Lexical Summary
az: Strong, mighty, fierce
Original Word:עַז
Part of Speech:Adjective
Transliteration:`az
Pronunciation:ahz
Phonetic Spelling:(az)
KJV: fierce, + greedy, mighty, power, roughly, strong
NASB:strong, fierce, mighty, fierce men, power, raging, roughly
Word Origin:[fromH5810 (עָזַז - prevail)]
1. strong, vehement, harsh
Strong's Exhaustive Concordance
fierce, greedy, mighty, power, roughly, strong
Fromazaz; strong, vehement, harsh -- fierce, + greedy, mighty, power, roughly, strong.
see HEBREWazaz
NAS Exhaustive Concordance
Word Originfrom
azazDefinitionstrong, mighty, fierce
NASB Translationfierce (2), fierce men (1), greedy* (1), insolent* (1), mighty (2), power (1), raging (1), roughly (1), strong (10), strong ones (1), stronger (1).
Brown-Driver-Briggs
; — absolute
Numbers 13:28 2t.,
Judges 14:18,
Amos 5:9 4t.; construct
Deuteronomy 28:50;
Daniel 8:23; feminine
Exodus 14:21 2t.; plural
Ezekiel 7:24 3t.; feminine
Proverbs 18:23; construct
Isaiah 56:11; —
strong, mighty, wind
Exodus 14:21 (J); border
Numbers 21:24 (JE), but read probably ( Di and others)
Ya`zer was t. border; of people
Proverbs 30:25 (figurative of ants),
Isaiah 43:16 ("" ),
Nehemiah 9:11; of love
Songs 8:6; = substantive
the mightyAmos 5:9;
Ezekiel 7:24 +
Proverbs 24:5 (of physical force; reading or the like Kmp
Kau Wild Toy);
formidable, fierce, of lion
Judges 14:18, so (= substantive)
Judges 14:14, of king
Isaiah 19:4 ("" , of people
Numbers 13:28 (JE),
Isaiah 25:3 ("" ); of enemy
2 Samuel 22:18 =
Psalm 18:18, so as substantive
Psalm 59:4;
Deuteronomy 28:50fierce of countenance,
Daniel 8:23, so perhaps =
impudentEcclesiastes 8:1 (reading for q. v. ); of anger ()
Genesis 49:7 (poem in J), wrath ()
Proverbs 21:14;
Isaiah 56:11dogs fierce of appetite ("" ); feminine plural as adverb accusative
Proverbs 18:23 the rich
answereth fiercely.
Topical Lexicon
Core Meaning and Scopeעַז (ʿaz) portrays concentrated force—physical, emotional, or moral—that may work either for protection or for oppression. The term ranges from the raw power of invading armies to the passionate intensity of covenant love. Each occurrence underscores that every form of human or natural strength remains secondary to the LORD’s sovereign might.
Distribution across Scripture
The twenty-four appearances cluster in five main settings: patriarchal blessing (Genesis 49), narratives of deliverance (Exodus 14;Nehemiah 9;Isaiah 43), military confrontation (Numbers, Judges, Samuel, Amos), wisdom instruction (Proverbs, Song of Solomon), and prophetic oracles concerning nations and the end of the age (Isaiah, Ezekiel, Daniel). The word’s flexibility allows a single root to illuminate both the dread of ruthless powers and the steadfast security found in God.
Strength and Primacy in Patriarchal Blessing
In Jacob’s oracle Reuben is called “excelling in power” (Genesis 49:3) while Simeon and Levi’s anger is condemned “for it is fierce” (Genesis 49:7). The juxtaposition sets a lifelong pattern: true strength is honorable only when submitted to righteousness; otherwise it becomes destructive.
Fierceness in Human Anger and Oppression
Deuteronomy 28:50 forewarns “a ruthless nation with no respect for the old and no pity for the young,” andDaniel 8:23 predicts “a fierce king” who will arise in the latter days. Amos echoes the theme: God “flashes destruction on the strong” (Amos 5:9), reminding every generation that unbridled power invites divine judgment. Proverbs personalizes the warning: “The rich man answers harshly” (Proverbs 18:23) and “a concealed bribe pacifies great wrath” (Proverbs 21:14). The same intensity that builds empires can corrode ordinary relationships.
Divine Deliverance Through Mighty Waters
When Moses stretched out his hand, “the LORD drove back the sea with a strong east wind” (Exodus 14:21). Centuries later Nehemiah recalls that the pursuers were cast “into the depths like a stone into raging waters” (Nehemiah 9:11). Isaiah celebrates the same event: the LORD “makes a way in the sea and a path through surging waters” (Isaiah 43:16). Human strength is helpless before the power that commands creation for redemption.
Military Strength and Warring Powers
The spies concede, “the people living in the land are strong” (Numbers 13:28). Israel herself becomes strong enough to defeat Sihon, yet must halt at Ammon “because their border was fortified” (Numbers 21:24). Samson’s riddle turns the battlefield image inward: “out of the strong came something sweet” (Judges 14:14), hinting that God can reverse expected outcomes. David’s song testifies, “He rescued me from my powerful enemy” (2 Samuel 22:18;Psalm 18:17). Warfare exposes the limits of human might and the necessity of divine intervention.
Wisdom Literature on Societal Dynamics
“Fierce men conspire against me” (Psalm 59:3) contrasts with “ants are creatures of little strength, yet they store up their food” (Proverbs 30:25). Strength without prudence threatens community; weakness disciplined by foresight prevails. The Song of Solomon draws the highest comparison: “Love is as strong as death” (Song of Solomon 8:6). The ultimate power is covenantal, sacrificial love—a theme fulfilled in the gospel.
Prophetic Warnings and Eschatological Visions
Isaiah denounces “a fierce king” over Egypt (Isaiah 19:4) but promises that “a strong people will honor You” (Isaiah 25:3) and that “We have a strong city; He sets up salvation as its walls” (Isaiah 26:1). Ezekiel pictures the “pride of the mighty” brought low (Ezekiel 7:24). The prophets contrast ruthless strength that will be shattered with redeemed strength that endures in the kingdom of God.
Theology of Strength: Human versus Divine
Every use of עַז invites comparison between finite power and the LORD’s omnipotence. When strength serves His purposes, it protects, delivers, and builds. When it defies Him, it devolves into fierceness, cruelty, or arrogant self-reliance. Scripture consistently shows God overruling the former and overthrowing the latter.
Practical Ministry Implications
1. Encourage godly boldness: courage rooted in obedience, not aggression.
2. Guard against harsh speech and relational domination (Proverbs 18:23).
3. Teach that lasting security rests in God’s “strong city” of salvation, not in national or personal might.
4. Model self-sacrificial love, the most powerful force affirmed by Scripture (Song of Solomon 8:6;John 15:13).
5. Warn that unchecked strength—whether political, economic, or ecclesiastical—invites the discipline exemplified inAmos 5:9.
Summary
עַז reveals that strength is never neutral. It is either harnessed under God for blessing or turned against Him for judgment. From the patriarchs to the prophets, from Red Sea deliverance to eschatological hope, Scripture presents one consistent message: “The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth; He will not grow weary” (Isaiah 40:28). All other power is derivative, accountable, and ultimately subordinate to Him.
Forms and Transliterations
וּמֵעַ֖ז ומעז עַ֔ז עַ֖ז עַ֣ז עַז֙ עַזִ֑ים עַזִּ֔ים עַזִּ֖ים עַזִּֽים׃ עַזֵּי־ עַזָּ֤ה עַזָּֽה׃ עַזָּה֙ עַזּֽוֹת׃ עַז־ עָ֑ז עָ֔ז עָֽז׃ עָז־ עז עז־ עז׃ עזה עזה׃ עזות׃ עזי־ עזים עזים׃ ‘a·zîm ‘az ‘āz ‘az- ‘āz- ‘az·zāh ‘az·zê- ‘az·zîm ‘az·zō·wṯ ‘azîm ‘azzāh ‘azzê- ‘azzîm ‘azzōwṯ Az aZim azZah azzei azZim azZot oz ū·mê·‘az ūmê‘az umeAz
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