רְצִין (re.tsin)
re.tsin
Rezin
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 10 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
The name Rezin, rendered from the Hebrew root meaning "firm" or "steadfast," identifies two distinct figures in the biblical narrative. The primary bearer is the king of Aram-Damascus who opposed Judah during the reigns of Jotham and Ahaz, as recorded in 2 Kings 15:37 and extensively in Isaiah 7–8. A second, lesser-known Rezin appears in Nehemiah 11:4 as an ancestor of temple servants who returned from exile.
The historical Rezin is best known for the Syro-Ephraimite War, a political crisis where he allied with Israel to pressure Judah into joining an anti-Assyrian coalition. Isaiah’s prophecy addresses this threat directly, offering King Ahaz a sign of God’s protection despite the "firm" resolve of his enemies. The name’s meaning ironically contrasts with the eventual collapse of Damascus under Assyrian power.
Translators consistently preserve the proper noun "Rezin" without attempting to translate its semantic content, treating it as a historical identifier rather than a theological descriptor. This usage highlights how personal names in Scripture often serve as markers of identity and lineage within the complex political landscape of the ancient Near East.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Rezin appears in Scripture as a marker of human political power, specifically identifying the king of Aram-Damascus who allied with Israel to threaten Judah. His resolve was firm, yet his alliance ultimately failed against God’s sovereign plan. This historical reality reminds us that earthly alliances and military strength are temporary, while God’s word stands firm regardless of the shifting tides of history.
When facing uncertainty or external pressure, we can look to the promise given to King Ahaz in Isaiah 7:4. The message was not to rely on political maneuvering but to trust in God’s protection. Rezin’s story illustrates that even the most determined opposition cannot thwart the purposes of the Lord. We are invited to rest in that same assurance, knowing that our security rests in Him alone.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 10 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Rezin10×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- רְצִ֖ין4×
- רְצִ֥ין2×
- רְצִ֣ין2×
- רְצִ֨ין1×
- רְצִ֑ין1×
Key Verses
-
Isaiah 7:4
Tell him, ‘Be careful, and keep calm. Don’t be afraid, neither let your heart be faint because of these two tails of smoking torches, for the fierce anger of Rezin and Syria, and of the son of Remaliah.
This verse captures the core theological response to Rezin’s threat, urging calm trust rather than fear of human power.
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II Kings 16:9
The king of Assyria listened to him; and the king of Assyria went up against Damascus and took it, and carried its people captive to Kir, and killed Rezin.
This occurrence marks the end of Rezin’s political influence, showing how Assyrian intervention fulfilled the judgment on his reign.
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Isaiah 7:8
For the head of Syria is Damascus, and the head of Damascus is Rezin. Within sixty-five years Ephraim shall be broken in pieces, so that it shall not be a people.
Here Rezin is identified as the head of Damascus, yet the prophecy immediately predicts the collapse of his power within sixty-five years.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Rezin in the Bible?
What does the name Rezin mean?
Is there another person named Rezin in Scripture?
Why is Rezin significant to Isaiah’s prophecy?
Every Occurrence (10 verses across 4 books)
II Kings 4 verses
In those days, Yahweh began to send Rezin the king of Syria and Pekah the son of Remaliah against Judah.
II Kings 16:5Then Rezin king of Syria and Pekah son of Remaliah king of Israel came up to Jerusalem to wage war. They besieged Ahaz,…
II Kings 16:6At that time Rezin king of Syria recovered Elath to Syria, and drove the Jews from Elath; and the Syrians came to…
II Kings 16:9The king of Assyria listened to him; and the king of Assyria went up against Damascus and took it, and carried its…