גּוֹזָן (go.zan)
go.zan
Gozan
N:N--LQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 5 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N--L
Word Overview
The noun gozan refers to a specific location in ancient Mesopotamia, situated on or near the middle course of the Euphrates River. The name itself translates to "a cutting off," likely describing its geographical position where the river flows through the region or perhaps indicating a canalized section of the waterway.
This city appears five times in the Hebrew Bible, primarily within historical narratives concerning the Assyrian conquests. It is notably mentioned as one of the places where the exiled Israelites were settled after the fall of Samaria (2 Kings 17:6, 1 Chronicles 5:26). Isaiah also references it when prophesying against the king of Assyria (Isaiah 37:12), linking the city to the broader geopolitical tensions of the era.
As a place name, gozan serves as a marker for the dispersion of the northern tribes. Its inclusion in these texts underscores the reality of exile and the reach of imperial power during that period. The word does not carry abstract theological weight but anchors the biblical narrative in a tangible historical geography.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
Gozan appears in Scripture as a specific place on the Habor River, marking where exiled Israelites were settled by the Assyrians. This location serves as a historical anchor for the dispersion of the northern tribes after the fall of Samaria. It reminds us that God’s people have faced displacement and hardship throughout history.
These verses show how imperial powers could uproot communities, yet they also highlight the reality of exile as a tangible part of biblical narrative. The mention of Gozan connects to broader themes of judgment and the reach of ancient empires. It grounds our understanding of Israel’s history in real geography and political tension.
Reflecting on these passages can help us appreciate the resilience of faith under pressure. While Gozan itself is a distant place, its story invites us to consider how God remains present even in times of upheaval. The historical record encourages trust in God’s sovereignty over nations and peoples.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 5 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Gozan5×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- גּוֹזָ֖ן4×
- גּוֹזָ֔ן1×
Key Verses
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II Kings 17:6
In the ninth year of Hoshea the king of Assyria took Samaria and carried Israel away to Assyria, and placed them in Halah, and on the Habor, the river of Gozan, and in the cities of the Medes.
This verse records the final deportation of Israel to Gozan, marking the end of the northern kingdom's independence.
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I Chronicles 5:26
So the God of Israel stirred up the spirit of Pul king of Assyria, and the spirit of Tilgath Pilneser king of Assyria, and he carried away the Reubenites, the Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh, and brought them to Halah, Habor, Hara, and to the river of Gozan, to this day.
Chronicles uses Gozan to trace the lineage of the exiled tribes, showing how God’s judgment was executed through Assyrian kings.
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Isaiah 37:12
Have the gods of the nations delivered them, which my fathers have destroyed, Gozan, Haran, Rezeph, and the children of Eden who were in Telassar?
The Assyrian king lists Gozan among conquered nations to boast that their gods could not save them, challenging Israel's trust in Yahweh.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Gozan mean in the Bible?
Why is Gozan mentioned in Isaiah 37:12?
How does Gozan relate to the exile of the northern tribes?
Every Occurrence (5 verses across 3 books)
II Kings 3 verses
In the ninth year of Hoshea the king of Assyria took Samaria and carried Israel away to Assyria, and placed them in…
II Kings 18:11The king of Assyria carried Israel away to Assyria, and put them in Halah, and on the Habor, the river of Gozan, and in…
II Kings 19:12Have the gods of the nations delivered them, which my fathers have destroyed—Gozan, Haran, Rezeph, and the children of…