### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **ʻêzer**, represented by `{{H5828}}`, means **aid** or **help**. It appears 21 times in 21 unique verses. Derived from the root word `{{H5826}}` ʻâzar, meaning to surround or protect, `{{H5828}}` signifies a powerful and often vital form of assistance.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H5828}}` is used in several key contexts. Its first appearance establishes the concept of a divinely created partner, with God stating, "I will make him an **help** meet for him" [[Genesis 2:18]]. The word is overwhelmingly used to describe God as the ultimate source of aid for His people. The Psalmist declares, "My **help** cometh from the LORD" [[Psalms 121:2]] and "he is our **help** and our shield" [[Psalms 33:20]]. This divine help is contrasted with unreliable human aid, which is described as a people that could not be "an **help** nor profit" [[Isaiah 30:5]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words expand upon the concept of help and deliverance:
* `{{H5826}}` **ʻâzar** (to surround, i.e. protect or aid; help, succour): As the root verb, it describes the action of helping. In [[1 Samuel 7:12]], a stone is named Ebenezer, meaning, "Hitherto hath the LORD **helped** us."
* `{{H3467}}` **yâshaʻ** (to be open, wide or free, i.e. (by implication) to be safe; causatively, to free or succor; save): This term for salvation is directly linked to God's help in [[Deuteronomy 33:29]], which refers to Israel as a "people **saved** by the LORD, the shield of thy **help**."
* `{{H4043}}` **mâgên** (a shield (i.e. the small one or buckler); figuratively, a protector): This word for a shield is frequently paired with `{{H5828}}` to illustrate the protective nature of God's aid ([[Psalms 33:20]], [[Psalms 115:9]]).
* `{{H5337}}` **nâtsal** (to snatch away, whether in a good or a bad sense; deliver, rescue): This word emphasizes rescue. In [[Exodus 18:4]], Moses names his son Eliezer because "the God of my father... was mine **help**, and **delivered** me from the sword of Pharaoh."
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H5828}}` is significant, establishing key principles about God's relationship with humanity.
* **God as the Sole Source:** The word consistently directs trust toward God as the only true helper. [[Hosea 13:9]] states this directly: "O Israel, thou hast destroyed thyself; but in me is thine **help**." Similarly, [[Psalms 124:8]] declares, "Our **help** is in the name of the LORD, who made heaven and earth."
* **Foundational Partnership:** Its use in Genesis establishes help as a fundamental component of God's created order, essential for humanity to thrive ([[Genesis 2:18]], [[Genesis 2:20]]).
* **Help as Active Deliverance:** The concept of `{{H5828}}` is not passive. It is an active intervention, as seen when God is called "the shield of thy **help**" [[Deuteronomy 33:29]] and when David calls God his "**help** and my deliverer" [[Psalms 70:5]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H5828}}` moves beyond a simple definition of aid to become a cornerstone of biblical trust. It is used to define the first human relationship, to express a desperate need for deliverance, and, most importantly, to identify God as the powerful and faithful source of protection and rescue for His people. It illustrates how God is not a distant deity but an active and present **help**.
TRV