What Is Chazaq

It's an old Hebrew word that's used over 300 times in the bible. It is a uniquely strong and powerful descriptor of "courage" that comes from God.

It is pronounced with a throaty, guttural and hearty "h" from way back in the throat, the "c" is technically silent.

Click Here to here it for yourself.

According to Strongs Hebrew and Greek Dictionary:

It is a primitive root that means: to fasten upon; hence to seize, be strong (figuratively courageous, causatively strengthen, cure, help, repair, fortify), obstinate; to bind, restrain, conquer: - aid, amend, catch, cleave, confirm, be constant, constrain, continue, be of good (take) courage (-ous, -ly), encourage (self), be established, fasten, force, fortify, make hard, harden, help, (lay) hold (fast), lean, maintain, play the man, mend, become (wax) mighty, prevail, be recovered, repair, retain, seize, be (wax) sore, strengten (self), be stout, be (make, shew, wax) strong (-er), be sure, take (hold), be urgent, behave self valiantly, withstand.

A few examples of "chazaq" in scripture:

1 Chronicles 19:13 Be of good courage, and let us behave ourselves valiantly for our people, and for the cities of our God: and let the LORD do that which is good in his sight.

Psalms 27:14 Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.

Ps 31:24 Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the LORD.

God is our source of chazaq. Chazaq is not passive, it requires taking hold of and being courageously strong in your faith. In Psalm 27:14 it is being used as a verb, encouraging the one praying to be strong and confident while waiting alertly for God.

Chazaq is a bold word describing the believer's confident courage that is only perfected while waiting for God. In the mighty power of God, be brave. Be strong. Take courage. Do not give up. God is in the chaos and storms of life, generously giving each seeker the courage, strength, stamina, endurance, perseverance, and fortitude needed for every situation.

Study the word for yourself, in the context of the Old Testament where it is found 290 times using this Crosswalk Study page.

Pray for me that I might grow to more fully understand this concept and apply it to my life, toward the struggles of life, to Spiritual Warfare and the prayer and protection of those that rely on me. And to rely on chazaq to overcome my fear of man and to focus on my love for God when He brings me people to witness to!