עַזָּן (az.zan)
az.zan
Azzan
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
The name Az zan, or Azzan, appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, in Numbers 34:26. It identifies a specific individual from the tribe of Issachar who served as a representative during the division of the Promised Land. In this context, he is noted as the father of Paltiel, the prince who led his tribe’s delegation.
Lexical sources suggest the name derives from a root meaning "strong" or "very strong." While the text does not elaborate on his personal character or deeds, the etymology implies a family identity associated with strength. His role was administrative and tribal, marking him as part of the leadership structure that organized the inheritance of territory in the wilderness generation.
As a rare proper noun, Az zan serves as a specific historical marker rather than a theological term. His inclusion in the census lists underscores the importance of tribal lineage in Israel’s social and religious organization. The brevity of his mention highlights how individual names preserved within these genealogies anchor the broader narrative of settlement to real people.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Azzan appears only once in Scripture, listed as the father of Paltiel in Numbers 34:26. This brief mention places him within the tribe of Issachar during the time when Israel was preparing to enter the Promised Land. The name itself carries a meaning related to strength, suggesting a family identity rooted in resilience and capability.
While we do not know much about Azzan’s personal life, his inclusion in this record reminds us that God values every individual within His people. The careful listing of names and tribes shows that God knows each person by name and has a specific place for them in His plan. This attention to detail offers comfort, knowing that our own lives and contributions are seen and recorded by Him.
In our daily walk, we can take encouragement from this quiet testament to God’s care for the ordinary details of life. Just as Azzan was part of a larger story of settlement and inheritance, our small acts of faithfulness are woven into God’s greater narrative. We find hope in knowing that no one is overlooked in His eyes.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Azzan1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- עַזָּֽן\׃1×
Key Verses
-
Numbers 34:26
Of the tribe of the children of Issachar a prince, Paltiel the son of Azzan.
This verse identifies Azzan as the father of Paltiel, linking him to the leadership structure of Issachar during the division of the land.