תָּזַז (ta.zaz)
ta.zaz
to strike away
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb tazaz appears only once in the Old Testament, found in Isaiah 18:5. In this specific instance, it is used in the Hiphil stem, which gives the word a causative force. The basic meaning is to strike away or cut off, describing an action of removal.
The context in Isaiah describes a time when new growth and grape clusters are present. God is portrayed as waiting before taking decisive action against the vegetation. The imagery suggests a pruning or harvesting motion, where tender shoots and clusters are struck down or removed, likely by divine judgment or natural decay before they can mature.
This rare usage highlights a moment of suspended action. The verb captures the physical act of cutting away what is present, emphasizing the finality of the removal. Translators typically render this as "cut off" or "strike away," reflecting the sharp, decisive nature of the verb in this single biblical occurrence.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
In Isaiah 18:5, we encounter a rare Hebrew verb that paints a vivid picture of divine timing. The text describes God waiting until the blossom fades and the grape begins to ripen before He acts. This moment captures a pause in history, where potential growth is present but not yet fully realized.
The imagery suggests a decisive removal, striking away what cannot mature. For our faith, this reminds us that God’s actions are purposeful. He does not act impulsively but waits for the right moment to bring about His purposes. Even when change feels sudden, it follows a pattern of patience and precision.
This word invites trust in God's timing. We may feel like we are waiting through seasons of uncertainty, but this verse assures us that God sees the whole picture. His decisions, though sometimes sharp, are rooted in wisdom. We can rest in the knowledge that He is always working toward a meaningful end.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- he will cut away1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- הֵתַֽז\׃1×
Key Verses
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Isaiah 18:5
For before the harvest, when the blossom is over, and the flower becomes a ripening grape, he will cut off the sprigs with pruning hooks, and he will cut down and take away the spreading branches.
This verse uses the verb to describe God striking away tender shoots and branches before they can fully mature, emphasizing the finality of His judgment.