### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **ʻĂzaryâh**, represented by `{{H5838}}`, means **Jah has helped**. It is the name of nineteen Israelites and appears **48 times** across **44 unique verses** in the Bible, showing its significance in the history of Israel. The name reflects a core belief in God's direct intervention and support for His people.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name `{{H5838}}` is given to a wide range of individuals in the biblical narrative, including kings, priests, prophets, and faithful exiles. One notable figure is Azariah, the son of Amaziah, who became king of Judah at sixteen years old [[2 Kings 14:21]] and reigned for fifty-two years [[2 Kings 15:27]]. Another prominent Azariah was one of the four young men from Judah, along with Daniel, Hananiah, and Mishael, who were taken to Babylon and stood before the king ([[Daniel 1:6]], [[Daniel 1:19]]). He was given the Babylonian name Abednego [[Daniel 1:7]]. The name also belongs to several priests, including the chief priest of the house of Zadok who served under King Hezekiah [[2 Chronicles 31:10]] and a ruler of the house of God [[1 Chronicles 9:11]]. Additionally, the Spirit of God came upon Azariah the son of Oded, who served as a prophet [[2 Chronicles 15:1]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related names share the theme of divine assistance and favor, often appearing in connection with an Azariah:
* `{{H2608}}` **Chănanyâh** (Jah has favored): This name belongs to one of Azariah's companions in Babylon, also known as Shadrach [[Daniel 1:7]]. Their shared experience highlights a theme of God's favor on the faithful.
* `{{H1955}}` **Hôwshaʻyâh** (Jah has saved): In the book of Jeremiah, an Azariah is identified as the son of Hoshaiah, directly linking the concepts of God's help and salvation within a single family line [[Jeremiah 43:2]].
* `{{H2148}}` **Zᵉkaryâh** (Jah has remembered): This name appears alongside `{{H5838}}` in the list of sons of King Jehoshaphat, indicating a family tradition of naming children in remembrance of God's attributes and actions [[2 Chronicles 21:2]].
* `{{H5812}}` **ʻĂzazyâhûw** (Jah has strengthened): A name with a very similar meaning, Azaziah appears alongside Azariah as an overseer in the house of God during the reign of Hezekiah [[2 Chronicles 31:13]].
### Theological Significance
The name `{{H5838}}` carries significant theological weight, emphasizing God's active role in the lives of His people.
* **Divine Help:** The very definition, "Jah has helped," serves as a constant reminder of reliance on God. The name is given to leaders like kings [[2 Kings 15:1]] and priests [[1 Kings 4:2]], signifying that their authority and success are derived from God's support.
* **Covenantal Faithfulness:** The story of Azariah (Abednego) and his companions demonstrates unwavering faith in a hostile environment. They were found to have no equal among those who stood before the king [[Daniel 1:19]].
* **Priestly Service:** The name is prominent in the priestly lineage, including descendants of Zadok and rulers of the house of God ([[1 Chronicles 9:11]], [[2 Chronicles 31:13]]). This associates the name with the sacred duty of serving God and His people.
* **Prophetic Spirit:** The instance of the Spirit of God coming upon Azariah son of Oded shows that God's help includes divine revelation and guidance for the nation [[2 Chronicles 15:1]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H5838}}` **ʻĂzaryâh** is more than just a common name; it is a declaration of faith. Worn by kings, priests, prophets, and exiles, it encapsulates the belief that God's help is foundational to Israel's identity, leadership, and survival. The name's frequent appearance in scripture underscores the recurring theme of divine assistance as a central element in the relationship between God and His people.
TRV