חֹ֫זֶק (cho.zeq)
cho.zeq
strength
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 5 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The noun chozeq denotes physical or moral strength, appearing five times in the Hebrew Bible with a focus on tangible power. Its occurrences in Exodus and Amos highlight this concrete sense, describing the might required to build structures or the force behind military action. In Haggai, it refers to the strength of people, suggesting resilience in the face of difficulty.
While the lexicon data provided is sparse, the word’s usage anchors it in the realm of capability and endurance rather than abstract virtue. It describes the capacity to act or withstand pressure, distinguishing it from words that might imply inherent nobility or spiritual grace. The term remains grounded in the practical reality of human effort and divine empowerment.
Translators typically render chozeq as "strength" or "might," capturing its straightforward nature. This consistency across verses like Exodus 15:2 or Amos 9:5 reinforces its role as a descriptor of power in action, whether human or divine, without adding layers of metaphorical interpretation.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word chozeq points to tangible power—the kind of strength you can see and feel. It describes the physical force behind an action or the resilience needed to endure hardship. When we read about God acting by His chozeq, we are reminded that He is not distant or weak. He has the capability to intervene in history and change circumstances.
This concept encourages us when our own resources seem limited. The Bible shows that human strength alone can be fragile, as seen in Amos, where reliance on one's own might leads to emptiness. Yet, it also reveals that God’s strength is reliable. He sustains those who face difficult seasons, offering a stability that does not fade with time or fatigue.
Reflecting on this word helps us trust in a God who is actively involved in our lives. We do not need to manufacture power for ourselves. Instead, we can rest in the assurance that the One who brought His people out of bondage has the strength to guide us through our own challenges today.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 5 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- with/ strength of3×
- by/ own strength/ our1×
- [the] strength of1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- בְּ/חֹ֣זֶק3×
- חֹ֖זֶק1×
- בְ/חָזְקֵ֔/נוּ1×
Key Verses
-
Exodus 13:3
Moses said to the people, “Remember this day, in which you came out of Egypt, out of the house of bondage; for by strength of hand Yahweh brought you out from this place. No leavened bread shall be eaten.
This verse establishes chozeq as the defining characteristic of God's deliverance from Egypt, framing the entire narrative of redemption around His active power rather than abstract grace.
-
Amos 6:13
you who rejoice in a thing of nothing, who say, ‘Haven’t we taken for ourselves horns by our own strength?’
Here the word highlights the futility of human self-reliance, contrasting temporary political or military might with the enduring sovereignty of God.
-
Haggai 2:22
I will overthrow the throne of kingdoms. I will destroy the strength of the kingdoms of the nations. I will overthrow the chariots and those who ride in them. The horses and their riders will come down, everyone by the sword of his brother.
The term describes the tangible power of kingdoms that God can dismantle, showing that no earthly structure is too strong to be overturned by divine will.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Hebrew word chozeq mean?
How is chozeq different from other words for strength?
Where does this word appear in the Bible?
Why is this word important for understanding God's power?
Every Occurrence (5 verses across 3 books)
Exodus 3 verses
Moses said to the people, “Remember this day, in which you came out of Egypt, out of the house of bondage; for by…
Exodus 13:14It shall be, when your son asks you in time to come, saying, ‘What is this?’ that you shall tell him, ‘By strength of…
Exodus 13:16It shall be for a sign on your hand, and for symbols between your eyes; for by strength of hand Yahweh brought us out…