עֱזוּז (e.zuz)
e.zuz
strength
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 3 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun ezuuz conveys a potent sense of strength, often carrying the specific nuance of fierceness or might. It appears only three times in the Bible, appearing primarily in poetic texts where it describes intense power. Unlike generic terms for ability, this word suggests a raw, formidable energy that can be either protective or destructive depending on the context.
In Isaiah 41:15, the imagery is vivid: God promises to make the servant like a threshing sledge with sharp teeth, possessing ezuuz to break mountains and hills into chaff. Here, the word underscores an unstoppable force used for divine justice. Similarly, in Psalm 29:4, the voice of the Lord is described as one of strength and majesty, using this term to depict the overwhelming power behind creation’s storms.
Translators often render ezuuz as "strength" or "might," though these English words can sometimes feel mild compared to the Hebrew intensity. The sources highlight its connection to fierceness, reminding readers that biblical strength is not passive but active and decisive. This word captures the awe-inspiring power of God, whether displayed in judgment or deliverance.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word ezuz points to a raw, formidable power that is far more intense than ordinary ability. When Scripture uses this term, it describes a force that is active and decisive, capable of breaking through obstacles with unstoppable energy. It reminds us that God’s strength is not passive but moves with purpose, whether in delivering His people or executing justice.
In Isaiah 42:25, we see this might displayed in the context of divine discipline. The text speaks of the 'strength of battle' poured out as an expression of anger, a fierce power that burns and shakes the foundations of human pride. This imagery helps us understand that God’s holiness is serious and His justice is real, confronting sin with overwhelming force.
Yet this same potent strength is also available to those who trust in Him. While the word often highlights God's awe-inspiring might, it assures us that no mountain of opposition can stand against His will. We can rest in the knowledge that the Creator’s power is both just and effective, working out His purposes with certainty.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- and/ might/ his1×
- and/ [the] might of1×
- and/ [the] fierceness of1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- וֶ/עֱזוּז֥/וֹ1×
- וֶ/עֱז֣וּז1×
- וֶ/עֱז֖וּז1×
Key Verses
-
Isaiah 42:25
Therefore he poured the fierceness of his anger on him, and the strength of battle. It set him on fire all around, but he didn’t know. It burned him, but he didn’t take it to heart.”
This verse uniquely uses ezuz to describe the 'strength of battle' as an instrument of divine judgment, highlighting its fierce and destructive aspect against rebellion.
-
Psalms 145:6
Men will speak of the might of your awesome acts. I will declare your greatness.
Here the term is paired with 'awesome acts,' linking this raw power directly to God's majestic deeds that inspire human declaration and praise.
-
Psalms 78:4
We will not hide them from their children, telling to the generation to come the praises of Yahweh, his strength, and his wondrous deeds that he has done.
The word appears alongside 'wondrous deeds' as a core element of the praises passed down through generations, establishing strength as a key attribute of Yahweh to be remembered.