### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek proper noun Ἐλεάζαρ (Eleázar, `{{G1648}}`) is a transliteration of the Hebrew name אֶלְעָזָר (Eleazar, `{{H499}}`). The name itself is a compound of two Hebrew elements: אֵל ('el), meaning "God," and עָזַר ('azar, `{{H5826}}`), meaning "to help" or "to assist." Thus, the intrinsic meaning of Eleazar is "God has helped" or "God is helper." As a proper noun, its semantic range is limited to the individuals who bore this name, but the etymological meaning imbues the name with profound theological significance, serving as a constant reminder of divine assistance and intervention.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the New Testament, Ἐλεάζαρ (Eleázar, `{{G1648}}`) appears only once, in the genealogy of Jesus Christ as recorded by Matthew: "and Hezron the father of Ram, and Ram the father of Amminadab, and Amminadab the father of Nahshon, and Nahshon the father of Salmon, and Salmon the father of Boaz by Rahab, and Boaz the father of Obed by Ruth, and Obed the father of Jesse, and Jesse the father of King David. And David was the father of Solomon by the wife of Uriah, and Solomon the father of Rehoboam, and Rehoboam the father of Abijah, and Abijah the father of Asaph, and Asaph the father of Jehoshaphat, and Jehoshaphat the father of Joram, and Joram the father of Uzziah, and Uzziah the father of Jotham, and Jotham the father of Ahaz, and Ahaz the father of Hezekiah, and Hezekiah the father of Manasseh, and Manasseh the father of Amos, and Amos the father of Josiah, and Josiah the father of Jechoniah and his brothers, at the time of the exile to Babylon. And after the exile to Babylon: Jechoniah was the father of Shealtiel, and Shealtiel the father of Zerubbabel, and Zerubbabel the father of Abiud, and Abiud the father of Eliakim, and Eliakim the father of Azor, and Azor the father of Zadok, and Zadok the father of Achim, and Achim the father of Eliud, and Eliud the father of Eleazar, and Eleazar the father of Matthan, and Matthan the father of Jacob, and Jacob the father of Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom Jesus was born, who is called Christ" [[Matthew 1:15]]. This Eleazar is an ancestor of Joseph, the earthly father of Jesus, appearing in the post-exilic period. His role is primarily to serve as a link in the messianic lineage, underscoring God's faithfulness in preserving the promised line.
While the Greek term appears singularly, the Hebrew equivalent, Eleazar (אֶלְעָזָר, `{{H499}}`), designates several significant figures in the Old Testament, whose narratives illuminate the broader context of the name:
1. **Eleazar, Son of Aaron**: The most prominent Eleazar was the third son of Aaron, the first high priest of Israel. He succeeded his father as high priest [[Numbers 20:28]] and played a crucial role in the wilderness wanderings and the conquest of Canaan. He assisted Moses in the census [[Numbers 26:3]] and oversaw the distribution of the land to the tribes of Israel [[Numbers 34:17]]. His priestly lineage continued through Phinehas.
2. **Eleazar, Son of Abinadab**: He was consecrated to guard the Ark of the Covenant after its return from the Philistines to Kiriath-jearim [[1 Samuel 7:1]].
3. **Eleazar, Son of Dodo**: One of David's three mighty men, renowned for his valor in battle [[2 Samuel 23:9]].
These biblical figures, particularly Eleazar the high priest, give depth to the name, connecting it with leadership, divine service, and faithfulness.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is the Hebrew original, אֶלְעָזָר (Eleazar, `{{H499}}`), from which the Greek Ἐλεάζαρ (Eleázar, `{{G1648}}`) is derived. The name's etymology connects it directly to the Hebrew root עָזַר ('azar, `{{H5826}}`), meaning "to help," "to assist," or "to support." This root is used extensively throughout the Old Testament to describe God's aid to His people.
Concepts related to Eleazar include:
* **Divine Help/Assistance**: The core meaning of the name.
* **Priesthood & Divine Service**: Exemplified by Eleazar, son of Aaron, who served as high priest.
* **Lineage & Genealogy**: Illustrated by Eleazar in Matthew's genealogy, highlighting God's faithfulness in preserving the messianic line.
* **Faithfulness**: The steady continuation of the priestly line through Eleazar, and the preservation of the Davidic line through ancestors like Eleazar.
* **Covenant**: The name and the individuals bearing it often stand within the framework of God's covenant promises to Israel.
* **Succession**: Eleazar's succession of Aaron as high priest.
Other biblical names containing the "El" (God) element, signifying God's character or action, are conceptually related, such as Emanuel ("God with us"), Elijah ("My God is Yahweh"), Elisha ("My God is salvation"), and Daniel ("God is my judge").
### Theological Significance
The name Eleazar, meaning "God has helped," carries profound theological weight. It serves as a constant declaration of God's active involvement in human affairs and His steadfast commitment to His people.
1. **God's Providence and Help**: The very name attests to God's character as the ultimate helper and provider. In times of crisis, battle, or spiritual need, the name Eleazar would remind the bearer and those around them of divine assistance.
2. **Continuity of Priesthood and Covenant**: Eleazar, Aaron's son, is a pivotal figure in the establishment and continuity of the Aaronic priesthood. His leadership ensured the proper administration of the sacrificial system and the maintenance of the covenant relationship between God and Israel. His role prefigures Christ's eternal and perfect high priesthood, which truly fulfills the need for divine help and atonement.
3. **God's Faithfulness in Redemptive History**: The inclusion of Eleazar in Matthew's genealogy, even if a less prominent figure, underscores God's meticulous and unwavering faithfulness in preserving the lineage through which the Messiah would come. It demonstrates that God works through generations, often through seemingly ordinary individuals, to bring about His grand plan of salvation. Each name in the genealogy is a testament to God's sustained help and guidance throughout history, leading ultimately to Jesus Christ, the ultimate embodiment of "God with us."
### Summary
Eleazar (Ἐλεάζαρ, `{{G1648}}`) is a Greek transliteration of a Hebrew name meaning "God has helped." While it appears only once in the New Testament in the genealogy of Jesus Christ [[Matthew 1:15]], its Old Testament Hebrew counterpart designates several significant figures, most notably Eleazar, the son and successor of Aaron as high priest. The name itself is a profound theological statement, testifying to God's character as the ultimate helper and provider. Through the prominent figures who bore this name, particularly Eleazar the high priest and the Eleazar in the messianic lineage, the name signifies God's faithfulness in maintaining His covenant, preserving the priestly line, and meticulously guiding redemptive history towards the advent of the Messiah. It serves as a perennial reminder of divine providence and assistance throughout salvation history.
TRV