עַז (az)
az
strong
H:AQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 21 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:A
Word Overview
The Hebrew adjective az describes something that is strong, mighty, or fierce. It appears in twenty-one verses across the Old Testament, often characterizing physical power or intense force. For example, it describes the strong wind that divided the Red Sea in Exodus 14:21 and the fortified cities encountered by Israel in Numbers 21:24.
Beyond physical strength, the word carries a sense of harshness or cruelty when applied to people or attitudes. In Proverbs 21:14, it modifies a gift given in secret to quiet anger, implying a stern or severe reaction. Similarly, Deuteronomy 28:50 uses it to describe an enemy army that is fierce and shows no mercy.
Its root conveys the idea of unyielding force. Translators render it variously as "strong," "fierce," or "mighty" depending on context. This range captures both the raw power of nature and the stubborn intensity of human conflict.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word az describes a force that is unyielding and powerful. In Exodus, it characterizes the strong east wind that parted the Red Sea, showing how God uses immense power to create a way where there seems to be none. This image reminds us that no obstacle is too great when divine strength intervenes in our lives.
Yet this same word can describe harshness or cruel anger, as seen in Proverbs and the warnings to Israel. It serves as a sobering reminder that human strength without wisdom often leads to conflict. We are invited to trust in God’s steadfast protection rather than relying on our own fierce independence.
When we face situations that feel overwhelming, we can look to Isaiah 26:1, which speaks of a strong city where God provides salvation. This word calls us to rest in His secure walls, finding peace in the knowledge that His strength is sufficient for every challenge we encounter today.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 21 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- strong6×
- mighty3×
- [is] strong3×
- strong [words]1×
- strength1×
- power1×
- fierce of1×
- fierce1×
- and/ from/ a strong [one]1×
- [was] strong1×
- [the] strong1×
- [are] mighty of1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- עָ֑ז4×
- עַ֣ז2×
- עָז\־1×
- עָֽז\׃1×
- עָ֔ז1×
- עַזּֽוֹת\׃1×
- עַזָּה֙1×
- עַזָּֽה\׃1×
- עַזָּ֤ה1×
- עַזֵּי\־1×
- עַזִּֽים\׃1×
- עַזִּ֖ים1×
Key Verses
-
Exodus 14:21
Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and Yahweh caused the sea to go back by a strong east wind all night, and made the sea dry land, and the waters were divided.
This verse uses the word to describe the powerful wind that physically divided the sea, demonstrating God's ability to create a path through impossible barriers.
-
Isaiah 26:1
In that day, this song will be sung in the land of Judah: “We have a strong city. God appoints salvation for walls and bulwarks.
Here the term describes a city fortified by God, highlighting His role as the source of security and salvation for those who trust in Him.
-
Song of Solomon 8:6
Set me as a seal on your heart, as a seal on your arm; for love is strong as death. Jealousy is as cruel as Sheol. Its flashes are flashes of fire, a very flame of Yah.
The word modifies love to show its intense, unbreakable power, comparing it to death itself to emphasize its enduring nature.
-
Proverbs 21:14
A gift in secret pacifies anger, and a bribe in the cloak, strong wrath.
In this context, the word describes a fierce or severe wrath that requires careful handling, illustrating the destructive potential of unchecked anger.