### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word עֶזְרִי (`{{H5836}}`, ʻEzrîy) is a proper noun, specifically a masculine personal name. Its etymology traces directly to the root עֵזֶר (`{{H5828}}`), meaning "help," "aid," or "succor." The suffix "-i" often denotes "my" or a possessive relationship, thus עֶזְרִי can be understood as "my help" or "helpful." As a proper name, its semantic range is fixed to the individual it identifies, yet its inherent meaning carries the profound concept of assistance and support. This derivation from עֵזֶר (`{{H5828}}`) embeds the idea of aid within the very identity of the bearer.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name עֶזְרִי (`{{H5836}}`) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, specifically in the book of 1 Chronicles:
* **[[1 Chronicles 27:26]]**: "Over those who did the work of the field for tilling the ground was Ezri the son of Chelub."
In this sole occurrence, Ezri is identified as an administrative official during the reign of King David. He is placed in charge of the agricultural workers, a vital role in the sustenance and economy of the kingdom. His position as a supervisor of those who "did the work of the field for tilling the ground" indicates a significant responsibility in managing the kingdom's primary food source. The name "my help" or "helpful" would have been fitting for someone in such a practical and essential role, implying that he provided significant assistance in the king's administration and the nation's well-being. This singular mention, though brief, places Ezri within the crucial administrative structure of David's unified kingdom.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary linguistic connection for עֶזְרִי (`{{H5836}}`) is its root noun, עֵזֶר (`{{H5828}}`), which signifies "help" or "aid." This noun is frequently used to describe both divine and human assistance. Related to this noun is the verbal root עָזַר (`{{H5826}}`), meaning "to help," "to succor," or "to assist."
Numerous other biblical names are also derived from this root, emphasizing the pervasive theme of "help" in ancient Israelite culture and theology:
* עֶזְרָא (Ezra, `{{H5830}}`): "help."
* עֶזְרָה (Ezrah, `{{H5831}}`): "help."
* עֲזַרְיָה (Azariah, `{{H5838}}`): "Yahweh has helped." This is a very common name, reflecting a strong theological statement.
* אֱלִיעֶזֶר (Eliezer, `{{H461}}`): "My God is help." This name is famously borne by Abraham's servant and one of Moses' sons.
These related terms and names underscore the importance of "help" as a concept, both in human relationships and, more significantly, in the relationship between God and His people.
### Theological Significance
While עֶזְרִי (`{{H5836}}`) itself is a proper name and not a direct theological term, its derivation from עֵזֶר (`{{H5828}}`) imbues it with profound theological resonance. The concept of "help" is central to biblical theology, often applied to God Himself. God is frequently portrayed as the ultimate Helper, the source of all true and enduring assistance. For example, the Psalms often declare, "My help comes from the LORD" [[Psalm 121:2]]. The designation of God as עֶזְרִי ("my help") is a recurring motif, signifying His steadfast presence and deliverance.
The name Ezri, meaning "my help," serves as a subtle reminder that even in the seemingly mundane administrative roles of human government (like managing agriculture), there is an underlying reliance on divine provision and the divine attribute of help. Human help, whether in leadership or labor, ultimately reflects and flows from the divine Helper. Thus, the name of this administrator, Ezri, implicitly points to a theological truth: all effective help, whether human or divine, originates from the benevolent hand of God.
### Summary
עֶזְרִי (`{{H5836}}`) is a Hebrew proper noun meaning "my help" or "helpful," derived from the root עֵזֶר (`{{H5828}}`). It appears only once in the biblical text, identifying Ezri, the son of Chelub, as an official in King David's administration responsible for agricultural work ([[1 Chronicles 27:26]]). Despite its singular occurrence, the name's etymology connects it to a rich biblical theme: the concept of "help." This concept is profoundly theological, as God is consistently depicted as the ultimate Helper (עֵזֶר). Therefore, while Ezri was a human administrator providing practical assistance, his very name serves as a quiet testament to the pervasive biblical understanding that all true and effective help ultimately originates from the divine.
TRV