עוּז (uz)
uz
to seek refuge
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 5 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb uz carries the core meaning of taking or seeking refuge. In its most common form in Scripture, the Hiphil stem, it describes the act of bringing someone into safety or finding shelter. This usage appears five times across the Old Testament, with a notable concentration in the prophetic books of Jeremiah and Isaiah, as well as in Exodus.
While the root concept is straightforward, its application in these texts often highlights a theological contrast. When prophets use this word, they frequently point to God as the ultimate place of safety, contrasting divine protection with human vulnerability. For instance, in Isaiah 30:2, the verb is used to describe those who seek refuge elsewhere rather than turning to the Lord, illustrating that true security is found only in Him.
Translators typically render uz as "take refuge" or "seek shelter," capturing the physical and spiritual reliance implied by the word. The term does not merely suggest hiding but implies a deliberate movement toward a protector. This active seeking of safety underscores the biblical theme that trust in God is both a response to danger and a source of enduring peace.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word uz describes more than just hiding; it is an active movement toward safety. In the Old Testament, this verb often contrasts human strategies with divine protection. People might seek shelter in political alliances or military strength, yet the prophets remind us that true security comes only from turning to God.
This distinction matters for your faith today. When danger looms, it is natural to look for quick fixes or human solutions. However, uz invites you to recognize that lasting peace is found in trusting the One who offers real refuge. It is a call to stop relying on fragile human strength and instead rest in God’s steadfast care.
You are invited to bring your fears and uncertainties directly to Him. Rather than fleeing into anxiety or self-reliance, you can find a secure place in His presence. This trust does not eliminate every challenge, but it provides a foundation of peace that remains steady even when the world around you feels unstable.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 5 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- to/ take refuge1×
- they have taken refuge1×
- take refuge1×
- flee for refuge1×
- bring to refuge1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- לָ/עוֹז֙1×
- הָעֵז֙1×
- הָעִ֣זוּ\׀1×
- הָעִ֖יזוּ1×
- הֵעִֽיזוּ\׃1×
Key Verses
-
Isaiah 30:2
who set out to go down into Egypt without asking for my advice, to strengthen themselves in the strength of Pharaoh, and to take refuge in the shadow of Egypt!
This verse highlights the danger of seeking refuge in human power like Egypt instead of trusting God's advice.
-
Jeremiah 4:6
Set up a standard toward Zion. Flee for safety! Don’t wait; for I will bring evil from the north, and a great destruction.”
Here the command to flee for safety underscores the urgency of recognizing God's coming judgment from the north.
-
Exodus 9:19
Now therefore command that all of your livestock and all that you have in the field be brought into shelter. The hail will come down on every man and animal that is found in the field, and isn’t brought home, and they will die.”’”
This occurrence shows the practical application of seeking shelter as a means of preserving life during divine discipline.