עִזּוּז (iz.zuz)
iz.zuz
mighty
H:AQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:A
Word Overview
The Hebrew adjective izzuz describes someone or something that is mighty or powerful. It appears in only two verses in the Old Testament, both found in the book of Isaiah (31:2 and 40:26). In these contexts, it emphasizes overwhelming strength and force.
In Isaiah 31:2, the word highlights the power of Egypt, a nation whose military might seemed formidable to Judah. Conversely, Isaiah 40:26 uses izzuz to describe God’s creative power, noting that He brings out the starry host by number, calling them all by name. This contrast underscores that true might belongs to God alone.
Though rare, izzuz carries a weighty theological significance. It reminds readers that human strength is limited and often illusory when compared to divine power. The word serves as a stark reminder of the difference between earthly authority and heavenly sovereignty.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word izzuz describes overwhelming strength and force. It appears only twice in the Old Testament, both in Isaiah. In one instance, it describes Egypt’s military power. In the other, it describes God’s creative might. This contrast reminds us that human strength is limited, while divine power is absolute.
When you face challenges that seem too big to handle, this word offers comfort. It points you away from relying on your own resources and toward the One who calls the stars by name. His strength does not fade like earthly armies. You can trust in a power that never fails.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- strong1×
- and/ a strong [one]1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- עִזּ֣וּז1×
- וְ/עִזּ֑וּז1×
Key Verses
-
Isaiah 43:17
who brings out the chariot and horse, the army and the mighty man (they lie down together, they shall not rise; they are extinct, they are quenched like a wick) says:
This verse uses the word to describe the mighty man of Egypt, highlighting human power that ultimately fails and is quenched like a wick.