עׇצְמָה (ots.mah)
ots.mah
strength
H:N-FQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-F
Word Overview
The noun otzmah denotes physical power or might. In the Hebrew Bible, it appears only twice, both within the book of Isaiah. Its usage is straightforward, referring to the capacity for exertion or force rather than abstract authority.
The most significant occurrence is in Isaiah 40:29, where God is described as giving otzmah to the weary. Here, the word highlights divine strength as a gift that sustains those who are physically or spiritually exhausted. It underscores the idea that human weakness can be met with external power.
Since the term is rare, its meaning is defined by this specific context. It does not carry the complex theological weight of words like hesed (loyalty) or emet (truth). Instead, it serves as a concrete descriptor of energy and capability, emphasizing God’s role as the source of strength for His people.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word otzmah describes raw, physical strength or might. It is a rare term found only twice in the Old Testament, both within the book of Isaiah. Unlike abstract concepts of authority, this word points to tangible energy and the capacity for exertion.
Its most meaningful appearance is in Isaiah 40:29. Here, the text says God gives otzmah to the weary. This offers a gentle reminder that when your own resources are depleted, strength can be received as a gift. It does not demand you generate power from within but invites you to rely on a source beyond yourself.
For your daily life, this word brings comfort during seasons of exhaustion. It suggests that weakness is not a failure but an opportunity to receive sustenance. You are not expected to carry every burden alone; divine strength is available to those who recognize their need for it.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- strength1×
- in/ [the] power of1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- עָצְמָ֥ה1×
- בְּ/עָצְמַ֥ת1×
Key Verses
-
Isaiah 40:29
He gives power to the weak. He increases the strength of him who has no might.
This verse defines the word by showing God actively giving otzmah to sustain the physically and spiritually exhausted.
-
Isaiah 47:9
But these two things will come to you in a moment in one day: the loss of children and widowhood. They will come on you in their full measure, in the multitude of your sorceries, and the great abundance of your enchantments.
Here the term appears in a context of judgment, emphasizing the full measure or abundance of power that cannot be avoided.