source from which all true strength flows.
2. **Human Strength and Dependence**: While humans can possess physical or moral strength, the biblical narrative consistently teaches that true and lasting strength comes from reliance on God. The name Azaz, meaning "Strong," could have been a prayer or a declaration that this individual, or his family, would be strong *in the Lord*.
3. **Significance of Genealogies**: The inclusion of Azaz in the meticulous genealogies of 1 Chronicles highlights the importance of lineage in God's redemptive plan. These lists are not mere historical records but attest to God's faithfulness in preserving His covenant people and preparing the way for the Messiah. Each name, even those appearing only once, contributes to the grand narrative of divine providence.
### Summary
`{{H5811}}` (*ʻÂzâz*) is a Hebrew proper noun, a personal name meaning "Strong" or "Mighty," derived from the root `{{H5810}}` (*ʻâzaz*), "to be strong." It appears only once in the Bible, in [[1 Chronicles 5:8]], as an ancestor in the genealogy of the tribe of Reuben. While the specific actions of Azaz are not recorded, the meaning of his name reflects a core biblical concept of strength, whether human or divine. The inclusion of such a name in the sacred genealogies underscores God's meticulous preservation of lineage and the theological significance of strength as an attribute often associated with God Himself and desired for His people.
TRV