עָזַז (a.zaz)
a.zaz
be strong
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 7 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb `azaz` describes a quality of strength that is often bold or even defiant. In its basic form, it means to be strong or to prevail, but it carries a specific tone of unyielding determination. This is not necessarily the gentle strength of endurance, but rather a firmness that refuses to back down.
Its usage in Scripture highlights this distinct character. In Proverbs 25:28, a person without self-control is compared to a city whose walls are broken down—a place where such boldness goes unchecked and leads to vulnerability. Conversely, in Judges 19:22, the men of the city demand that the visitor be brought out so they can "know" him, using the Hiphil form to describe their aggressive insistence. Here, the word underscores a hardened resolve.
Translators often render this word as "bold," "fierce," or simply "strong," depending on whether the context is positive resilience or negative obstinacy. The root conveys a sense of internal power that manifests externally as an unshakeable stance, whether in wisdom or in wickedness.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word azaz describes a strength that is bold, unyielding, and often defiant. It is not merely gentle endurance, but a firm resolve that refuses to back down. This power can manifest as righteous resilience or stubborn obstinacy, depending on the heart behind it.
In Proverbs 7:13, we see this quality in a negative light, where a seductress approaches with an impudent face. Her boldness is not virtue but arrogance, leading others into harm. Conversely, Judges 3:10 shows the Spirit of Yahweh empowering Othniel to prevail against enemies. Here, strength is a divine gift for justice.
Your faith calls you to discern where your strength comes from. Is it self-exalting pride or Spirit-empowered courage? Trust that God provides the right kind of boldness when we stand for what is true and good, rather than relying on our own stubborn will.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 7 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- and/ it prevailed2×
- when/ became strong1×
- she has made firm1×
- it gives strength1×
- he will prevail1×
- he makes strong1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- תָּעֹ֣ז1×
- יָעֽוֹז\׃1×
- וַ/תָּ֥עָז1×
- וַ/תָּ֣עָז1×
- הֵעֵ֬ז1×
- הֵעֵ֥זָה1×
- בַּ֝/עֲז֗וֹז1×
Key Verses
-
Judges 3:10
Yahweh’s Spirit came on him, and he judged Israel; and he went out to war, and Yahweh delivered Cushan Rishathaim king of Mesopotamia into his hand. His hand prevailed against Cushan Rishathaim.
This verse shows Yahweh’s Spirit empowering Othniel to prevail, demonstrating that true strength comes from God's presence rather than human effort.
-
Proverbs 7:13
So she caught him, and kissed him. With an impudent face she said to him:
The word describes the seductress's impudent face, highlighting how boldness can be used for arrogance and leading others into sin.
-
Judges 6:2
The hand of Midian prevailed against Israel; and because of Midian the children of Israel made themselves the dens which are in the mountains, the caves, and the strongholds.
Here Midian’s hand prevails, illustrating how this strength can also represent oppressive force that drives people into hiding.