or עֲזַרְיָהוּ; from עָזַר and יָהּ; Jah has helped; Azarjah, the name of nineteen Israelites; Azariah.
Transliteration:ʻĂzaryâh
Pronunciation:az-ar-yaw'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word ʻĂzaryâh (`{{H5838}}`) is a compound proper noun, rich in theological meaning. It is derived from two distinct elements: the verb ʻāzar (`{{H5826}}`), meaning "to help, support, or succor," and Yāh (`{{H3050}}`), a shortened form of the divine name Yahweh. Thus, the literal and profound meaning of ʻĂzaryâh is "Yah has helped" or "The LORD has helped." As a theophoric name, it serves as a direct theological statement embedded within an individual's identity, testifying to the active and benevolent intervention of God. While its semantic range is restricted to its function as a proper name, the inherent meaning speaks volumes about divine assistance and providence.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name ʻĂzaryâh is remarkably prevalent in the Hebrew Bible, attributed to no fewer than nineteen different individuals, underscoring its significance and the common acknowledgment of divine aid within ancient Israel. Notable figures bearing this name include:
* **King Azariah of Judah:** Also known as Uzziah, he reigned for 52 years, initially doing "what was right in the eyes of the LORD" [[2 Kings 15:3]], but later transgressed by attempting to offer incense in the temple, leading to his affliction with leprosy [[2 Chronicles 26:16-21]]. His name, "Yah has helped," stands in poignant contrast to his eventual fall, highlighting that divine help does not negate human responsibility or the consequences of disobedience.
* **High Priests:** Several high priests bore this name, including the son of Zadok [[1 Kings 4:2]], and the priest who ministered in the time of King Hezekiah [[2 Chronicles 31:10]]. Most notably, an Azariah, son of Oded, was a prophet who encouraged King Asa to reform [[2 Chronicles 15:1-8]], and another Azariah, a valiant priest, confronted King Uzziah for his sacrilege [[2 Chronicles 26:17-20]]. These priestly figures, bearing a name signifying divine help, were instrumental in upholding the Mosaic Law and maintaining the purity of worship, often acting as instruments of God's help to the nation.
* **One of Daniel's Companions:** In the book of Daniel, Azariah is one of the three faithful young men, alongside Hananiah and Mishael, who were taken into Babylonian captivity. Their Babylonian names were Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego [[Daniel 1:6-7]]. Azariah (Abednego) famously refused to bow to Nebuchadnezzar's idol and was miraculously preserved in the fiery furnace [[Daniel 3:19-27]]. In this context, his name "Yah has helped" is powerfully affirmed, as God indeed delivered him from certain death, demonstrating divine faithfulness in the most extreme circumstances.
The repeated use of this name across various societal roles—kings, priests, prophets, and exiles—reflects a consistent theological understanding across generations: that the LORD is the ultimate source of help and deliverance for His people, regardless of their station or the challenges they face.
### Related Words & Concepts
The study of ʻĂzaryâh is enriched by examining its constituent parts and related concepts:
* **ʻāzar (`{{H5826}}`):** This root verb "to help" is fundamental. It appears in contexts ranging from military assistance [[Psalm 46:5]] to divine aid in times of distress [[Psalm 121:2]]. The name ʻĂzaryâh directly attributes this help to God.
* **Yāh (`{{H3050}}`):** As the shortened form of Yahweh, this divine element anchors the name firmly in the covenant relationship between God and Israel. It signifies the personal, active, and saving God of Israel.
* **Other Theophoric Names:** The Hebrew Bible abounds with names that incorporate the concept of divine help, such as Eleazar (`{{H499}}`, "God has helped"), Ezra (`{{H5830}}`, "help"), and Ahiezer (`{{H252}}`, "my brother is help"). These names collectively underscore a pervasive cultural and theological understanding that God is the primary source of assistance and salvation.
* **Concepts of Divine Providence and Deliverance:** The name ʻĂzaryâh inherently embodies the biblical doctrines of divine providence (God's active care and guidance) and deliverance (God's rescue from peril). It speaks to a worldview where human endeavors are ultimately sustained or frustrated by divine will and intervention.
### Theological Significance
The name ʻĂzaryâh carries profound theological significance, serving as a constant reminder of God's active involvement in the lives of His people.
1. **God as the Ultimate Helper:** The most direct theological implication is the affirmation that Yahweh is the supreme and reliable source of help. This counters any tendency towards self-reliance or trust in human strength, pointing instead to divine sovereignty and beneficence. In a world often fraught with adversity, the name declares that God is not distant but intimately involved, providing succor to those who trust in Him.
2. **Testimony to Divine Faithfulness:** The individuals named Azariah, particularly those who exemplified faithfulness (like Daniel's companion), become living testimonies to God's covenant loyalty. Their experiences, whether in priestly service, royal leadership, or exile, demonstrate that God's help is steadfast, even when human circumstances are dire.
3. **Encouragement in Adversity:** The prevalence of the name suggests a deep-seated hope within Israel that God would always provide assistance. For those bearing the name, it could serve as a personal declaration of faith; for the community, it reinforced the conviction that God would deliver His people from their enemies and sustain them through trials.
4. **Theocentric Worldview:** Theophoric names like ʻĂzaryâh foster a theocentric worldview, where God is at the center of all life and activity. Every time the name was spoken, it implicitly acknowledged God's role as the active agent of salvation and blessing.
### Summary
ʻĂzaryâh (`{{H5838}}`), meaning "Yah has helped" or "The LORD has helped," is a highly significant and frequently occurring proper name in the Hebrew Bible. It is a powerful theological statement, embedded in the very identity of numerous individuals, from kings and priests to prophets and exiles. Through figures like King Azariah (Uzziah) and Daniel's companion Azariah (Abednego), the name vividly illustrates both the constant availability of divine aid and the consequences of human choices. It profoundly underscores the biblical truth that God is the ultimate source of help, deliverance, and sustained providence for His people. The name serves as an enduring testament to God's active presence, faithfulness, and His unwavering commitment to provide assistance to those who rely upon Him.
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