Original Word: חֹזֶק
Part of Speech: Noun Masculine
Transliteration: chozeq
Pronunciation: kho'-zek
Phonetic Spelling: (kho'-zek)
KJV: strength
NASB: powerful, power, strength
Word Origin: [from H2388 (חָזַק - strong)]

1. power

strength

From chazaq; power -- strength.

see HEBREW chazaq

Word Origin
from chazaq
Definition
strength
NASB Translation
power (1), powerful (3), strength (1).

חֹ֫זֶק noun masculine strength; — ׳ח construct Exodus 13:3 3t.; חָזְקֵנוּ Amos 6:13; —

1 of ׳י, יַד ׳ח Exodus 13:3,14,16 (all J E).

2 national strength Amos 6:13; Haggai 2:22.

Overview

חֹזֶק (chozeq) conveys concentrated strength, force, or power—whether divine or human. Its five appearances trace a line from the Exodus, through prophetic critique, to eschatological promise, portraying Yahweh’s irresistible might and exposing the folly of self-reliance.

Semantic Range and Nuances

1. Tangible force: the dynamic, active exertion of power.
2. Moral or political potency: the capacity to dominate events or nations.
3. Boastful confidence: human presumption of self-made success.

Occurrences and Contexts

• Exodus 13:3, 14, 16 present chozeq as the “mighty hand” by which the LORD liberated Israel.
• Amos 6:13 applies the term to Israel’s arrogant claim, “Did we not take Karnaim by our own strength?” exposing covenant infidelity.
• Haggai 2:22 points to Yahweh’s future intervention: “I will overthrow the thrones of kingdoms and destroy the strength of the kingdoms of the nations.”

Exodus Motif: Salvation by Divine Strength

“Remember this day… for by a mighty hand the LORD brought you out” (Exodus 13:3). The Passover memorial, the consecration of the firstborn, and the phylacteries (“a sign on your hand,” 13:16) all embed chozeq into Israel’s liturgy, ensuring every generation rehearses God’s puissant deliverance rather than attributing freedom to human agency (compare Deuteronomy 4:34; 5:15).

Prophetic Exposure of Human Pretension (Amos 6:13)

In the prosperity of Jeroboam II, Samaria celebrated territorial gains, chanting that they had conquered “by our own strength.” Amos counters with impending exile, demonstrating that chozeq divorced from covenant obedience becomes delusion. The episode warns ministries today against confusing growth metrics with divine sanction (see Psalm 33:16-17).

Eschatological Overthrow (Haggai 2:22)

Post-exilic Judea, small and surrounded by empires, receives assurance that Yahweh will “destroy the strength of the kingdoms of the nations.” Chozeq here guarantees the final shaking of world powers (Hebrews 12:26-27), encouraging the remnant to rebuild the temple despite modest resources.

Intertextual Echoes

• “Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand” (1 Peter 5:6) echoes the Exodus chozeq, calling believers to trust the same redemptive power.
• Daniel 2:44; Revelation 11:15 anticipate the culmination of Haggai’s vision, when every rival strength collapses before the Messiah’s reign.

Theological Trajectory

1. Salvation: Divine chozeq rescues (Exodus).
2. Judgment: Human chozeq condemned (Amos).
3. Consummation: Cosmic chozeq displayed (Haggai).

Historical and Cultural Notes

In Ancient Near Eastern literature, gods wield power through intermediary forces; Scripture uniquely personalizes strength in Yahweh Himself. Pharaoh’s military machine, Samaria’s fortified citadels, and Persian imperial authority each represent formidable but ultimately transient chozeq when set against the LORD’s.

Ministry Implications

• Worship: Anchor congregational memory in God’s past acts of power, fostering gratitude and obedience.
• Preaching: Expose the vanity of self-reliance; redirect confidence to the Lord’s mighty hand.
• Pastoral Care: Encourage the suffering with Haggai’s promise that no earthly power can thwart God’s redemptive plan.

Christological Fulfillment

The ultimate display of chozeq appears paradoxically at the cross: “For the weakness of God is stronger than man’s strength” (1 Corinthians 1:25). Resurrection power vindicates the Servant and guarantees the church’s mission (Ephesians 1:19-20).

Summary

חֹזֶק threads through Scripture as a reminder that true strength belongs to the LORD. From Egypt’s defeat, through Israel’s misplaced pride, to the shattering of future kingdoms, chozeq testifies that history advances not by human might but by the sovereign power of God who saves, judges, and will consummate His kingdom in Christ.

בְּחֹ֣זֶק בְחָזְקֵ֔נוּ בחזק בחזקנו חֹ֖זֶק חזק ḇə·ḥā·zə·qê·nū bə·ḥō·zeq beChozek ḇəḥāzəqênū bəḥōzeq Chozek ḥō·zeq ḥōzeq vechazeKenuInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts