אָזַן (a.zan)
a.zan
to ponder
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb azan appears only once in the Old Testament, found in Ecclesiastes 12:9. In this specific context, it describes the work of the Preacher, who is said to have "weighed" or "tested" knowledge. The root conveys the physical act of using scales to determine weight, which translates metaphorically into a careful, critical examination of ideas.
Because it occurs in the Piel stem, the action is intensified, suggesting a deliberate effort to prove or test the validity of wisdom. This single usage highlights the Preacher’s method: he did not simply accept traditions but rigorously evaluated them. The word underscores the value of discernment and intellectual honesty in the pursuit of truth.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word azan appears only once in Scripture, found in Ecclesiastes 12:9. It describes how the Preacher handled wisdom. He did not just repeat old sayings. Instead, he weighed them carefully. This verb comes from a root meaning to use scales for measuring weight. Here it means testing ideas to see if they hold true.
For your faith journey, this is a gentle reminder that truth deserves careful thought. You do not have to accept every opinion without checking it against God's word. The Preacher shows us that seeking understanding is a holy act. He tested knowledge before sharing it with others.
This approach brings peace to your mind. When you face confusing teachings or life questions, take time to think them through. Ask God for discernment. Let His truth guide your decisions. This careful study honors Him and strengthens your walk with Him every day.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- and/ he weighed1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- וְ/אִזֵּ֣ן1×
Key Verses
-
Ecclesiastes 12:9
Further, because the Preacher was wise, he still taught the people knowledge. Yes, he pondered, sought out, and set in order many proverbs.
This is the only occurrence of the word, where it describes the Preacher's deliberate act of testing and weighing wisdom before teaching it.