from עֵזֶר and אֵל; help of God; Azriel, the name of three Israelites; Azriel.
Transliteration:ʻAzrîyʼêl
Pronunciation:az-ree-ale'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew proper noun עַזְרִיאֵל (Azrîyʼêl, `{{H5837}}`) is a theophoric compound name, meaning it incorporates a divine element. Its etymology is derived from two primary components: עֵזֶר (ezer, `{{H5828}}`), meaning "help" or "succour," and אֵל (ʼēl, `{{H410}}`), a common designation for God. Thus, the name literally translates to "God is my help," "My help is God," or "Help of God." As a personal name, its semantic range is inherently limited to its nominative function, yet its inherent meaning carries profound theological weight, reflecting a statement of faith or a hope concerning divine assistance. This structure is common in ancient Israelite nomenclature, where names often served as declarations of belief, prayers, or commemorations of divine action.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name Azrîyʼêl (`{{H5837}}`) appears in the Old Testament in connection with two distinct individuals:
1. **Azriel, a Manassite Chief:** In [[1 Chronicles 5:24]], Azriel is listed among the heads of their fathers' houses for the half-tribe of Manasseh who settled east of the Jordan. He is described as a "mighty man of valor, famous men, heads of their fathers' houses." This context places Azriel within a lineage of prominent and capable individuals, suggesting a position of leadership and respect within his tribe. The meaning "God is my help" would have been particularly fitting for a "mighty man of valor," implying that his strength and achievements were ultimately attributed to divine assistance.
2. **Azriel, Father of Seraiah:** [[Jeremiah 36:26]] mentions Azriel as the father of Seraiah. Seraiah was one of the princes whom King Jehoiakim commanded to seize Baruch, Jeremiah's scribe, and Jeremiah himself, after Baruch had read Jeremiah's scroll of prophecy to the people. While Azriel himself is not directly involved in the action, his son's role places him within the royal court's sphere, albeit in opposition to the prophetic word. The irony of a name meaning "God is my help" being associated with the lineage of an individual attempting to suppress God's message is notable, serving as a subtle reminder of God's ultimate sovereignty and the futility of human resistance against His will.
### Related Words & Concepts
The components of Azrîyʼêl are foundational to understanding its meaning and broader biblical themes:
* **עֵזֶר (ezer, `{{H5828}}`):** This root signifies "help" and is frequently used to describe God's character as a helper to His people (e.g., [[Psalm 33:20]], [[Psalm 121:1-2]]). It also appears in other significant names like Eliezer ("My God is help") and Ebenezer ("stone of help"). The concept of divine help is central to Israelite theology, emphasizing God's active involvement in the lives of His covenant people.
* **אֵל (ʼēl, `{{H410}}`):** This is a generic Semitic term for "God" or "god," but in the Old Testament, it often refers to the one true God of Israel, particularly in combination with other terms or in theophoric names. Its presence in Azrîyʼêl underscores the source of the "help" as divine and absolute.
The practice of creating **theophoric names** was widespread in ancient Israel. Names such as Israel ("He strives with God"), Samuel ("Heard by God"), Daniel ("God is my judge"), and Immanuel ("God with us") all incorporate divine elements, reflecting the profound integration of faith into daily life and identity. These names often encapsulated a family's hope, a parent's prayer, or a theological declaration about God's nature or specific acts.
### Theological Significance
The name Azrîyʼêl, "God is my help," carries significant theological weight, affirming a core tenet of biblical faith: God is the ultimate source of assistance and deliverance. This truth permeates the Psalms and prophetic literature, where God is consistently portrayed as the one who upholds, strengthens, and rescues His people.
* **Divine Providence:** The name speaks to God's active and benevolent involvement in human affairs. It is a declaration of reliance on God's sustaining power and His readiness to intervene on behalf of those who trust in Him.
* **God's Character:** It highlights attributes of God such as His faithfulness, compassion, and omnipotence. He is not a distant deity but one who draws near to provide succour in times of need, whether in battle (as for the Manassite chief) or in the broader challenges of life.
* **Human Dependence:** For those bearing the name, it served as a constant reminder of human finitude and the necessity of looking beyond oneself for true strength and aid. It counters any notion of self-sufficiency, redirecting focus to the divine source of all help.
* **Hope Amidst Adversity:** In a world often fraught with difficulty, names like Azriel served as anchors of hope, embodying the conviction that no situation is beyond God's capacity to help. Even when individuals associated with the name (like Seraiah, Azriel's son) act contrary to God's will, the name itself stands as a testament to God's unwavering character and ultimate triumph.
### Summary
Azrîyʼêl (`{{H5837}}`) is a Hebrew personal name meaning "God is my help," formed from the elements ezer (help) and ʼēl (God). This theophoric name reflects a fundamental biblical truth about God's character as the ultimate source of assistance and deliverance. It is associated with a Manassite chief, a "mighty man of valor" in [[1 Chronicles 5:24]], and the father of Seraiah, a prince involved in the attempt to seize Jeremiah in [[Jeremiah 36:26]]. The name's meaning underscores themes of divine providence, God's faithfulness, and human dependence on His intervention. It serves as a powerful theological statement, affirming that true help originates solely from God, a concept woven throughout the fabric of Old Testament theology.
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