or עַזֻּר; from עָזַר; helpful; Azzur, the name of three Israelites; Azur, Azzur.
Transliteration:ʻAzzûwr
Pronunciation:az-zoor'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma עַזּוּר (ʻAzzûwr), Strong's `{{H5809}}`, is a proper noun primarily functioning as a personal name. Its etymology traces directly to the verb עָזַר (ʻāzar), `{{H5826}}`, which means "to help," "to aid," or "to support." Consequently, ʻAzzûwr inherently carries the meaning of "helpful" or "one who helps." As a personal name, its semantic range is confined to this derived meaning, often reflecting a desire or hope for the individual to be a source of assistance or aid.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name ʻAzzûwr appears in the Old Testament referring to three distinct individuals:
1. **Azzur, father of Hananiah:** [[Jeremiah 28:1]] introduces Hananiah, a false prophet from Gibeon, as "the son of Azzur." This Hananiah publicly contradicted the prophet Jeremiah, prophesying a swift end to Judah's Babylonian captivity and the return of the temple vessels within two years, directly opposing God's word through Jeremiah. In this context, the name "Azzur" (helpful) stands in stark, ironic contrast to the actions of his son, whose false prophecy was profoundly unhelpful and misleading to the people, ultimately bringing divine judgment upon himself.
2. **Azzur, a leader who sealed the covenant:** [[Nehemiah 10:17]] lists Azzur among the "chiefs of the people" who affixed their seals to the solemn covenant made by the returned exiles to walk in God's law, to observe His commandments, and to avoid intermarriage with foreign peoples. Here, the name "Azzur" (helpful) aligns positively with the individual's role in aiding the spiritual and communal restoration of Israel, signifying a commitment to obedience and the re-establishment of a holy nation.
3. **Azzur, father of Jaazaniah:** [[Ezekiel 11:1]] identifies Jaazaniah, one of the twenty-five men seen by Ezekiel at the east gate of the Lord's house, as "the son of Azzur." These men were described as "princes of the people" who were devising mischief and giving wicked counsel in Jerusalem, leading the people astray. Similar to the instance in Jeremiah, the name "Azzur" (helpful) again forms an ironic juxtaposition with the destructive and unhelpful actions of his son, highlighting the spiritual corruption present among Jerusalem's leadership prior to its fall.
Across these occurrences, the name's inherent meaning of "helpful" provides a poignant backdrop, sometimes aligning with positive action (Nehemiah) and sometimes serving as a stark contrast to the negative, misleading, or destructive behavior of the named individual's offspring (Jeremiah, Ezekiel).
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word to ʻAzzûwr (`{{H5809}}`) is its root, עָזַר (ʻāzar), `{{H5826}}`, meaning "to help," "to aid," or "to succor." This root is foundational in biblical Hebrew and is used extensively to describe both divine and human assistance.
Other names and concepts derived from or closely related to עָזַר include:
* עֶזְרָא (ʻEzrāʼ), `{{H5830}}`: Ezra, meaning "help" or "Jehovah is help."
* עֶזְרָה (ʻEzrāh), `{{H5833}}`: Ezra, also meaning "help."
* עֲזַרְיָה (ʻAzaryāh), `{{H5838}}`: Azariah, meaning "Yahweh has helped." This is a very common name in the Old Testament, borne by many significant figures.
* עֵזֶר (ʻĒzer), `{{H5828}}`: Ezer, meaning "help."
The overarching concept is that of divine help, where God is frequently portrayed as the ultimate "helper" of His people, providing assistance, strength, and deliverance in times of need. This theme runs through the Psalms, prophetic books, and historical narratives, underscoring God's covenant faithfulness.
### Theological Significance
While ʻAzzûwr itself is a proper noun, its theological significance is derived from its etymological root עָזַר (`{{H5826}}`), which is deeply embedded in the biblical understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. The name "helpful" serves as a subtle, yet potent, reminder of the pervasive biblical theme of divine assistance.
The instances where ʻAzzûwr or his son are associated with unhelpful or even detrimental actions (e.g., father of a false prophet or a wicked leader) highlight a profound theological truth: a name, even one invoking a positive attribute like "help," does not guarantee the character or actions of its bearer. Such instances underscore human fallenness and the capacity for individuals to deviate from God's path, even when their very names might suggest alignment with divine virtues.
Conversely, the Azzur who sealed the covenant in Nehemiah embodies the name's positive connotation, participating in a communal act of "help" towards spiritual restoration. This demonstrates how individuals, empowered by God, can indeed be instruments of genuine aid and faithfulness within the community.
Ultimately, the theological weight of ʻAzzûwr points beyond the individuals themselves to the God who is truly "helpful" (עָזַר). It prompts reflection on the source of true help and the responsibility of those who bear names reflecting divine attributes to live in accordance with God's will.
### Summary
H5809 עַזּוּר (ʻAzzûwr) is a Hebrew personal name meaning "helpful," derived from the root עָזַר (ʻāzar), `{{H5826}}`, which signifies "to help" or "to aid." The name appears in the Old Testament referring to three distinct individuals: the father of the false prophet Hananiah ([[Jeremiah 28:1]]), a leader who participated in sealing the covenant during Nehemiah's time ([[Nehemiah 10:17]]), and the father of the wicked leader Jaazaniah ([[Ezekiel 11:1]]). The name's meaning often stands in ironic contrast to the actions of the individuals or their sons, highlighting the disconnect between an aspirational name and human conduct. The broader theological significance of ʻAzzûwr lies in its connection to the fundamental biblical concept of divine help, emphasizing God as the ultimate and faithful helper of His people.