The Hebrew adjective chazeq describes what is strong, mighty, or unyielding. It is used of the LORD's strong hand in delivering Israel from Egypt (Exodus 3:19 β 'only a mighty (chazeq) hand will compel him'), of a strong wind (Exodus 10:19), and of the people of God who must 'be strong' (chazaq) before the LORD. The word shares its root with chazaq (H2388) and the noun forms chozeq and chezqah.
Strength in the Hebrew mindset is relational and purposive β it is always strength for something. The LORD's hand being chazeq against Pharaoh was redemptive strength. Joshua's charge to 'be strong and courageous' (Joshua 1:9) used the same root β strength not as personal capacity but as covenant confidence. When the arm or hand of God is described as chazeq, the emphasis is on his unwavering commitment to his promises. Human strength that does not flow from divine empowerment is described as fading or futile.