### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew root H5823 (עָזַק, ʻâzaq) is a primitive root, conveying a foundational action related to land management and cultivation. Its base definition encompasses two primary, yet interconnected, aspects: "to grub over" and "to fence about." "To grub over" implies a thorough digging or loosening of the soil, often to remove weeds, stones, or to prepare the ground for planting. This suggests an intensive, laborious act of cultivation. "To fence about" denotes the act of enclosing or surrounding, typically for protection or demarcation. While the Strong's definition presents these as distinct, the single biblical occurrence of this root suggests they are complementary actions performed in careful stewardship of land, particularly a vineyard. The semantic range points to diligent preparation, meticulous care, and protective measures undertaken to ensure fertility and security.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The root H5823 occurs only once in the Hebrew Bible, found in the poignant "Song of the Vineyard" in [[Isaiah 5:2]]. The verse states: "My beloved had a vineyard on a very fertile hill. He dug it up and cleared it of stones, and planted it with the choicest vines; he built a watchtower in the midst of it and also hewed out a wine vat in it; and he looked for it to yield grapes, but it yielded wild grapes."
Here, the verb וַיְעַזְּקֵהוּ (wayye'azzeqehu), derived from עָזַק, is translated as "he dug it up" or "he tilled it." In this context, the action describes the initial, laborious preparation of the vineyard soil. This is not merely superficial digging, but a deep and thorough cultivation, likely involving the breaking up of hard ground and the removal of embedded stones, as the subsequent phrase "and cleared it of stones" (וַיְסַקְּלֵהוּ) further clarifies. The parallel actions of building a watchtower and hewing out a wine vat further emphasize the owner's comprehensive and diligent investment. While the "fencing about" aspect of the definition is not explicitly stated in this verse, the meticulous preparation and subsequent protective measures (watchtower) imply a holistic approach to safeguarding the vineyard, which would naturally include some form of enclosure. The use of עָזַק thus highlights the immense effort and careful attention the vineyard owner (Yahweh) invested in His vineyard (Israel).
### Related Words & Concepts
The actions implied by H5823 are deeply interwoven with the broader biblical vocabulary of agriculture and divine care.
* **Cultivation:** Concepts like "to work" or "to serve" (`{{H5647}}` - עָבַד) are related, as עָזַק describes a specific type of intensive labor. Other verbs for digging or tilling, such as `{{H2658}}` (חָפַר - to dig) or `{{H3738}}` (כָּרָה - to dig, often for wells), share a semantic field of ground manipulation, but עָזַק carries the specific nuance of preparing land for planting, particularly in a vineyard.
* **Protection:** The concept of "fencing" or "walling" (`{{H1447}}` - גָּדֵר; `{{H2346}}` - חֹמָה) aligns with the protective aspect of עָזַק, underscoring the owner's desire to safeguard his investment.
* **Vineyard Imagery:** The word is inextricably linked to the imagery of the vineyard (`{{H3754}}` - כֶּרֶם) and the vine (`{{H1612}}` - גֶּפֶן), which are pervasive metaphors for Israel and its relationship with God throughout the Old and New Testaments.
* **Divine Stewardship:** The actions of עָזַק are part of a larger pattern of God's diligent and loving care for His people, often described in terms of planting, watering, and tending.
### Theological Significance
The singular occurrence of H5823 in [[Isaiah 5:2]] imbues it with profound theological significance. In the Song of the Vineyard, Yahweh is depicted as the diligent vineyard owner, and Israel as His vineyard. The act of "grubbing over" (עָזַק) signifies God's meticulous, foundational work in establishing and preparing His people. It speaks to His immense effort, intentionality, and deep investment in Israel from its very inception. He did not merely plant; He thoroughly prepared the ground, removing obstacles and ensuring optimal conditions for growth and fruitfulness. This highlights:
1. **Divine Providence and Care:** God's care is not superficial but deep, comprehensive, and sacrificial. He provides all necessary resources and conditions for His people to flourish spiritually.
2. **Covenant Faithfulness:** The actions described by עָזַק are an expression of God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant with Israel. He fulfilled His part by providing every possible advantage for His vineyard to produce good fruit.
3. **Expectation of Righteousness:** The meticulous preparation implies a clear expectation of a corresponding yield. The tragic outcome—the vineyard yielding "wild grapes" (בּאשׁים, `{{H889}}`), symbolizing injustice and unrighteousness—underscores the divine disappointment when God's perfect provision is met with human rebellion and unfruitfulness. This sets the stage for the subsequent divine judgment.
Thus, עָזַק encapsulates God's benevolent and exhaustive efforts to cultivate a people for Himself, emphasizing His perfect provision and the subsequent human failure that leads to divine judgment.
### Summary
The Hebrew root H5823 (עָזַק, ʻâzaq) is a primitive verb whose core meaning encompasses the dual actions of "grubbing over" (thoroughly tilling and preparing soil) and "fencing about" (protecting an area). Its sole biblical appearance in [[Isaiah 5:2]] is highly significant, portraying Yahweh as the meticulous vineyard owner who performs the intensive act of עָזַק on His vineyard, Israel. This singular use underscores God's profound, laborious, and comprehensive investment in His people, providing every necessary condition for their flourishing. Theologically, עָזַק highlights God's perfect provision, His unwavering covenant faithfulness, and the deep disappointment when His exhaustive efforts are met with spiritual barrenness and unrighteousness, leading to divine judgment. The word thus serves as a powerful testament to God's diligent care and His just expectation of fruitfulness from those He has so abundantly blessed.
TRV