from עָזַר; help; Ezer, the name of two Israelites; Ezer. Compare עֵזֶר.
Transliteration:ʻEzer
Pronunciation:eh'-zer
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word עֶזֶר (ʻEzer, `{{H5827}}`) is derived from the verbal root עָזַר (ʻazar, `{{H5826}}`), which carries the fundamental meaning "to help," "to assist," or "to support." As a noun, עֶזֶר inherently signifies "help," "aid," or "succor." Its semantic range encompasses both the act of providing assistance and the one who provides it. Notably, H5827 is most frequently employed in the biblical text as a proper noun, "Ezer," serving as the name for two distinct Israelites. This usage reflects a common practice in ancient Hebrew culture where abstract concepts, often tied to divine attributes or human experiences, were adopted as personal names. It is crucial to distinguish H5827 from עֵזֶר (ʻEzer, `{{H5828}}`), a closely related cognate, which also means "help" or "helper" but functions more broadly as a common noun, famously appearing in the divine title "Ebenezer" (stone of help).
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The primary occurrences of עֶזֶר (ʻEzer, `{{H5827}}`) in the Hebrew Bible are as a proper name. While its root meaning is "help," its direct use as a common noun for "help" is less prevalent for H5827 itself compared to its verbal and nominal cognates.
1. **Ezer, Son of Ephraim:** He is listed in the genealogies of the tribe of Ephraim, specifically as a son of Ephraim ([[1 Chronicles 7:21]]). The context here is purely genealogical, indicating a person's name. The naming of a child "Ezer" likely carried a parental hope for, or a testimony to, divine assistance in their life or circumstances.
2. **Ezer, a Leader in Jerusalem's Rebuilding:** This Ezer is identified as the son of Jeshua and a ruler of Mizpah. He played an active role in the reconstruction of the wall of Jerusalem during the time of Nehemiah, specifically repairing a section opposite the ascent to the armory ([[Nehemiah 3:19]]). In this context, his name, "Help," is particularly fitting given his direct involvement in providing crucial assistance and leadership for the rebuilding effort, which was a monumental task requiring significant aid and cooperation.
These occurrences highlight how the concept of "help" was not merely an abstract idea but was embodied in the very names of individuals, reflecting personal histories and communal endeavors.
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic field of עֶזֶר (ʻEzer, `{{H5827}}`) is rich and interconnected with several key Hebrew terms and theological concepts:
* **עָזַר (ʻazar, `{{H5826}}`):** This is the foundational verbal root from which עֶזֶר is derived. It is a highly significant verb in the Old Testament, frequently describing both human and divine acts of assistance, support, and deliverance. It can refer to military aid, general support, or God's powerful intervention on behalf of His people.
* **עֵזֶר (ʻezer, `{{H5828}}`):** This is the most crucial cognate. While H5827 is predominantly a proper name, H5828 functions as the more common noun for "help" or "helper." It is notably used in the creation account to describe Eve as an "ezer kenegdo" (a helper corresponding to him/suitable for him) for Adam ([[Genesis 2:18]], [[Genesis 2:20]]). More profoundly, H5828 is frequently applied to God, portraying Him as the ultimate "Help" for Israel ([[Deuteronomy 33:7]], [[Psalm 33:20]], [[Psalm 121:1-2]], [[Psalm 124:8]]). The distinction between H5827 and H5828 often lies in their grammatical function and specific contextual application, with H5827 tending towards proper nomenclature and H5828 serving as a more general noun for assistance or a helper.
* **Theological Concept of Divine Help:** The broader biblical understanding of "help" is deeply theological. It underscores humanity's inherent dependence and God's character as the faithful Provider and Deliverer. Terms like עֶזֶר and its related forms are central to articulating God's role as the ultimate source of succor in times of distress, weakness, or need.
### Theological Significance
While עֶזֶר (ʻEzer, `{{H5827}}`) primarily functions as a proper name, its root meaning and close relationship to other terms for "help" imbue it with significant theological resonance.
* **Testimony to Divine Providence:** The naming of individuals "Ezer" serves as a powerful, albeit indirect, testimony to the pervasive belief in God as the ultimate source of help. Such names often reflect a parent's gratitude for past divine assistance or a heartfelt prayer for future aid. It grounds the abstract concept of "help" within the lived experience and identity of individuals.
* **Humanity's Dependence:** The very concept of "help" inherent in עֶזֶר underscores a foundational biblical truth: humanity is not self-sufficient. From Adam's need for a "helper" to Israel's constant reliance on God for deliverance from enemies, the scriptures consistently portray human beings as creatures in need of assistance, whether from fellow humans or, supremely, from God.
* **God as the Supreme Helper:** Though H5827 itself is not directly applied to God, its semantic field points directly to Him. The repeated biblical affirmations of God as Israel's עֵזֶר (`{{H5828}}`) elevate the concept of "help" to a divine attribute. Thus, the name "Ezer" can be seen as a humble reflection of the divine character, a human echo of God's perfect and unfailing assistance. It reminds us that all true help, whether human or divine, ultimately flows from the benevolent nature of God.
### Summary
The Hebrew word עֶזֶר (ʻEzer, `{{H5827}}`), stemming from the root עָזַר (`{{H5826}}`) meaning "to help," primarily serves as a proper name in the biblical text, identifying two distinct Israelites ([[1 Chronicles 7:21]]; [[Nehemiah 3:19]]). While its base definition is "help," its direct use as a common noun for "help" is less frequent than its closely related cognate עֵזֶר (`{{H5828}}`), which more commonly denotes "help" or "helper" and is often applied to God. Nevertheless, the name "Ezer" itself carries significant theological weight, reflecting the ancient Israelite understanding that help, whether human or divine, is a vital aspect of life and a testament to God's providential care. It underscores humanity's inherent dependence and points to God as the ultimate, unfailing source of aid and succor.
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