from חָזַק and אֵל; God will strengthen; Jechezkel, the name of two Israelites; Ezekiel, Jehezekel.
Transliteration:Yᵉchezqêʼl
Pronunciation:yekh-ez-kale'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew name `{{H3168}}` (יְחֶזְקֵאל - Yᵉchezqêʼl) is a theophoric compound, derived from two distinct elements: the verb `{{H2388}}` (חָזַק - *chazaq*), meaning "to be strong, to seize, to strengthen," and `{{H410}}` (אֵל - *El*), one of the primary names for God. Consequently, the name's core meaning is "God strengthens" or "God will strengthen." This etymology inherently carries a profound theological statement, asserting divine empowerment and sustenance. As a proper noun, its primary semantic range is limited to the identification of individuals, most notably the prophet Ezekiel.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The most prominent biblical figure bearing the name `{{H3168}}` is the prophet Ezekiel, whose book comprises a significant portion of the Old Testament prophetic corpus. The Book of Ezekiel opens by identifying its author: "Now it came to pass in the thirtieth year, in the fourth month, on the fifth day of the month, as I was among the exiles by the Chebar canal, that the heavens were opened, and I saw visions of God... the word of the Lord came to Ezekiel the priest, the son of Buzi, in the land of the Chaldeans by the Chebar canal, and the hand of the Lord was upon him there" [[Ezekiel 1:1-3]]. Ezekiel was a priest, exiled to Babylon with King Jehoiachin in 597 BCE. His ministry began five years into his exile and continued for over two decades. The name "God strengthens" is remarkably fitting for his prophetic task, as he was called to deliver messages of severe judgment and future restoration to a rebellious and despairing people in exile. The Lord explicitly states, "Behold, I have made your face as hard as their faces, and your forehead as hard as their foreheads. Like adamant, harder than flint, have I made your forehead. Do not be afraid of them or dismayed by their looks, for they are a rebellious house" [[Ezekiel 3:8-9]]. This divine hardening and strengthening were essential for Ezekiel to withstand the opposition and deliver God's uncompromising word. The name also appears in a genealogical context in [[1 Chronicles 24:16]], where Jehezkel is listed as the head of the twentieth priestly division established by King David, indicating the name's use beyond the prophet.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary lexical root related to `{{H3168}}` is `{{H2388}}` (חָזַק - *chazaq*), which signifies strength, firmness, courage, and the act of strengthening. This root appears frequently throughout the Hebrew Bible, often in contexts where God commands or provides strength to His people or their leaders (e.g., [[Joshua 1:6]], [[Deuteronomy 31:6-7]], [[Psalm 27:14]]). The inclusion of `{{H410}}` (אֵל - *El*), a divine name emphasizing God's power and might, places `{{H3168}}` within a broader category of theophoric names common in Hebrew tradition (e.g., Daniel, Samuel, Israel). These names often encapsulate a theological truth, a prayer, or a statement about God's character or action. The concept of divine empowerment, where God equips individuals for specific callings, is central to the biblical narrative and is powerfully embodied in the name Ezekiel.
### Theological Significance
The name "God strengthens" holds profound theological significance, particularly in the context of the prophet Ezekiel's ministry. In the midst of national catastrophe and spiritual despondency among the exiles, the very name of their prophet served as a living testament to God's enduring power and faithfulness. Ezekiel's calling was not merely to deliver messages but to embody divine resilience in the face of immense human weakness and rebellion. The name underscores the supernatural source of his prophetic authority and the fortitude required for such a challenging task. It proclaims that God actively intervenes to equip His servants, enabling them to fulfill His purposes even when human strength falters. For the exilic community, the name of their prophet would have been a constant, if often unheeded, reminder that despite their abject circumstances, the God of Israel remained sovereign and capable of strengthening His people and restoring His covenant promises. This resonates with the broader biblical theme that God's strength is made perfect in human weakness, a truth later articulated in the New Testament [[2 Corinthians 12:9]].
### Summary
The name `{{H3168}}` (יְחֶזְקֵאל - Yᵉchezqêʼl), meaning "God strengthens," is a powerful theophoric compound derived from the Hebrew root `{{H2388}}` (*chazaq*, "to be strong") and `{{H410}}` (*El*, "God"). Most notably associated with the prophet Ezekiel, this name perfectly encapsulates the divine empowerment essential for his arduous ministry among the Babylonian exiles. Called to deliver challenging prophecies of judgment and future restoration, Ezekiel's very name affirmed the supernatural source of his endurance and authority. Beyond its primary association with the prophet, the name's appearance for a priest in the Davidic divisions further highlights its inherent theological declaration. `{{H3168}}` stands as a profound biblical reminder that God is the ultimate provider of strength for His servants, enabling them to fulfill His will and bear witness to His truth, even in the most challenging and seemingly hopeless circumstances.
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