חָזָה (cha.zah)
cha.zah
to see
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 37 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The verb chazah means to see or behold, but it carries a distinct weight compared to the more common Hebrew word for sight. While general vision is often described by other roots, chazah is primarily poetic and suggests a deeper, more intense perception. It implies gazing at something with focused attention, whether that object is a physical reality or a spiritual truth.
This word frequently appears in prophetic literature to describe the act of receiving divine revelation. When Habakkuk speaks of "the vision which he saw" (Habakkuk 1:1), or when Isaiah introduces his book as a "vision," chazah signals that the speaker is witnessing something beyond ordinary experience. It bridges the gap between human observation and prophetic insight, marking moments where God’s message is clearly perceived.
The sources also highlight its use in describing encounters with the divine presence. In passages like Psalm 17:15, the psalmist declares a desire to behold God’s face, using chazah to express a longing for intimate knowledge and favor rather than mere visual contact. This usage underscores the word’s theological depth, portraying sight as an act of relational engagement and spiritual clarity.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word chazah describes a way of seeing that goes beyond simple visual contact. It points to a deep, focused perception where spiritual truths become clear. When prophets used this term, they were not just looking at scenery; they were receiving divine revelation with intense attention.
This depth invites us into a more intimate relationship with God. In Psalm 17:15, the psalmist expresses a desire to see God’s face in righteousness. This is not about physical sight but about relational closeness and spiritual clarity. It reminds us that true understanding comes when we seek God with our whole being.
As you read Scripture, notice how this word bridges human observation and divine insight. It encourages us to look beyond the surface of our daily lives and perceive the spiritual realities at work around us. This deeper sight brings satisfaction and hope, anchoring our faith in God’s presence.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 37 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- he saw6×
- I will see3×
- you have seen2×
- they will see2×
- they see2×
- see2×
- he sees2×
- you will provide1×
- you see1×
- you must see1×
- to/ look1×
- those/ [who] look1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- חָזָ֔ה4×
- תֶּחֱזֶ֥ינָה1×
- תֶּחֱזֶ֣ינָה1×
- תֶחֱזוּ\־1×
- תֶחֱזֶ֣ה1×
- לַ/חֲז֥וֹת1×
- יֶֽחֱזֶ֔ה1×
- יֶחֱזָי֑וּ/ן1×
- יֶחֱזֶֽה\׃1×
- יֶחֱז֥וּ1×
- יֶחֱז֤וּ1×
- יֶחֱז֑וּ1×
Key Verses
-
Psalms 17:15
As for me, I shall see your face in righteousness. I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with seeing your form.
This verse uses chazah to express a longing for intimate knowledge of God rather than mere visual contact.
-
Isaiah 1:1
The vision of Isaiah the son of Amoz, which he saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem, in the days of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah, kings of Judah.
The word signals that Isaiah is witnessing a divine revelation concerning Judah and Jerusalem, marking it as prophetic insight.
-
Numbers 24:4
he says, who hears the words of God, who sees the vision of the Almighty, falling down, and having his eyes open:
Here chazah describes Balaam’s experience of receiving the vision of the Almighty while in a state of spiritual openness.
-
Job 19:26
After my skin is destroyed, then I will see God in my flesh,
Job uses this term to declare his hope of seeing God personally after his physical suffering, emphasizing relational engagement.