חִזָּיוֹן (chiz.za.von)
chiz.za.von
vision
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 8 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun chizzayon refers to a vision, specifically one received in an ecstatic or prophetic state. It appears eight times in the Old Testament, often describing divine communication that goes beyond ordinary sight. In Isaiah 1:8, for example, it describes a "valley of vision," likely using the term metaphorically to depict Jerusalem’s spiritual condition rather than a physical location.
This word carries significant theological weight as it bridges the gap between human perception and divine revelation. It is not merely a visual experience but often includes an oracle or prophecy, indicating that the vision conveys God's message or judgment. The sources highlight its use in contexts where prophets receive urgent warnings or future insights, such as in Zechariah 1:8, where it frames the prophet's encounter with angelic figures.
The root of chizzayon relates to seeing or perceiving, but its biblical usage emphasizes the supernatural origin of the sight. Unlike casual dreams, these visions are authoritative and often accompanied by a call to respond. Translators typically render it as "vision" or "oracle," capturing both the visual and verbal aspects of the divine encounter described in texts like Job 4:13.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
When we hear the word for vision, we often think of a bright light or a clear picture. In Hebrew, this term describes a deeper encounter where God breaks into our ordinary awareness. It is not just a mental image but a moment of divine communication that demands attention. These visions served as urgent warnings or promises to prophets, grounding their faith in a reality beyond their immediate surroundings.
For you, this concept reminds us that God speaks in ways that disrupt our routine. Isaiah 22:1 uses the phrase 'valley of vision' to describe a place of spiritual reckoning. This suggests that moments of clarity often come during times of trouble or deep reflection. You are invited to look for these signs of God's presence, even when they feel unsettling.
Understanding this word helps us see that revelation is an act of grace. It bridges the gap between human limitation and divine truth. Whether through dreams or waking encounters, God seeks to guide His people. This assurance offers hope that we are not left to navigate life alone, but are continually met by a faithful Creator.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 8 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- vision2×
- the/ vision1×
- like/ a vision of1×
- from/ visions of1×
- from/ vision/ his1×
- and/ from/ visions1×
- a vision of1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- חִזָּי֑וֹן2×
- מֵ/חֶזְיֹנ֣וֹת1×
- מֵ/חֶזְיֹנ֖/וֹ1×
- כְּ/חֶזְי֥וֹן1×
- חֶזְי֬וֹן1×
- וּֽ/מֵ/חֶזְיֹנ֥וֹת1×
- הַ/חִזָּי֣וֹן1×
Key Verses
-
Isaiah 22:1
The burden of the valley of vision. What ails you now, that you have all gone up to the housetops?
This verse uses the term metaphorically for Jerusalem, showing that a vision can diagnose a community's spiritual state rather than just predicting future events.
-
Job 4:13
In thoughts from the visions of the night, when deep sleep falls on men,
Here the word describes a terrifying nocturnal encounter where God speaks in silence, highlighting the awe-inspiring and sometimes frightening nature of divine revelation.
-
II Samuel 7:17
Nathan spoke to David all these words, and according to all this vision.
This occurrence links the term directly to Nathan's prophetic message to David, confirming that such visions carry authoritative weight regarding God's covenant promises.