חָזַק (cha.zaq)
cha.zaq
to strengthen: strengthen
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 238 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb chazaq conveys the idea of becoming firm, strong, or courageous. It describes a transition from weakness to stability, whether in physical health, emotional resolve, or military power. The root sense involves seizing hold of something firmly, which extends metaphorically to gaining inner strength or standing resolute against pressure.
This word carries a dual nature depending on context. In positive instances, it encourages people to be brave and steadfast, as when leaders urge the Israelites to be strong before entering the Promised Land (Deuteronomy 31:7). However, it can also describe stubbornness or hardness of heart, such as when Pharaoh refuses to yield despite signs (Exodus 7:13). This contrast highlights that strength itself is neutral; its moral value depends on what it supports.
Translators often render chazaq as "strengthen," "be strong," or "harden." The variety reflects the word's flexibility in describing both external reinforcement and internal determination. Its frequent use in historical books underscores its role in narratives of national survival and personal endurance, making it a key term for understanding biblical concepts of resilience.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word chazaq describes a movement from weakness to stability. It is not merely about physical power but involves seizing hold of something firm, whether it is God’s promise or one’s own resolve. In life’s difficult seasons, this term reminds us that strength is often a gift received rather than an achievement earned. When we feel overwhelmed, the invitation is to let divine mercy steady our hands and hearts.
Scripture uses chazaq in two distinct ways. It encourages leaders like Joshua to be courageous for the sake of the people, urging them to stand firm in faith. At the same time, it describes a hardened heart that refuses to yield to truth. This contrast shows that strength itself is neutral; its value depends on what we choose to hold onto. We are invited to cling to grace rather than pride.
When challenges arise, remember that you do not need to manufacture your own resilience. The text often pairs this word with the presence of God, suggesting that true stability comes from relying on His mercy. Whether facing personal struggle or national uncertainty, the call is to remain steadfast in trust. This steady hope anchors the soul against the shifting pressures of life.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 238 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- he repaired26×
- be strong25×
- and/ he took hold10×
- and/ he strengthened himself9×
- they repaired8×
- to/ repair6×
- and/ they took hold6×
- and/ he made strong5×
- strengthen4×
- and/ he strengthened4×
- let them be strong3×
- he strengthened himself3×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- הֶחֱזִ֗יק9×
- חֲזַ֣ק7×
- הֶחֱזִיק֙5×
- מַחֲזִ֣יק4×
- לְ/חַזֵּ֖ק4×
- חִזְק֣וּ4×
- וַ/יֶּחֱזַ֤ק4×
- וַ/יְחַזֵּ֥ק4×
- הֶחֱזִ֥יקוּ4×
- תֶּחֱזַ֣קְנָה3×
- חָזַ֥ק3×
- חֲזַ֤ק3×
Key Verses
-
Genesis 48:2
Someone told Jacob, and said, “Behold, your son Joseph comes to you,” and Israel strengthened himself, and sat on the bed.
Jacob strengthens himself physically to sit on his bed, showing how the word can describe a momentary recovery of strength in the face of mortality.
-
Exodus 7:13
Pharaoh’s heart was hardened, and he didn’t listen to them, as Yahweh had spoken.
Pharaoh’s heart is hardened, illustrating how the same root can describe a stubborn refusal to yield that leads to spiritual blindness.
-
Leviticus 25:35
“‘If your brother has become poor, and his hand can’t support himself among you, then you shall uphold him. He shall live with you like an alien and a temporary resident.
The command to uphold a poor brother uses the concept of strengthening to describe social support and communal responsibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does chazaq mean in the Bible?
Why is chazaq used to describe Pharaoh’s heart?
How is chazaq different from other words for strength?
Where does chazaq appear most frequently?
Every Occurrence (238 verses across 26 books)
Genesis 6 verses
But he lingered; and the men grabbed his hand, his wife’s hand, and his two daughters’ hands, Yahweh being merciful to…
Genesis 21:18Get up, lift up the boy, and hold him with your hand. For I will make him a great nation.”
Genesis 41:56The famine was over all the surface of the earth. Joseph opened all the store houses, and sold to the Egyptians. The…
Genesis 41:57All countries came into Egypt, to Joseph, to buy grain, because the famine was severe in all the earth.
Genesis 47:20So Joseph bought all the land of Egypt for Pharaoh, for every man of the Egyptians sold his field, because the famine…
Genesis 48:2Someone told Jacob, and said, “Behold, your son Joseph comes to you,” and Israel strengthened himself, and sat on the…