חָזֵק (cha.zeq)
cha.zeq
stronger
H:AQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:A
Word Overview
The term chazaq functions as an adjective meaning stronger or louder in Hebrew Scripture. It appears in only two verses, primarily within the books of Exodus and II Samuel. This rarity makes its specific contextual usage particularly significant for understanding the text.
In these limited occurrences, the word describes intensity that is either physical or auditory. When applied to strength, it denotes superior power or resilience. In contexts involving sound, it indicates volume or loudness, suggesting a presence that cannot be ignored. The sources highlight this dual capacity to convey both forceful action and commanding noise.
Its root relates to concepts of firmness and stability, which underpins its use for strength. Translators must carefully choose between "stronger" and "louder" based on whether the subject is a person’s power or a sound’s volume. This precision ensures the text’s original emphasis remains clear without adding interpretive layers.
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 appears in Scripture with a simple yet profound meaning: it describes something becoming stronger or louder. In Exodus, it captures the rising intensity of God’s voice at Sinai, while in Samuel, it tracks David’s growing influence against Saul’s fading power. This duality reminds us that true strength is not just physical force but also a presence that commands attention and respect.
For your faith life, this word offers comfort. When challenges feel overwhelming, remember that God’s voice remains steady and clear, even when circumstances seem chaotic. Similarly, perseverance often looks like gradual growth—small steps that accumulate into resilience. Trust that what feels weak now may become strong through time and divine presence.
Chazaq invites us to embrace both inner fortitude and outward impact. Whether facing personal trials or serving others, we are called to stand firm in our convictions while allowing God’s power to shape our lives. His strength sustains us, and His voice guides us toward hope.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- and/ strong2×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- וְ/חָזֵ֣ק1×
- וְ/חָזֵ֔ק1×
Key Verses
-
Exodus 19:19
When the sound of the trumpet grew louder and louder, Moses spoke, and God answered him by a voice.
The word chazaq here describes the trumpet's sound growing louder, emphasizing God’s commanding presence at Sinai.
-
II Samuel 3:1
Now there was long war between Saul’s house and David’s house. David grew stronger and stronger, but Saul’s house grew weaker and weaker.
This occurrence highlights David’s increasing strength as a contrast to Saul’s decline, showing how God’s favor shifts over time.