### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew name **ʻEzrîy**, represented by `{{H5836}}`, means **helpful**. It appears only **1 time** in **1 unique verse** in the Bible, where it identifies a specific Israelite involved in royal administration.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The single appearance of **Ezri** is in a list of King David's overseers. He is named as the individual responsible for the agricultural laborers who performed the work of tilling the ground. The text identifies him as "**Ezri** the son of Chelub" and places him in charge of those who "did the work of the field for tillage of the ground" [[1 Chronicles 27:26]].
### Related Words & Concepts
The context of **Ezri's** role connects his name to several key Hebrew words related to labor and land:
* `{{H6213}}` **ʻâsâh** (to do or make): This primitive root describes the action of the workers Ezri supervised, who **did** the work of the field [[1 Chronicles 27:26]].
* `{{H4399}}` **mᵉlâʼkâh** (work): This term refers to the employment or **work** of the field that was under Ezri's oversight [[1 Chronicles 27:26]].
* `{{H7704}}` **sâdeh** (a field): This specifies the location of the labor as the **field** [[1 Chronicles 27:26]].
* `{{H5656}}` **ʻăbôdâh** (tillage, service, work): This word further defines the nature of the labor as **tillage** of the ground [[1 Chronicles 27:26]]. It can also mean bondage or service, as seen when the children of Israel sighed by reason of their **bondage** in Egypt [[Exodus 2:23]].
* `{{H127}}` **ʼădâmâh** (ground, land): This refers to the soil or **ground** being cultivated [[1 Chronicles 27:26]]. It is the same word used to describe the **land** promised as an inheritance [[Exodus 20:12]] and the **earth** from which man was formed [[Genesis 2:7]].
* `{{H1121}}` **bên** (son): This word establishes Ezri's lineage, identifying him as the **son** of Chelub [[1 Chronicles 27:26]].
### Theological Significance
While **Ezri** himself is not a major figure, the terms describing his responsibilities carry significant theological weight throughout Scripture.
* **Stewardship of the Land:** The oversight of the **ground** `{{H127}}` and the **field** `{{H7704}}` connects to the biblical theme of humanity's role as stewards of the earth. The land is a gift from God, a place of blessing and inheritance ([[Genesis 28:15]], [[Exodus 20:12]]).
* **Dignity of Labor:** The concepts of **work** `{{H4399}}`, **tillage** `{{H5656}}`, and **doing** `{{H6213}}` are central to the biblical narrative. Work is presented as a primary human activity, an area where diligence is praised [[Proverbs 22:29]] and through which the house of the Lord is served [[1 Chronicles 28:20]].
* **Importance of Lineage:** The identification of Ezri as a **son** `{{H1121}}` reflects the biblical emphasis on family and generational identity. The term is foundational to understanding covenant relationships, such as God's relationship with the "sons of Jacob" [[Malachi 3:6]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H5836}}` **ʻEzrîy** is the name of an individual mentioned once in Scripture in a logistical role. However, his brief appearance provides a snapshot of the administration of David's kingdom and connects to the broader biblical themes of labor, stewardship of the land, and the importance of family identity. His context demonstrates how even minor figures are described using terms that carry deep theological resonance.
TRV