עֹז (oz)
oz
strength
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 59 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun oz denotes strength or might, appearing fifty-nine times in Scripture with a heavy concentration in Psalms, Proverbs, and Isaiah. Its meaning spans physical power, social influence, and political force. The sources indicate it describes the robust capability of God, the personal vigor of men, and even the raw power found in beasts.
A distinct nuance lies in its concrete application to security. It frequently refers to a fortified tower or stronghold, as seen in Judges 9:51 where a "tower of strength" offers refuge. This physical sense extends metaphorically to describe God Himself as a place of protection and defense for those who trust in Him.
The word also carries a weight of majesty and splendor, often paired with terms for glory or honor. In passages like Psalm 96:6, it describes the radiant authority of the Creator. Translators render it variously as strength, might, power, or boldness, capturing its broad range from tangible force to divine sovereignty.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word oz points to strength, but it is never just physical muscle. It describes the steady power that holds a person together when life feels heavy. In the Psalms, this strength is often linked with safety. When David calls God his shield and stronghold, he is speaking of a refuge that does not shake under pressure. This offers a quiet comfort: you do not have to manufacture your own resilience.
Instead of striving to be unbreakable on your own, you can rest in the strength that sustains you. Scripture shows this power in many forms, from the might that guides nations to the gentle help that steadies a trembling heart. It is a reminder that true stability comes from trusting in something greater than yourself. This kind of strength does not boast; it simply endures.
When you face uncertainty, remember that oz also carries the idea of a fortified tower. You are invited to seek this shelter rather than relying on your own limited resources. The text encourages us to look for God’s strength daily, knowing that His power is sufficient for every season. This hope anchors the soul in peace.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 59 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- strength19×
- strength/ your8×
- strength/ his7×
- and/ strength4×
- and/ strength/ his3×
- [is] might/ my3×
- strength/ my2×
- by/ strength/ your2×
- and/ [the] strength of2×
- [the] strength of2×
- [is] strength2×
- with/ strength1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- עֹ֣ז5×
- עֻזּ֑/וֹ4×
- עֹֽז\׃4×
- עֻזּֽ/וֹ\׃3×
- עֹ֑ז3×
- וָ/עֹֽז\׃3×
- עֹ֭ז2×
- עֹ֥ז2×
- עֹ֖ז2×
- עָזִּ֤/י2×
- וְ/עֹ֥ז2×
- עֻזָּ֑/הּ1×
Key Verses
-
Psalms 28:7
Yahweh is my strength and my shield. My heart has trusted in him, and I am helped. Therefore my heart greatly rejoices. With my song I will thank him.
This verse connects personal trust with divine help, showing how God's strength becomes a shield that actively supports the believer.
-
I Chronicles 16:11
Seek Yahweh and his strength. Seek his face forever more.
The imperative to seek God's strength highlights it as an active pursuit rather than a passive state, urging constant reliance on Him.
-
Exodus 15:2
Yah is my strength and song. He has become my salvation. This is my God, and I will praise him; my father’s God, and I will exalt him.
Here strength is paired with song, indicating that divine power is the foundation for both deliverance and joyful worship.
-
Psalms 71:7
I am a marvel to many, but you are my strong refuge.
The psalmist identifies God as a strong refuge, using the concrete image of a fortress to describe spiritual safety amid many adversaries.