the same as עֵזֶר; Ezer, the name of four Israelites; Ezer. Compare עֶזֶר.
Transliteration:ʻÊzer
Pronunciation:ay'-zer
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word 'Êzer (`{{H5829}}`) is a masculine proper noun, serving as a personal name. Its meaning is directly derived from, and indeed identical to, the common noun 'ezer (`{{H5828}}`), which signifies "help," "succour," or "assistance." As a name, 'Êzer therefore conveys the sense of "help" or "helper." This etymology reflects a common practice in ancient Israelite naming conventions, where names often embodied aspirations, characteristics, or theological truths, in this case, the vital concept of aid and support.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name 'Êzer (`{{H5829}}`) appears four times in the Hebrew Bible, attributed to four distinct individuals, highlighting its presence across different tribal lineages and historical periods:
* **[[1 Chronicles 1:42]]**: Here, 'Êzer is listed as one of the chiefs or clans of the Horites, the original inhabitants of Seir. His inclusion in the genealogies of Edom underscores the interconnectedness of ancient peoples and the recording of prominent figures even among non-Israelite groups.
* **[[1 Chronicles 4:4]]**: In the genealogy of Judah, 'Êzer is identified as a son of Hur, the father of Hushah. This places the name within one of the most prominent and numerous tribes of Israel, indicating its use within the foundational Israelite lineage.
* **[[1 Chronicles 7:21]]**: This passage recounts a tragic episode involving 'Êzer, a son of Ephraim, who, along with his brother Elead, was killed by the men of Gath while attempting to raid their livestock. This context portrays 'Êzer as a member of a northern tribe, facing the perils and conflicts common in the ancient Near East.
* **[[Nehemiah 3:19]]**: During the post-exilic reconstruction of Jerusalem's walls, 'Êzer, the son of Jeshua and ruler of Mizpah, is noted for his significant contribution. He repaired a section of the wall opposite the ascent to the armory, demonstrating active leadership and practical "help" in the communal effort to restore the city. This occurrence provides the most concrete example of an individual named 'Êzer embodying the very meaning of their name through their actions.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is the common noun 'ezer (`{{H5828}}`), from which 'Êzer (`{{H5829}}`) directly derives. This noun is famously used in [[Genesis 2:18]] to describe Eve as an "'ezer kenegdo" for Adam, often translated as "suitable helper" or "helper comparable to him." Other related terms include:
* 'Ezrah (`{{H5833}}`): A feminine noun meaning "help" or "succour," often referring to divine assistance (e.g., [[Psalm 60:11]]).
* Ya'azar (`{{H3287}}`): The verbal root meaning "to help" or "to aid."
* Names incorporating 'ezer, such as Azariah (`{{H5838}}`, "Yahweh has helped") or Eleazar (`{{H499}}`, "God is helper"), further illustrate the pervasive nature of this concept in Hebrew nomenclature and theology.
* The broader biblical concept of "help" extends to divine intervention (e.g., [[Psalm 121:2]], "My help comes from the Lord"), human solidarity (e.g., [[Isaiah 41:6]]), and the role of leaders or allies as sources of aid.
### Theological Significance
The name 'Êzer, meaning "help" or "helper," carries profound theological significance, even as a proper noun. It implicitly points to the foundational biblical truth that humanity is often in need of assistance, and that ultimate help comes from God. While the individuals bearing this name were human, their designation serves as a constant reminder of the divine attribute of God as the ultimate Helper of His people (e.g., [[Deuteronomy 33:29]], [[Psalm 33:20]]).
The 'Êzer in Nehemiah's account, actively participating in the rebuilding of Jerusalem, exemplifies how human "helpers" contribute to God's redemptive purposes on earth. Such individuals, by their actions, reflect a facet of God's own character and participate in His work of restoration. The name 'Êzer thus encourages reflection on both our reliance upon divine aid and our calling to be agents of "help" within our communities, serving one another in practical and spiritual ways. It underscores a theology of interdependence, where God provides the ultimate help, and humans are called to be instruments of that help to others.
### Summary
'Êzer (`{{H5829}}`) is a Hebrew personal name meaning "help" or "helper," directly derived from the common noun 'ezer (`{{H5828}}`). It appears four times in the biblical text, attributed to a Horite chief, a descendant of Judah, a son of Ephraim, and a post-exilic ruler of Mizpah who contributed to Jerusalem's wall rebuilding. The name's consistent meaning across these diverse contexts highlights the enduring human need for assistance and the importance of those who provide it. Theologically, 'Êzer subtly points to God as the ultimate Helper, while also celebrating the role of individuals who embody this concept through their service and aid to others, particularly in the context of God's redemptive work.
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