עָזַק (a.zaq)
a.zaq
to dig about
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb azaq, found in its intensive form (Piel), means to dig around or encircle an area. It appears only once in the Old Testament, located in Isaiah 5:2. In this specific context, the word describes the careful preparation of a vineyard.
The image is agricultural and precise. The owner digs out stones and debris from around the vines to clear the soil for growth. This single occurrence highlights the effort required to create a productive environment, emphasizing the removal of obstacles rather than just the act of planting.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
In Isaiah 5:2, the word azaq describes the careful act of digging around a vineyard to remove stones and clear the soil. This image reminds us that God takes great care in preparing our hearts, removing obstacles so that we might bear good fruit. It is a picture of intentional effort and love.
When life feels heavy or unproductive, remember that this divine preparation is not punishment but provision. God clears away what hinders growth, creating space for your faith to take root deeply. Trust in His patient work within you, even when the process seems slow or hidden from view.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- and/ he dug/ it1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- וַֽ/יְעַזְּקֵ֣/הוּ1×
Key Verses
-
Isaiah 5:2
He dug it up, gathered out its stones, planted it with the choicest vine, built a tower in the middle of it, and also cut out a wine press in it. He looked for it to yield grapes, but it yielded wild grapes.
This verse uniquely uses the word to describe the specific agricultural act of clearing stones around vines, highlighting God's meticulous preparation of His people.