### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew name **ʼĔlîyʻezer**, represented by `{{H461}}`, is a compound name meaning **"God of help"**. It appears **14 times** across **13 unique verses**, referring to several individuals in the Old Testament. The name serves as a personal declaration of faith, most notably for one of Moses' sons and for Abram's chief steward.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H461}}` appears in several key contexts. Its first mention is Abram's steward, **Eliezer** of Damascus [[Genesis 15:2]]. The name's meaning is most clearly defined in the account of Moses' son, for whom it is said, "the name of the other was **Eliezer**; for the God of my father, said he, was mine help, and delivered me from the sword of Pharaoh" [[Exodus 18:4]]. The name is also held by a prophet who spoke against King Jehoshaphat [[2 Chronicles 20:37]], a priest who blew the trumpet before the ark of God [[1 Chronicles 15:24]], and a ruler of the Reubenites [[1 Chronicles 27:16]].
### Related Words & Concepts
The name **ʼĔlîyʻezer** is formed from two distinct Hebrew words, and its meaning is further explained by a third:
* `{{H5828}}` **ʻêzer** (aid; help): This word forms the second part of the name and signifies divine assistance. It is the very word Moses uses to explain his son's name, declaring God was his **help** [[Exodus 18:4]].
* `{{H430}}` **ʼĕlôhîym** (God): The first part of the name, 'Eli', derives from the word for God. This term identifies the source of the help, pointing to the supreme **God** as the ultimate deliverer [[Exodus 18:4]].
* `{{H5337}}` **nâtsal** (to snatch away... deliver): While not part of the name itself, this verb is directly linked to its meaning in the biblical explanation, where Moses recounts how God **delivered** him from Pharaoh [[Exodus 18:4]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H461}}` is embedded in its literal meaning, serving as a personal testimony and a reminder of God's character.
* **A Memorial of Deliverance:** The name functions as a personal monument to a specific act of God. Moses names his son **Eliezer** as a direct and public acknowledgment of God's intervention in saving him from the "sword of Pharaoh" [[Exodus 18:4]].
* **God as an Active Helper:** The name reinforces the theme of God as a present and active source of aid. It portrays **God** (ʼĕlôhîym) not as a distant being but as a personal **help** (ʻêzer) who intervenes in human affairs.
* **Generational Faith:** The name is passed down through generations and appears in priestly, Levitical, and tribal leadership lines ([[1 Chronicles 15:24]], [[1 Chronicles 27:16]], [[Ezra 10:23]]). This shows that the truth of "God of help" was a cherished identity marker passed on to future generations.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H461}}` **ʼĔlîyʻezer** is far more than a simple personal name; it is a compact statement of theology: "God is my help." From Abram's trusted steward to Moses' son, the name signifies reliance on divine aid and commemorates God's faithfulness to deliver. Its use across various roles—prophet, priest, and tribal leader—highlights a foundational belief in a personal God who actively intervenes and saves His people.
TRV