### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma עַזָּן (ʻAzzân), Strong's number `{{H5821}}`, is a proper noun derived from the root עַז (ʻaz) `{{H5794}}`. The base meaning of עַז is "strong," "mighty," "fierce," or "bold." Consequently, עַזָּן functions as a personal name, signifying "strong one" or "mighty one." As a proper noun, its semantic range is limited to its use as an identifier for an individual, yet its etymological root provides insight into the potential characteristics, hopes, or aspirations associated with the person or their lineage.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name עַזָּן (ʻAzzân) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, specifically within the book of Numbers:
* [[Numbers 34:26]]: "And of the tribe of Issachar, Paltiel the son of Azzan."
In this solitary occurrence, Azzan is identified as the father of Paltiel. Paltiel is listed among the twelve tribal leaders chosen by God, alongside Eleazar the priest and Joshua, to oversee the division of the land of Canaan among the tribes of Israel. The context is purely genealogical, serving to establish the lineage of one of the appointed leaders for the crucial task of land allocation. No further narrative or descriptive information is provided about Azzan himself, indicating his significance lies primarily in his role as an ancestor within a vital historical and administrative framework.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is the root עַז (ʻaz) `{{H5794}}`, from which עַזָּן is derived. This root is widely used throughout the Old Testament to denote strength, power, and might, often in reference to God's attributes (e.g., "The Lord is my strength and my shield" [[Psalm 28:7]]), the strength of nations or armies, or the fortified nature of cities.
Other proper names in the biblical text also incorporate this root or related concepts of strength:
* עֻזִּיָּה (ʻUzzîyāh) or עֻזִּיָּהוּ (ʻUzzîyāhû) `{{H5818}}`: Uzziah, meaning "my strength is Yahweh" or "Yahweh is my strength," a name borne by several individuals, most notably a king of Judah.
* עֻזִּי (ʻUzzî) `{{H5812}}`: Uzzi, meaning "my strength."
* The broader concept of "strength" (e.g., כֹּחַ (koach) `{{H3581}}`, גְּבוּרָה (gevurah) `{{H1369}}`) is a recurring theological theme, often highlighting divine power and the strength God imparts to His people.
### Theological Significance
While עַזָּן (ʻAzzân) itself, as a proper name, does not carry explicit theological doctrine, its etymological root עַז (ʻaz) points to a profound biblical concept: strength. In ancient Israelite naming conventions, names often reflected character, destiny, or a parent's aspirations. Thus, naming a child "Azzan" ("strong one") might have conveyed a hope for the child to embody resilience, capability, or leadership qualities.
The inclusion of Azzan in the lineage of Paltiel, a divinely appointed leader for the land distribution, subtly underscores the importance of strength and capability within the community chosen by God. Though Azzan's personal strength is not recounted, the very act of naming suggests a recognition of the value of such attributes for the challenges of establishing the nation of Israel in the promised land. Theologically, this aligns with the broader biblical narrative where God often raises up strong leaders and empowers His people to fulfill His purposes, demonstrating that true strength ultimately derives from Him.
### Summary
עַזָּן (ʻAzzân) `{{H5821}}` is a Hebrew proper noun, meaning "strong one," derived from the root עַז (ʻaz) `{{H5794}}`. Its sole biblical appearance is in [[Numbers 34:26]], where it identifies the father of Paltiel, a tribal leader from Issachar responsible for the division of Canaan. Although the text provides no further details about Azzan, his name's etymology connects him to the significant biblical theme of strength and might. This connection implicitly highlights the value of such qualities within God's people, particularly in leadership roles, and resonates with the broader theological understanding that true strength is often divinely bestowed or desired in those who serve God's purposes.
TRV