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חֶזְקָה

𐤇𐤆𐤒𐤄

chezqâh

H2393 noun

SILEX Entry

Root חזק to be strong, become strong, strengthen, prevail, seize, hold fast

Definition

A state or quality of strength, might, or power; also an act or demonstration of forceful control, often in administrative or possessive contexts. The term is especially used to describe robust authority or the exercise of firm control, both physically and metaphorically. In some contexts, it refers to the exertion of power in taking possession or gaining dominance.

Semantic Range

strength, power, might, assertion of control, firm possession, exercise of authority, display of force, empowered possession, legal or administrative strength

Root / Etymology

From the root חזק ('to be strong, to strengthen, to seize, to prevail'). חֶזְקָה is a feminine noun formation from this root, denoting an abstract or qualitative aspect of strength, power, or taking possession. The form builds on the verbal root's core sense of strength or fortification.

Historical & Contextual Notes

חֶזְקָה appears in a range of administrative and legal contexts, especially in later biblical periods (e.g., Priestly and post-exilic writings). It often refers not simply to generic strength but to empowered possession or firm control (e.g., the exercise of rights, legal authority to hold land, or the manner in which something is held in force). Used especially in texts concerning property, temple administration, or legal enactments (e.g., Ezekiel, Ezra, Chronicles), it sometimes parallels or contrasts with other terms for physical might (כֹּחַ, עֹז) but retains a distinct nuance of exercised strength or authority. English translations like "strength" or "power" may obscure this legal-administrative aspect. The sense broadens in late biblical Hebrew to encompass both individual power and institutional authority. In early monarchic usage, if present, it is typically more literal (physical strength or fortitude), while in later books the administrative/legal flavor predominates. Later translation traditions (Greek, Latin, Syriac) sometimes render it by terms meaning "dominion" or "possession."

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

feminine of חֵזֶק; prevailing power; strength(-en self), (was) strong.

Bantu Hebrew

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Root Family

חזק (ḥ-z-q) — to be strong, become strong, strengthen, prevail, seize, hold fast

Strong's Lemma SIBI-P1
H2388 חָזַק I will strengthen
H2389 חָזָק with firmness
H2390 חָזֵק and strong
H2391 חֵזֶק my strength
H2392 חֹזֶק with strength

Word Forms

2 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 Occurrences
H2393-02 וּ/כְ/חֶזְקָת֣/וֹ ukhechezeqato HC/R/Ncfsc/Sp3ms and when he had strengthened himself and according to his firm control 3
H2393-01 כְּ/חֶזְקַ֣ת kechezeqat HR/Ncfsc with-strength-of according to the forceful-control of 1

Occurrences in Scripture

4 total occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1
H2393-01 Isaiah 8:11 כְּ/חֶזְקַ֣ת kechezeqat HR/Ncfsc with-strength-of according to the forceful-control of
H2393-02 Daniel 11:2 וּ/כְ/חֶזְקָת֣/וֹ ukhechezeqato HC/R/Ncfsc/Sp3ms by his strength and according to his firm control
H2393-02 2 Chronicles 12:1 וּ/כְ/חֶזְקָת֔/וֹ ukhechezeqato HC/R/Ncfsc/Sp3ms and when he had strengthened himself and according to his firm control
H2393-02 2 Chronicles 26:16 וּ/כְ/חֶזְקָת֗/וֹ ukhechezeqato HC/R/Ncfsc/Sp3ms but when his strength and according to his firm control
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