חֶזְקָה (chez.qah)
chez.qah
strength
H:N-FQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 4 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-F
Word Overview
The noun chez.qah denotes physical strength, force, or the state of being strong. It appears in only four verses across the Hebrew Bible, primarily in Chronicles, Isaiah, and Daniel. The word captures raw power or capability, often describing the might of a person, army, or nation.
Its usage is concrete rather than abstract. In 2 Chronicles 32:6, for example, it describes the strength of the people as they prepare for siege, highlighting their physical readiness and resolve. Similarly, in Daniel 11:24, it refers to the force or power of a king’s actions.
The term emphasizes tangible capability rather than moral fortitude. It is not used for inner spiritual resilience but for outward display of might. Translators typically render it as "strength" or "force," reflecting its straightforward meaning in contexts of military or political power.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word chez.qah describes tangible power—whether in an army, a king, or a nation. It speaks of physical capability and outward force rather than inner spiritual resilience. When we see this term in Scripture, it reminds us that human strength is real but limited. It can be used for defense, as when the people of Jerusalem prepared for siege, or it can lead to pride, as when kings relied on their own might instead of God.
For your faith, this word offers a sobering perspective. Human power is temporary and often unstable. The Bible shows us that relying solely on physical strength or political influence leads to downfall. Instead, we are invited to place our trust in the Lord, who provides true security. This does not mean we ignore practical preparation, but it does mean we do not make idols of our own capabilities.
Consider how Isaiah received instruction with a strong hand. Even in moments of divine guidance, the language is one of firmness and clarity. We can take comfort in knowing that God’s direction is steady and reliable. Our hope rests not in our own strength, which fades, but in the enduring power of God, who sustains us through every season.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 4 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- and/ according to/ strengthening/ his2×
- and/ according to/ strength/ his1×
- according to/ [the] strength of1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- כְּ/חֶזְקַ֣ת1×
- וּ/כְ/חֶזְקָת֣/וֹ1×
- וּ/כְ/חֶזְקָת֗/וֹ1×
- וּ/כְ/חֶזְקָת֔/וֹ1×
Key Verses
-
II Chronicles 12:1
When the kingdom of Rehoboam was established and he was strong, he abandoned Yahweh’s law, and all Israel with him.
This verse shows how achieved strength can lead to spiritual abandonment, warning that success without faithfulness is dangerous.
-
II Chronicles 26:16
But when he was strong, his heart was lifted up, so that he did corruptly and he trespassed against Yahweh his God, for he went into Yahweh’s temple to burn incense on the altar of incense.
Here, the word highlights the danger of pride, where physical power causes a king to overstep his bounds and corrupt himself.
-
Isaiah 8:11
For Yahweh spoke this to me with a strong hand, and instructed me not to walk in the way of this people, saying,
The phrase 'strong hand' emphasizes the firmness and urgency of God’s instruction to avoid the ways of the people.
-
Daniel 11:2
“Now I will show you the truth. Behold, three more kings will stand up in Persia. The fourth will be far richer than all of them. When he has grown strong through his riches, he will stir up all against the realm of Greece.
This occurrence links strength directly to wealth, showing how material resources can be used to stir up political conflict.