אֹ֫זֶן (o.zen)
o.zen
ear
H:N-FQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 154 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-F
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun ozen refers to the ear, serving both as a physical body part and the organ responsible for hearing. It appears frequently in the Old Testament, particularly in prophetic books like Jeremiah and Isaiah, where it functions as a primary metaphor for attention and receptivity. The word is not limited to biological description; it describes the act of listening itself, often emphasizing that true hearing requires intentional engagement.
A key nuance involves the phrase "to open the ear," which signifies making oneself available to receive instruction or revelation. This usage appears in Proverbs 25:12, where wise rebuke is compared to an earring of gold, suggesting that a receptive heart values correction. Similarly, Exodus 17:14 records God commanding Moses to write a reminder "in the ears" of Joshua, indicating that the message must be internalized and retained, not just heard passively.
The sources note that ozen can also imply being an audience or witness, as seen when leaders speak before the people in Deuteronomy 31:28. This usage highlights the social dimension of hearing; to have one’s ear addressed is to be included in a covenantal community. The word thus bridges the gap between physical sensation and spiritual understanding, portraying listening as an active posture of submission to divine or authoritative speech.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word for ear, ozen, points to more than just a physical organ. It describes the posture of the heart when it chooses to listen. In ancient Israel, hearing was an act of submission and covenant loyalty. To have one’s ears addressed was to be included in a community bound by shared truth. This word reminds us that faith is not passive reception but active engagement with God’s voice.
When Scripture speaks of opening the ear, it invites us into a relationship where correction and instruction are valued. Like the earring of gold mentioned in Proverbs, wise words from others can be precious gifts if we remain receptive. God does not demand silence; He seeks ears that are open to His guidance and willing to internalize His commands.
In our daily lives, this word encourages us to cultivate attentiveness. It is easy to hear without listening, but true understanding requires intentionality. As you read Scripture or listen to counsel, ask God to give you ears that are ready to receive what He wants to share. May your heart remain soft and open to His leading.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 154 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- in/ [the] ears of35×
- ear/ your22×
- [the] ear of11×
- ear/ their10×
- in/ ears/ my8×
- an ear8×
- ear/ my7×
- in/ ears/ their6×
- ear/ his6×
- in/ ears/ your5×
- ears/ his4×
- ears4×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- בְּ/אָזְנֵ֣י19×
- אֹ֣זֶן5×
- בְּ/אָזְנֵ֥י4×
- אֹ֤זֶן4×
- אָזְנָ֔/ם4×
- אָזְנֶֽ/ךָ\׃4×
- וְ/אָזְנֵ֥י3×
- בְּ/אָזְנֵי/הֶ֑ם3×
- בְּ/אָזְנֵ֨י3×
- בְּ/אָזְנֵ֤י3×
- בְ/אָזְנָ֑/י3×
- בְ/אָזְנֵי/הֶ֗ם3×
Key Verses
-
Exodus 17:14
Yahweh said to Moses, “Write this for a memorial in a book, and rehearse it in the ears of Joshua: that I will utterly blot out the memory of Amalek from under the sky.”
God commands Moses to rehearse a message 'in the ears' of Joshua, showing that hearing is meant to lead to internalized memory and future action.
-
Genesis 20:8
Abimelech rose early in the morning, and called all his servants, and told all these things in their ear. The men were very scared.
Abimelech tells his servants these things 'in their ear,' highlighting how direct, personal communication was used to convey serious matters in ancient culture.
-
Numbers 11:1
The people were complaining in the ears of Yahweh. When Yahweh heard it, his anger burned; and Yahweh’s fire burned among them, and consumed some of the outskirts of the camp.
The people complained 'in the ears of Yahweh,' illustrating that God is aware of even the private murmurs and attitudes of His people.
-
Deuteronomy 5:1
Moses called to all Israel, and said to them, “Hear, Israel, the statutes and the ordinances which I speak in your ears today, that you may learn them, and observe to do them.”
Moses speaks statutes 'in your ears today,' emphasizing that hearing the law is a communal act of learning and commitment to obedience.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does ozen mean in the Bible?
How is ozen different from shema?
Why does God talk about ears in the Old Testament?
Where does ozen appear most often?
Every Occurrence (154 verses across 25 books)
Genesis 7 verses
Abimelech rose early in the morning, and called all his servants, and told all these things in their ear. The men were…
Genesis 23:10Now Ephron was sitting in the middle of the children of Heth. Ephron the Hittite answered Abraham in the hearing of the…
Genesis 23:13He spoke to Ephron in the audience of the people of the land, saying, “But if you will, please hear me. I will give the…
Genesis 23:16Abraham listened to Ephron. Abraham weighed to Ephron the silver which he had named in the hearing of the children of…
Genesis 35:4They gave to Jacob all the foreign gods which were in their hands, and the rings which were in their ears; and Jacob…
Genesis 44:18Then Judah came near to him, and said, “Oh, my lord, please let your servant speak a word in my lord’s ears, and don’t…
Genesis 50:4When the days of weeping for him were past, Joseph spoke to Pharaoh’s staff, saying, “If now I have found favor in your…