(Aramaic) corresponding to עֶזְרָא; Ezra, an Israelite; Ezra.
Transliteration:ʻEzrâʼ
Pronunciation:ez-raw'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic proper noun `{{H5831}}` (ʻEzrâʼ) refers exclusively to the biblical figure Ezra, the priest and scribe. While a proper noun, its underlying semantic meaning is derived from the Hebrew root `{{H5826}}` (ʻāzar), meaning "to help, to aid, to succor." Thus, the name Ezra inherently means "help" or, more expansively, "Yahweh helps" or "God is help." This etymological connection underscores the theological understanding that divine assistance is central to the identity and mission of the individual bearing this name. As a proper noun, its semantic range is limited to the identification of this specific historical person.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term `{{H5831}}` (ʻEzrâʼ) appears predominantly in the Aramaic sections of the Book of Ezra (e.g., [[Ezra 4:11]], [[Ezra 4:12]], [[Ezra 4:13]], [[Ezra 4:14]], [[Ezra 4:15]], [[Ezra 4:16]], [[Ezra 4:17]], [[Ezra 4:18]], [[Ezra 4:19]], [[Ezra 4:20]], [[Ezra 4:21]], [[Ezra 4:22]], [[Ezra 4:23]], [[Ezra 4:24]], [[Ezra 5:1]], [[Ezra 5:2]], [[Ezra 5:3]], [[Ezra 5:4]], [[Ezra 5:5]], [[Ezra 5:6]], [[Ezra 5:7]], [[Ezra 5:8]], [[Ezra 5:9]], [[Ezra 5:10]], [[Ezra 5:11]], [[Ezra 5:12]], [[Ezra 5:13]], [[Ezra 5:14]], [[Ezra 5:15]], [[Ezra 5:16]], [[Ezra 5:17]], [[Ezra 6:1]], [[Ezra 6:2]], [[Ezra 6:3]], [[Ezra 6:4]], [[Ezra 6:5]], [[Ezra 6:6]], [[Ezra 6:7]], [[Ezra 6:8]], [[Ezra 6:9]], [[Ezra 6:10]], [[Ezra 6:11]], [[Ezra 6:12]], [[Ezra 6:13]], [[Ezra 6:14]], [[Ezra 6:15]], [[Ezra 6:16]], [[Ezra 6:17]], [[Ezra 6:18]], [[Ezra 6:19]], [[Ezra 6:20]], [[Ezra 6:21]], [[Ezra 6:22]], [[Ezra 7:1]], [[Ezra 7:2]], [[Ezra 7:3]], [[Ezra 7:4]], [[Ezra 7:5]], [[Ezra 7:6]], [[Ezra 7:7]], [[Ezra 7:8]], [[Ezra 7:9]], [[Ezra 7:10]], [[Ezra 7:11]], [[Ezra 7:12]], [[Ezra 7:13]], [[Ezra 7:14]], [[Ezra 7:15]], [[Ezra 7:16]], [[Ezra 7:17]], [[Ezra 7:18]], [[Ezra 7:19]], [[Ezra 7:20]], [[Ezra 7:21]], [[Ezra 7:22]], [[Ezra 7:23]], [[Ezra 7:24]], [[Ezra 7:25]], [[Ezra 7:26]], [[Ezra 7:27]], [[Ezra 7:28]], [[Ezra 8:1]], [[Ezra 8:2]], [[Ezra 8:3]], [[Ezra 8:4]], [[Ezra 8:5]], [[Ezra 8:6]], [[Ezra 8:7]], [[Ezra 8:8]], [[Ezra 8:9]], [[Ezra 8:10]], [[Ezra 8:11]], [[Ezra 8:12]], [[Ezra 8:13]], [[Ezra 8:14]], [[Ezra 8:15]], [[Ezra 8:16]], [[Ezra 8:17]], [[Ezra 8:18]], [[Ezra 8:19]], [[Ezra 8:20]], [[Ezra 8:21]], [[Ezra 8:22]], [[Ezra 8:23]], [[Ezra 8:24]], [[Ezra 8:25]], [[Ezra 8:26]], [[Ezra 8:27]], [[Ezra 8:28]], [[Ezra 8:29]], [[Ezra 8:30]], [[Ezra 8:31]], [[Ezra 8:32]], [[Ezra 8:33]], [[Ezra 8:34]], [[Ezra 8:35]], [[Ezra 8:36]], [[Ezra 9:1]], [[Ezra 9:2]], [[Ezra 9:3]], [[Ezra 9:4]], [[Ezra 9:5]], [[Ezra 9:6]], [[Ezra 9:7]], [[Ezra 9:8]], [[Ezra 9:9]], [[Ezra 9:10]], [[Ezra 9:11]], [[Ezra 9:12]], [[Ezra 9:13]], [[Ezra 9:14]], [[Ezra 9:15]], [[Ezra 10:1]], [[Ezra 10:2]], [[Ezra 10:3]], [[Ezra 10:4]], [[Ezra 10:5]], [[Ezra 10:6]], [[Ezra 10:7]], [[Ezra 10:8]], [[Ezra 10:9]], [[Ezra 10:10]], [[Ezra 10:11]], [[Ezra 10:12]], [[Ezra 10:13]], [[Ezra 10:14]], [[Ezra 10:15]], [[Ezra 10:16]], [[Ezra 10:17]], [[Ezra 10:18]], [[Ezra 10:19]], [[Ezra 10:20]], [[Ezra 10:21]], [[Ezra 10:22]], [[Ezra 10:23]], [[Ezra 10:24]], [[Ezra 10:25]], [[Ezra 10:26]], [[Ezra 10:27]], [[Ezra 10:28]], [[Ezra 10:29]], [[Ezra 10:30]], [[Ezra 10:31]], [[Ezra 10:32]], [[Ezra 10:33]], [[Ezra 10:34]], [[Ezra 10:35]], [[Ezra 10:36]], [[Ezra 10:37]], [[Ezra 10:38]], [[Ezra 10:39]], [[Ezra 10:40]], [[Ezra 10:41]], [[Ezra 10:42]], [[Ezra 10:43]], [[Ezra 10:44]]) and in Nehemiah (e.g., [[Nehemiah 8:1]], [[Nehemiah 8:4]], [[Nehemiah 8:5]], [[Nehemiah 8:6]], [[Nehemiah 8:9]], [[Nehemiah 8:13]], [[Nehemiah 12:26]], [[Nehemiah 12:36]]), always identifying the renowned priest and scribe.
