Original Word: עַזָּן
Part of Speech: Proper Name Masculine
Transliteration: `Azzan
Pronunciation: az-ZAHN
Phonetic Spelling: (az-zawn')
KJV: Azzan
NASB: Azzan
Word Origin: [from H5794 (עַז - strong)]

1. strong one
2. Azzan, an Israelite

Azzan

From az; strong one; Azzan, an Israelite -- Azzan.

see HEBREW az

Word Origin
from azaz
Definition
"strong," a man of Issachar
NASB Translation
Azzan (1).

עַזָּן proper name, masculine Οξα, Οζα, in Issachar Numbers 34:26.

Biblical occurrence

Azan is named only once in Scripture, in Numbers 34:26, where Paltiel son of Azan is appointed to represent the tribe of Issachar in the distribution of Canaan: “From the tribe of the sons of Issachar, a leader, Paltiel son of Azan” (Berean Standard Bible).

Historical-geographical setting

The single reference appears in a crucial transitional moment for Israel. Moses, still east of the Jordan on the plains of Moab (Numbers 33:48–50), designates twelve tribal leaders who will apportion the Promised Land once Joshua leads the conquest to completion. By listing these leaders before the people ever set foot across the Jordan, God binds the coming inheritance to the covenant community as a whole. Azan’s household therefore stands at the threshold between wilderness wandering and settled possession.

Genealogical and tribal significance

Azan’s identity is tethered to his son Paltiel, the Issacharite commissioner. In every other tribe, the representative named in Numbers 34 descends from a lineage that has demonstrated faithfulness during the march from Egypt. The inclusion of Paltiel “son of Azan” suggests that Azan’s family enjoyed sufficient standing, spiritual credibility, and leadership gifting to be entrusted with safeguarding Issachar’s inheritance. This underscores the continuity between Jacob’s blessing on Issachar (Genesis 49:14-15) and the tribe’s future footprint in Canaan (Joshua 19:17-23).

Covenant and land theology

1. Promise fulfilled: Azan’s household stands as evidence that the Lord keeps His oath to Abraham (Genesis 15:18-21). What was pledged to the patriarch becomes actionable reality through named families.
2. Shared stewardship: The land is not handed to anonymous masses; specific fathers and sons are recorded, underscoring personal accountability for a collective gift (Psalm 115:16).
3. Generational faithfulness: The text shifts from Moses’ era to that of Joshua, yet fathers like Azan still matter. Their faith, teaching, and reputation enable the next generation to step into leadership (Deuteronomy 6:6-9).

Lessons for ministry today

• Legacy of influence: Although Azan himself never speaks in the narrative, his quiet faithfulness shapes a son whom God calls into public service. Investing in the next generation often carries greater impact than visible platforms.

• Every name counts: Scripture’s habit of recording “minor” figures emphasizes that God notices unseen obedience. Pastors and teachers can encourage believers that steadfast service—whether recorded or not—advances redemptive history.

• Corporate responsibility: Like Issachar’s allotment, congregational life involves shared inheritance in Christ (Ephesians 1:13-14). Leaders are raised up from among the people, not independent of them, to ensure that every member receives the grace apportioned (Ephesians 4:7-16).

Theological reflections

Azan’s fleeting appearance illustrates the tapestry of divine sovereignty and human agency. The Lord determines boundary lines (Acts 17:26), yet He honors ordinary families by entrusting them with tangible roles. This convergence invites believers to steward their moment in redemptive history with the confidence that “He who calls you is faithful, and He will do it” (1 Thessalonians 5:24).

עַזָּֽן׃ עזן׃ ‘az·zān ‘azzān azZanInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts