אָז (az)
az
then; the past
H:ConjQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 120 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:Conj
Word Overview
The Hebrew word az functions primarily as an adverb meaning "then" or "at that time." It appears frequently in narrative texts to mark a specific moment in the past, creating a clear link between events. In books like Joshua and Job, it often signals the immediate result of a preceding action, helping the reader follow the chronological flow of the story.
Beyond simple timekeeping, az carries logical weight. It can mean "in that case" or "therefore," connecting a condition to its outcome. This dual use allows writers to show not just when something happened, but why it mattered in the sequence of events. The sources note its role in establishing both temporal duration and logical consequence.
A distinct usage found in poetic books like Job and Isaiah is az meaning "from that time" or "since." Here, it looks backward from a present point to a past event, emphasizing continuity. This usage highlights how the word anchors memory, reminding the reader that current realities stem directly from earlier divine acts or historical moments.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word az often translates as 'then' or 'at that time,' but it carries more weight than a simple clock ticking forward. In the biblical narrative, it serves as a bridge, linking cause and effect with precision. When you read az, you are being invited to see how one moment flows directly into the next, revealing the structure of history and divine action.
For your daily life, this word offers comfort in its clarity. It reminds us that our current circumstances are not random accidents but part of a larger story. Whether it marks a moment of judgment, a promise kept, or a new beginning, az helps us understand that God is present in the sequence of events. We can trust that our steps are ordered by Him, even when the path seems long.
This sense of continuity anchors our faith. Just as the Israelites looked back to see how God had acted 'then' to save them, we look back to Christ to see how grace has worked in our lives. The word encourages us to pay attention to the connections between our past experiences and our present hope, finding stability in the fact that nothing is disconnected from His purpose.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 120 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- then106×
- from/ then16×
- and/ then4×
- and/ from/ then1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- אָ֣ז35×
- אָ֖ז12×
- אָ֤ז11×
- אָ֥ז9×
- אָ֛ז8×
- אָ֚ז8×
- אָ֗ז6×
- אָז֩4×
- מֵ/אָ֣ז3×
- מֵ/אָ֔ז3×
- אָ֭ז3×
- מֵ/אָֽז\׃2×
Key Verses
-
Genesis 4:26
A son was also born to Seth, and he named him Enosh. At that time men began to call on Yahweh’s name.
This verse uses az to mark a pivotal historical shift where humanity begins to call on Yahweh, linking the birth of Enosh to a new era of worship.
-
Joshua 1:8
This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it; for then you shall make your way prosperous, and then you shall have good success.
Here az establishes a logical consequence: obedience to the law leads directly to prosperity and success, showing the word's role in connecting action with outcome.
-
Exodus 15:1
Then Moses and the children of Israel sang this song to Yahweh, and said, “I will sing to Yahweh, for he has triumphed gloriously. He has thrown the horse and his rider into the sea.
The song of Moses begins with az to signal the immediate response to deliverance, highlighting how praise follows divine intervention.
-
Joshua 14:11
As yet I am as strong today as I was in the day that Moses sent me. As my strength was then, even so is my strength now for war, to go out and to come in.
Caleb contrasts his strength 'then' with his strength 'now,' using the word to emphasize continuity and God's sustaining power over decades.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Hebrew word az mean?
How is az different from other words for 'time'?
Where does az appear most frequently?
Does az always refer to past events?
Every Occurrence (120 verses across 25 books)
Genesis 6 verses
A son was also born to Seth, and he named him Enosh. At that time men began to call on Yahweh’s name.
Genesis 12:6Abram passed through the land to the place of Shechem, to the oak of Moreh. At that time, Canaanites were in the land.
Genesis 13:7There was strife between the herdsmen of Abram’s livestock and the herdsmen of Lot’s livestock. The Canaanites and the…
Genesis 24:41Then you will be clear from my oath, when you come to my relatives. If they don’t give her to you, you shall be clear…
Genesis 39:5From the time that he made him overseer in his house, and over all that he had, Yahweh blessed the Egyptian’s house for…
Genesis 49:4Boiling over like water, you shall not excel, because you went up to your father’s bed, then defiled it. He went up to…