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אָזֵן

𐤀𐤆𐤍

ʼâzên

H240 noun

SILEX Entry

Root אזן to balance, to weigh, to be broad

Definition

A tool or implement characterized by a broad or flattened end, typically functioning as a spade, paddle, or shovel. In biblical contexts, it most often refers to an instrument used for digging or preparing the ground, but may also denote a broad-bladed weapon in poetic or extended usage.

Semantic Range

spade, paddle, small shovel, digging implement, broad-bladed weapon (poetic or figurative)

Root / Etymology

Root or noun formation from the verb אָזַן ('to weigh; to balance'), deriving from the root אזן which means 'to balance, to be broad or to weigh.' The noun אָזֵן in this context refers to something broad or balanced in shape, likely alluding to its flat, paddle-like appearance. Not to be confused with the noun אָֹזֶן (ʾozen), meaning 'ear,' which is from the same root but with a distinct semantic development.

Historical & Contextual Notes

In most biblical occurrences, אָזֵן appears in technical contexts, referring to a utilitarian object such as a spade or small shovel. In Deuteronomic regulations (e.g., Deut. 23:13[14]), it denotes the implement each person carries to dig with, particularly for sanitation purposes during wilderness encampments. Rare poetic uses or later developments may extend the term to refer to broad-bladed weapons, but these uses are secondary and metaphorical. The word is distinct from the more common shovel or hoe terms, such as מַחֲרֵשָׁה (plow) or חָרִיץ (hoe). English translations often render it as 'paddle' or 'spade' based on context, though the nuance of a multi-purpose digging tool can be lost. Later Hebrew maintained a distinction between common agricultural tools and implements of specialized camp or military use. Modern translation traditions sometimes introduce anachronistic or imprecise terms such as 'trowel,' which may not fully represent the historical breadth of the implement's function.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from אָזַן; a spade or paddle (as having a broad end); weapon.

Bantu Hebrew

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Root Family

אזן (ʾ-z-n) — to balance, to weigh, to be broad

Strong's Lemma SIBI-P1
H238 אָזַן I will cause to listen
H239 אָזַן and he listened attentively
H241 אֹזֶן their ear
H244 אׇזְנִי the Oznite
H245 אֲזַנְיָה Yah has listened

Word Forms

1 distinct form

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 Occurrences
H240-01 אֲזֵנֶ֑/ךָ azenekha HNcmsc/Sp2ms your-ear your broad-blade 1

Occurrences in Scripture

1 total occurrence

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1
H240-01 Deuteronomy 23:14 אֲזֵנֶ֑/ךָ azenekha HNcmsc/Sp2ms your-ear your broad-blade
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