עַזָּה (az.zah)
az.zah
Gaza
N:N--LQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 19 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N--L
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun az.zah refers to Gaza, a prominent Philistine city situated on the southwestern coast of ancient Palestine near the Mediterranean Sea. The name itself means "the strong," reflecting the city’s reputation for military power and fortified defenses. As the southernmost of the five major Philistine cities, it served as a strategic gateway between Egypt and the rest of Canaan.
In Scripture, this location appears frequently in narratives concerning Israel’s territorial boundaries and conflicts with its neighbors. The book of Judges records battles fought near Gaza, while Joshua lists it within the context of land allotments that remained unconquered. Later prophetic books, including Jeremiah, mention the city when describing judgments against surrounding nations.
Translators consistently render this word as "Gaza" in English Bibles, preserving its identity as a specific geographic place rather than translating the literal meaning of "strength." Its presence throughout the Old Testament highlights its significance as a political and military center that Israelites encountered repeatedly during their settlement of the land.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
Gaza appears across the Old Testament as a place of sharp contrasts. It marks the southern boundary of Canaan in Genesis, yet it also stands as a symbol of resistance against God’s people. In Judges, it is where Samson found trouble and later imprisonment. The prophets speak of its fall with solemn clarity, reminding us that no fortress, however strong, can withstand divine judgment.
For your faith, this word invites reflection on the limits of human strength. We often trust in our own defenses or status, but Scripture shows that even the mightiest cities are subject to God’s will. When we face opposition or uncertainty, we can look beyond our circumstances to the One who holds history in His hands.
This geographic reality grounds our spiritual hope. It reminds us that earthly powers are temporary, while God’s promises endure. We find peace not in our own strength, but in trusting the Lord who governs all nations and brings justice in His time.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 19 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Gaza13×
- Gaza/ towards2×
- in/ Gaza1×
- from/ Gaza1×
- for/ Gaza1×
- and/ Gaza1×
- Ayyah1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- עַזָּ֑ה5×
- עַזָּה֙2×
- עַזָּ֔ה2×
- עַיָּ֖ה1×
- עַזָּֽה\׃\ \ס1×
- עַזָּ֥ה1×
- עַזָּ֣ה1×
- עַזָּ֗תָ/ה1×
- עַזָּ֖ה1×
- עַזָּ֑תָ/ה1×
- מֵֽ/עַזָּ֔ה1×
- לְ/עַזָּ֤ה1×
Key Verses
-
Genesis 10:19
The border of the Canaanites was from Sidon—as you go toward Gerar—to Gaza—as you go toward Sodom, Gomorrah, Admah, and Zeboiim—to Lasha.
This verse establishes Gaza as the southern boundary of the promised land, setting the stage for Israel's future territorial inheritance.
-
Judges 16:1
Samson went to Gaza, and saw there a prostitute, and went in to her.
Here Gaza is the site of Samson’s moral failure and subsequent capture, showing how proximity to strongholds of sin can lead to downfall.
-
Amos 1:7
but I will send a fire on the wall of Gaza, and it will devour its palaces.
God declares He will send fire on Gaza’s walls, illustrating that even fortified cities cannot escape judgment for their cruelty.
-
Zechariah 9:5
Ashkelon will see it, and fear; Gaza also, and will writhe in agony; as will Ekron, for her expectation will be disappointed; and the king will perish from Gaza, and Ashkelon will not be inhabited.
This prophecy describes Gaza’s agony and desolation, serving as a sobering reminder of God’s sovereignty over enemy nations.