יָעַז (ya.az)
ya.az
be fierce
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb ya‘az is a rare word that appears only once in the Old Testament, found in Isaiah 33:19. Its basic meaning seems to center on being strong or fierce, though scholars note that the precise nuance remains somewhat uncertain. In this single occurrence, it functions as a participle describing a group of people.
The sources generally translate this form as "barbarous" when referring to foreign invaders. This usage highlights a sense of harshness or uncivilized strength associated with those threatening Judah. The term captures the intimidating nature of the enemy rather than just physical power, emphasizing their wild and fierce character in the context of divine judgment.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word ya‘az appears only once in the entire Old Testament, nestled within Isaiah 33:19. It describes a people who are fierce, barbarous, and difficult to understand. In its original context, it points to foreign invaders whose strange language and harsh nature intimidate Judah. This single occurrence captures the raw, uncivilized strength of those threatening God's people.
For your faith, this rare word offers a profound comfort. It reminds us that the terrifying power of hostile nations is temporary. Isaiah promises that such fierce enemies will no longer be seen by God’s faithful. The chaos and intimidation they bring are not permanent features of God's world. Instead, they are fleeting shadows that vanish before the stability of Zion.
You can rest in this assurance. No matter how loud or threatening the forces against you seem, they do not have the final word. God’s presence establishes a peace that these fierce tongues cannot disrupt. Your hope is anchored not in the absence of trouble, but in the certainty of God's enduring reign over all earthly powers.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- barbarous1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- נוֹעָ֖ז1×
Key Verses
-
Isaiah 33:19
You will no longer see the fierce people, a people of a deep speech that you can’t comprehend, with a strange language that you can’t understand.
This verse uses the participle to describe foreign invaders whose strange language and harsh nature are contrasted with the future peace of Zion.