Ezra's central role in the post-exilic community is highlighted through his commitment to the Law of the Lord. [[Ezra 7:6]] describes him as "a scribe skilled in the Law of Moses," who had "set his heart to study the Law of the Lord, and to practice it, and to teach His statutes and ordinances in Israel" ([[Ezra 7:10]]). This dedication formed the basis of his authority and influence.
His ministry included leading a second wave of exiles from Babylon to Jerusalem ([[Ezra 7-8]]), addressing the critical issue of intermarriage among the returnees ([[Ezra 9-10]]), and most notably, publicly reading and expounding the Law to the people, leading to a profound spiritual revival and understanding of God's covenant ([[Nehemiah 8:1-12]]). The contextual analysis reveals Ezra as a pivotal figure in the spiritual and social reconstruction of the Jewish community after the Babylonian exile, emphasizing the restoration of the Law as the foundation of their identity.
### Related Words & Concepts
The Aramaic `{{H5831}}` (ʻEzrâʼ) is directly correlated with the Hebrew `{{H5830}}` (ʻEzrâ), which is used interchangeably in the Hebrew sections of the biblical text to refer to the same individual. Both forms derive from the verbal root `{{H5826}}` (ʻāzar), "to help, to assist." This root gives rise to related nouns such as `{{H5828}}` (ʻezer), meaning "help" or "helper," which is often used in contexts describing God as a helper (e.g., [[Psalm 121:1-2]]). Other names incorporating this root, such as Azariah (`{{H5835}}`, "Yahweh has helped"), further illustrate the widespread theological concept of divine aid.
Key concepts intrinsically linked to ʻEzrâʼ include:
* **Torah/Law:** Ezra's life was defined by his devotion to the Mosaic Law, its study, practice, and teaching.
* **Covenant:** His efforts were aimed at renewing Israel's covenant relationship with God through obedience to the Law.
* **Restoration/Return from Exile:** Ezra was a key leader in the spiritual and national restoration following the Babylonian captivity.
* **Scribe:** His identity as a "scribe" (סוֹפֵר, *sopher*) highlights his expertise in and dedication to the sacred texts, a role that became increasingly important in post-exilic Judaism.
### Theological Significance
The very name ʻEzrâʼ, meaning "help" or "Yahweh helps," encapsulates the theological significance of the individual. Ezra was God's instrument of help for His people, guiding them back to covenant faithfulness and the foundational principles of the Torah. His life demonstrates that God provides assistance to His people, often through dedicated human leaders.
Ezra's fervent commitment to the Law, as evidenced in [[Ezra 7:10]], underscores the supreme authority and life-giving power of God's Word. His public reading and interpretation of the Law in [[Nehemiah 8]] were not merely educational but transformative, leading to national repentance, joy, and a renewed commitment to the covenant. This act highlights the critical role of divine revelation in shaping the spiritual and communal life of God's people.
Furthermore, Ezra's bold stand against intermarriage in [[Ezra 9-10]] reflects a deep concern for the purity and distinctiveness of the covenant community. This action, though difficult, was rooted in a theological understanding of God's holiness and the necessity of Israel's separation from pagan practices to maintain their unique identity as God's chosen people.
Ezra's ministry serves as a powerful testament to God's faithfulness in preserving His people and His Word, even amidst the challenges of exile and return. He bridged the gap between the prophetic age and the emerging rabbinic tradition, solidifying the centrality of the written Torah for future generations. His example of prayer, confession, and zealous leadership remains a model for spiritual renewal and obedience to divine truth.
### Summary
The Aramaic proper noun `{{H5831}}` (ʻEzrâʼ) denotes Ezra, the distinguished priest and scribe, whose name profoundly signifies "help" or "Yahweh helps." This meaning encapsulates his pivotal role in the post-exilic restoration of Israel. Appearing consistently in the books of Ezra and Nehemiah, ʻEzrâʼ identifies the leader commissioned by God to guide a group of exiles from Babylon back to Jerusalem, primarily to re-establish the Mosaic Law as the bedrock of their communal life. His ministry, deeply rooted in the study and teaching of the Torah, included leading the people in repentance, addressing the critical issue of intermarriage, and orchestrating a profound spiritual revival through the public reading and exposition of God's Word. Theologically, Ezra's life and work underscore the enduring authority of the Law, the necessity of covenant fidelity, and God's unwavering faithfulness in providing the necessary "help" for His people through dedicated servants. His legacy emphasizes the transformative power of divine revelation in shaping the identity and destiny of the covenant community.
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