עֹז

From the study of Isaiah 12:2

Range of meaning

Strength, might, power; often protective or military strength, and the strength of a stronghold. It overlaps with the related noun māʿôz, 'refuge, fortress', and some lexicons connect part of its use to a root meaning 'take refuge'. Used of God's might and of the 'strong city' (Isa 26:1).

Against the English

'Strength' is right, but English can make it sound like an inner ability or personal energy. In the Hebrew it is closer to a defending power or a fortress around you.

Used elsewhere in the period

Exod 15:2, 13 ('you guided them by your strength'); Ps 28:7–8 ('the LORD is my strength and my shield… the strength of his people'); Ps 118:14; Isa 26:1; 45:24.

From the study of Proverbs 18:10

Range of meaning

Strength, might, power, often military or protective. It is also used of God's strength as a defence ('YHWH is my strength and my shield', Psalm 28:7). Lexicons (BDB, HALOT) note that it lies close to māʿôz, 'stronghold, place of refuge', and some scholars link it with the root ʿûz, 'to take refuge'. Strength and refuge sit together in this word family.

Against the English

'Strong' as an adjective is fine. Literally the Hebrew says 'a tower of strength', which YLT keeps.

Used elsewhere in the period

Proverbs 10:15 and 18:11 say 'the wealth of the rich is his strong city (qiryat ʿuzzô)', using the same word. Psalm 46:1 (Hebrew 46:2): 'God is our refuge and strength (ʿōz)'.

From the study of Proverbs 14:26

Range of meaning

Strength, might, power. Often protective strength: a fortification or stronghold (Judg 9:51 "strong tower"; Prov 18:10 migdal-ʿoz). Can also mean glory or majesty in praise contexts (Ps 29:1).

Against the English

"Strong" as an adjective (KJV "strong confidence") is accurate but flat. The noun carries the image of walls and towers.

Used elsewhere in the period

Prov 18:10, "The name of YHWH is a strong tower (migdal-ʿoz); the righteous runs into it and is safe." Ps 46:1 [Heb 46:2] pairs the two key nouns of this verse: "God is for us maḥaseh wa-ʿoz, a refuge and strength." Ps 28:7–8 has "YHWH is my strength (ʿoz)… he is the saving refuge (maʿoz) of his anointed."