עַזָּתִי (az.za.ti)
az.za.ti
Gaza
N:N--LGQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N--LG
Word Overview
The term azzaṯî is a Hebrew gentilic adjective meaning "of Gaza" or "a Gazite." It functions as a demonym, identifying people who originate from the Philistine city of Gaza, known in Hebrew as ʿazzâ (H5804). The root word conveys strength or might, reflecting the city’s reputation as a fortified and powerful stronghold in the ancient Near East.
In the biblical text, this word appears only twice, both within the narrative of the conquest of Canaan. It is used in Joshua 11:22 to describe the Anakim descendants who remained in Gaza, Gath, and Ashdod after the Israelite victories, and again in Judges 1:18 when Judah captures Gaza with its surrounding territories. These brief references highlight the city’s persistent military significance during the early settlement period.
Translators typically render azzaṯî as "Gazites" or "of Gaza," preserving the geographical and ethnic distinction without adding theological commentary. The word serves a straightforward descriptive purpose, anchoring historical events to specific locations and populations rather than conveying abstract concepts.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
When you read about Gaza in Scripture, it is not just a dot on an ancient map. The name itself carries a sense of strength and fortification. In the biblical narrative, this city stands as a symbol of entrenched opposition to God’s people. It represents places where fear and hostility seem strongest, yet even these formidable barriers do not stand outside the reach of divine purpose.
Consider how the text records the Gazites surrounding Samson in Judges 16:2. They waited all night, confident in their numbers and their walls. Yet, the story does not end with their victory. It reminds us that human strength, no matter how fortified, is temporary. God’s plans for His people move forward despite the most determined resistance.
This word invites you to look at your own challenges through a similar lens. Where do you face walls that seem too high to scale? The biblical record of Gaza shows that these strongholds are not permanent obstacles to God’s will. You can find peace knowing that no fortified position is beyond the scope of His sovereignty and care.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- to the/ Gazites1×
- the/ Gazite[s]1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- לַֽ/עַזָּתִ֣ים\׀1×
- הָ/עַזָּתִ֤י1×
Key Verses
-
Judges 16:2
The Gazites were told, “Samson is here!” They surrounded him and laid wait for him all night in the gate of the city, and were quiet all the night, saying, “Wait until morning light; then we will kill him.”
This verse highlights the word by depicting the Gazites as a coordinated military force using their city gates to trap Samson, emphasizing the physical strength and strategic importance of the location.
-
Joshua 13:3
from the Shihor, which is before Egypt, even to the border of Ekron northward, which is counted as Canaanite; the five lords of the Philistines; the Gazites, and the Ashdodites, the Ashkelonites, the Gittites, and the Ekronites; also the Avvim,
Here the term identifies the political power structure of the Philistines, listing the Gazites alongside other lords to show Gaza’s status as a major center of resistance during the conquest period.