חָזוּת (cha.zut)
cha.zut
vision
H:N-FQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 5 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-F
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun chazut refers to a vision or an oracle delivered by a prophet. It appears five times in the Old Testament, primarily within the books of Isaiah and Daniel. In these contexts, the word describes a divine revelation that carries the authority of God’s message, rather than a mere dream or subjective experience.
A notable nuance found in the sources is its connection to "conspicuousness" or agreement. This suggests that a true chazut is not hidden or obscure; it is clear and stands out with undeniable weight. The term implies a sight that is granted to the prophet, which then becomes a fixed oracle for the people.
Its usage in Daniel highlights its eschatological character. When Daniel speaks of the "vision" concerning the end times, he uses this word to denote a revealed truth about future events. Translators often render it as "vision" or "oracle," capturing both the visual aspect of the revelation and its status as an authoritative divine statement.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word chazut points to a divine vision that is clear and authoritative, not a vague dream or hidden mystery. In Isaiah, it describes a message so urgent and weighty that it demands attention, even when the content is difficult. This clarity reminds us that God’s guidance for our lives is meant to be understood, not obscured by confusion.
When Daniel uses this term, he refers to revelations about the future that carry absolute certainty. These visions were not speculative guesses but fixed declarations from God. For believers today, this offers comfort: the plans of God are visible and reliable, providing a steady anchor when the world feels chaotic or uncertain.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 5 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- conspicuousness2×
- and/ agreement/ your1×
- a vision1×
- [the] vision of1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- חָז֥וּת1×
- חָז֤וּת1×
- חָז֣וּת1×
- חָז֖וּת1×
- וְ/חָזוּתְ/כֶ֥ם1×
Key Verses
-
Isaiah 21:2
A grievous vision is declared to me. The treacherous man deals treacherously, and the destroyer destroys. Go up, Elam; attack! I have stopped all of Media’s sighing.
The prophet receives a 'grievous vision' that serves as an immediate, authoritative command to act against specific nations.
-
Isaiah 29:11
All vision has become to you like the words of a book that is sealed, which men deliver to one who is educated, saying, “Read this, please;” and he says, “I can’t, for it is sealed;”
This verse highlights the nature of chazut as something sealed and difficult to understand without divine interpretation.
-
Daniel 8:5
As I was considering, behold, a male goat came from the west over the surface of the whole earth, and didn’t touch the ground. The goat had a notable horn between his eyes.
Daniel uses this term for a visual revelation that reveals specific historical movements with undeniable clarity.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does chazut mean in the Bible?
How is chazut different from a dream?
Where does this word appear most often?
Every Occurrence (5 verses across 2 books)
Isaiah 3 verses
A grievous vision is declared to me. The treacherous man deals treacherously, and the destroyer destroys. Go up, Elam;…
Isaiah 28:18Your covenant with death shall be annulled, and your agreement with Sheol shall not stand. When the overflowing scourge…
Isaiah 29:11All vision has become to you like the words of a book that is sealed, which men deliver to one who is educated, saying,…