אֲזַי
𐤀𐤆𐤉
ʼăzay
H233 adverb
SILEX Entry
Definition
Temporal adverb indicating the time when an event occurs, typically in the sense of 'at that time' or 'then' (i.e., marking a specific point or period in narrative sequence). In context, it introduces or highlights a given moment within a sequence of events or relative to a preceding statement.
Semantic Range
then, at that (specific) time, at that moment, thereupon (in narrative sequence)
Root / Etymology
Formed from the adverb אָז (ʾaz, 'then, at that time') with the addition of the enclitic suffix -ay, which often serves to reinforce or emphasize the demonstrative or temporal sense. The base root is אז (ʾ-z), meaning 'then' or 'at that time.' This construction gives a more specific or emphatic temporal reference than the simpler אָז. Thus, אֲזַי means 'at that time, then' with particular reference to a narrative moment.
Historical & Contextual Notes
אֲזַי is relatively rare in Biblical Hebrew and is primarily found in later biblical books such as Daniel, Chronicles, and Ecclesiastes, particularly in narrative contexts to indicate a significant or shifting moment in the sequence of events (e.g., Daniel 2:14, Ecclesiastes 3:18). It generally marks a consequence or a subsequent action more definitively than the earlier and more frequently used אָז. In some cases, English translations render אֲזַי as 'then' or 'thereupon,' but these do not always capture the narrative emphasis or specificity implied in the Hebrew. The word becomes more common in Rabbinic Hebrew and post-biblical literature, further solidifying its function as a key temporal marker. אֲזַי does not carry theological connotation or doctrinal meaning; it is strictly a temporal adverbial marker.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
probably from אָז; at that time; then.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
אז (ʾ-z) — then, at that time, subsequently
| Strong's | Lemma | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|
| H227 | אָז | at that time |
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H233-01 |
אֲ֭זַי | azay | HD |
then | at that very time | 3 |
Occurrences in Scripture
3 total occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H233-01 |
Psalms 124:3 | אֲ֭זַי | azay | HD |
then | at that very time |
H233-01 |
Psalms 124:4 | אֲ֭זַי | azay | HD |
then | at that very time |
H233-01 |
Psalms 124:5 | אֲ֭זַי | azay | HD |
then | at that very time |