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    Strength

    עֹז (oz)

    Mighty power, boldness, and refuge — the force that sustains and protects God's people.

    Hebrew
    Strong's H5797
    Pronunciation: OZE
    Quick Answer

    Oz is the Hebrew word for strength, meaning might, power, and boldness. Scripture repeatedly declares that God is the ultimate source of strength — He is both the refuge and the empowerer of His people.

    "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble." — Psalm 46:1 (KJV)

    Key Verses

    Psalm 46:1

    “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”
    Read in context

    Isaiah 40:31

    “But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles.”
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    Philippians 4:13

    “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.”
    Read in context

    Strong's Concordance

    Strong's H5797 — Strength (עֹז (oz))

    Browse the full lexicon entry and every KJV verse where עֹז (oz) appears.

    Open Strong's H5797

    Etymology and Original Meaning

    Oz means 'strength,' 'might,' or 'power.' It can also convey boldness, fierceness, and refuge. The root suggests a fortified place — a stronghold that provides security through its strength. When the psalmist declares 'God is our strength,' it means God is both the power that enables and the fortress that protects.

    God as the Source of Strength

    Scripture consistently points to God as the ultimate source of strength. 'The LORD is my strength and my shield' (Psalm 28:7). 'The joy of the LORD is your strength' (Nehemiah 8:10). Human strength is limited, unreliable, and temporary, but divine strength is inexhaustible, unfailing, and available to all who ask.

    Strength Through Weakness

    Paul discovered a paradox: 'When I am weak, then am I strong' (2 Corinthians 12:10). God told him, 'My strength is made perfect in weakness' (2 Corinthians 12:9). Human weakness creates space for divine power. The Bible's heroes are often the unlikely, the inadequate, and the overwhelmed — precisely the people through whom God's strength shines most brightly.

    Waiting and Renewal

    Isaiah 40:31 promises that those who 'wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength.' The Hebrew word for 'wait' (qavah) means 'to bind together' — like braiding rope. Waiting on God is not passive idleness but active trust that interweaves human need with divine supply. The result is supernatural renewal: mounting up with wings like eagles, running without weariness.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What does strength mean in the Bible?

    Strength (oz) means might, power, and refuge. God is repeatedly declared the source of all true strength — the power that enables believers and the fortress that protects them.

    How do I find strength in God?

    Through waiting on Him (Isaiah 40:31), depending on Him in weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9-10), drawing on His joy (Nehemiah 8:10), and trusting in His sufficiency (Philippians 4:13).

    Which Bible verse uses the word "Strength"?

    Psalm 46:1 — "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble" (KJV). It also appears in Isaiah 40:31, Philippians 4:13.

    Why does the Hebrew word behind "Strength" matter?

    Oz means 'strength,' 'might,' or 'power.' It can also convey boldness, fierceness, and refuge. English uses one word, "Strength", where the Hebrew עֹז (oz) carries the fuller sense: mighty power, boldness, and refuge — the force that sustains and protects god's people.

    Related Words

    Rock
    Faith
    Perseverance

    Related Reading

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    Word Meaning

    Strength (עֹז (oz))

    Mighty power, boldness, and refuge — the force that sustains and protects God's people.

    Strong's

    Strong's H5797 — Strength

    עֹז (oz) • Mighty power, boldness, and refuge — the force that sustains and protects God's people.

    Verses About

    Bible Verses About Strength in Weakness

    10 curated KJV verses

    Commentary

    2 Corinthians 4:7 Commentary

    In-depth study • Strength in Weakness

    Promise

    God Promises Strength in Weakness

    Bible promises that God's power is made perfect in your weakness.

    Devotional

    Isaiah 40:29-31 — Meaning & Devotional

    Renewed Strength

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