📖 Biblical Definition
Oz (עֹז) is the Hebrew word for strength — especially YHWH’s saving strength on behalf of His people. It is distinguished from gevurah (raw might) and chayil (force, valor): oz is fierce, protective strength — the strength of a mother for her children, the strength YHWH shows for the saint. "The LORD is my strength [oz] and song, and he is become my salvation" (Exodus 15:2; Psalm 118:14); "In the LORD have I righteousness and strength" (Isaiah 45:24). David ascribes oz to the LORD repeatedly in the Psalter (29:11; 28:7; 81:1). When the Christian feels weakest, oz is the name to call: not the strength to perform, but the strength of the LORD wrapped around the weak.
📜 Webster 1828 Definition
Hebrew "strength" — fierce protective might.
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The Hebrew word for strength, distinct from gevurah (raw might) and chayil (force, valor, virtue). Oz is fierce protective strength — the strength that defends and shields. Used of YHWH's saving strength on behalf of His people, of the king's strength, and of the woman of valor (Prov 31:25).
📖 Key Scripture
Psalm 28:7 — "The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped."
Psalm 29:11 — "The LORD will give strength unto his people; the LORD will bless his people with peace."
Proverbs 31:25 — "Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come."
⚠️ Modern Corruption
Reduced to abstract "strength" without the protective-fierce shading of the Hebrew.
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Modern "strength" can mean tough, capable, athletic. Hebrew oz shades toward fierce-protective — the lioness for her cubs, YHWH for His people, the Proverbs 31 woman whose strength clothes her.
Recover the protection: oz is for those defended by it. The strength of the LORD is for His people; her strength is for her household.
🔗 Greek & Hebrew Roots
Hebrew oz.
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['Hebrew', 'H5797', 'oz', 'strength, might, power']
['Hebrew', 'H1369', 'gevurah', 'might, valor']
Usage
"Oz is fierce protective strength."
"The LORD's oz is for His people."
"Strength clothes the Proverbs 31 woman."