עֵצָה
Etzah
Counsel, advice, plan, purpose
Etzah (עֵצָה) is a Hebrew word meaning “counsel, advice, plan, purpose,” pronounced “eh-TSAH.” Derived from the root י-ע-ץ, etzah appears 87 times in the Hebrew Bible (Strong's H6098).
| Hebrew | עֵצָה |
|---|---|
| Transliteration | Etzah |
| Pronunciation | eh-TSAH |
| Meaning | Counsel, advice, plan, purpose |
| Root Letters | י-ע-ץ |
| Occurrences in Hebrew Bible | 87× |
| Key Verse | Isaiah 9:6 |
| Strong's Number | H6098 |
| Category | Abstract & Philosophical |
Isaiah 9:6 names the Messiah 'Peleh Yo'etz' — Wonderful Counselor — making etzah (עֵצָה) one of the defining attributes of the coming King. In Hebrew thought, etzah is more than casual advice; it is strategic counsel, purposeful planning, and authoritative guidance. The word appears at critical junctures in the biblical narrative. Ahithophel's etzah was 'as if one consulted the word of God' (2 Samuel 16:23). Absalom's rejection of Ahithophel's etzah led to his downfall. Proverbs 15:22 teaches: 'Without etzah, plans fail, but with many counselors they succeed.' God's own etzah stands forever: 'The etzah of the LORD stands forever, the plans of His heart to all generations' (Psalm 33:11). When the Messiah is called Wonderful Counselor, it means His guidance is supernatural — His plans are beyond human comprehension yet always succeed. Understanding etzah teaches that the wisest people are those who seek and give good counsel, and the wisest of all is the One whose etzah is eternal.
Key Bible Verse: Isaiah 9:6
“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor (Peleh Yo'etz), Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”
What Is the Root of Etzah in Hebrew?
Etzah comes from the root י-ע-ץ (yod-ayin-tsade), meaning 'to advise, counsel, consult, plan.' The related word 'yo'etz' means 'counselor' — one who gives authoritative guidance. The root carries the weight of purposeful, strategic planning.
What Does Etzah Mean in the Bible?
Etzah appears 87 times in the Hebrew Bible. It describes human counsel (2 Samuel 16:23, Proverbs 15:22), God's eternal purposes (Psalm 33:11, Isaiah 46:10), the Messiah's nature (Isaiah 9:6), and wisdom in leadership and life.
How Is Etzah Used in Modern Hebrew?
In modern Israeli government, the National Security Council is called the 'Mo'etzet HaBitachon' — using the same root. The concept of wise counsel in governance remains deeply embedded in Israeli political culture, drawing from biblical tradition.
How to Use Etzah in Prayer & Worship
Seek the etzah of the Wonderful Counselor — Jesus Himself. Don't make major decisions alone; seek godly counsel from wise believers. And trust that God's etzah — His plan for your life — stands forever and will accomplish every good purpose He has designed.
Frequently Asked Questions About Etzah
How do you say “Counsel” in Hebrew?
“Counsel” in Hebrew is Etzah (עֵצָה), pronounced “eh-TSAH.” Etzah comes from the root י-ע-ץ (yod-ayin-tsade), meaning 'to advise, counsel, consult, plan.' The related word 'yo'etz' means 'counselor' — one who gives authoritative guidance. The root carries the weight of purposeful, strategic planning.
What does Etzah mean in the Bible?
Etzah (עֵצָה) means “Counsel, advice, plan, purpose” in Biblical Hebrew. Etzah appears 87 times in the Hebrew Bible. It describes human counsel (2 Samuel 16:23, Proverbs 15:22), God's eternal purposes (Psalm 33:11, Isaiah 46:10), the Messiah's nature (Isaiah 9:6), and wisdom in leadership and life.
How do you pronounce Etzah?
Etzah is pronounced “eh-TSAH.” The word comes from the Hebrew root י-ע-ץ.
Why is the Messiah called 'Wonderful Counselor'?
In Isaiah 9:6, 'Peleh Yo'etz' describes a counselor whose guidance is so extraordinary it can only be called 'wonderful' — supernatural, beyond human capacity. The Messiah's etzah does not merely advise; it accomplishes. His plans are as astonishing as miracles (the word 'peleh' means wonder/miracle). Christians see this fulfilled in Jesus, whose teachings and strategies continually astonish.
What does the Bible say about seeking counsel?
Proverbs repeatedly emphasizes seeking etzah: 'Without counsel plans fail' (15:22). 'Listen to advice and accept instruction' (19:20). 'Plans are established by counsel' (20:18). 'In an abundance of counselors there is safety' (11:14). Biblical wisdom is never independent — it is always in community.
What is God's counsel according to the Bible?
God's etzah is His sovereign purpose and plan. Psalm 33:11: 'The etzah of the LORD stands forever.' Isaiah 46:10: 'My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all my purpose.' God's plans cannot be thwarted by any human or spiritual power. When you align with His etzah, you align with unstoppable purpose.
Sources & Further Study
- Blue Letter Bible — H6098: Etzah
- Bible Gateway — Isaiah 9:6 (ESV)
- Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (BDB) — entry for י-ע-ץ
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