אֲבִי הָעֶזְרִי (a.vi ha.ez.ri)

a.vi ha.ez.ri

Abiezrite

H0033 · Hebrew · Old Testament · 3 verses

N:N--PG

Language: Biblical Hebrew
Testament: Old Testament
Occurrences: 3 verses
Root: —
Part of speech: N:N--PG

Word Overview

The term Abiezrite identifies a member of a specific clan within the tribe of Manasseh. It functions as a gentilic adjective, meaning it denotes origin or family lineage rather than describing a personal trait or action. The word appears only three times in the Hebrew Bible, all within the book of Judges.

Its meaning is rooted in the name Abiezer, which translates to "my father is help." This etymology connects the clan to their ancestor Abiezer (also called Iezer), a son of Gilead and grandson of Manasseh. The sources note that this family group was established during the wilderness period and remained a distinct unit within the larger tribal structure.

The most significant use of this term occurs in Judges 6:11 and 6:24, where it identifies Gideon as an Abiezrite. This detail is not merely genealogical; it grounds the narrative in a specific social reality. Later, Judges 8:52 records that the kings of Midian had previously killed the sons of Abiezer, providing historical context for Gideon’s later actions and the clan’s role in Israel’s history.

Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).

What This Word Means for Your Faith

The term Abiezrite identifies a specific clan within the tribe of Manasseh, rooted in the name Abiezer, which means "my father is help." This gentilic label appears only three times in the Hebrew Bible, all within the book of Judges. It serves to ground the narrative in a real social reality, connecting Gideon to his ancestors and the broader history of Israel.

When you read about Gideon as an Abiezrite, it reminds us that God often chooses ordinary people from specific families and places to do extraordinary work. The name itself points to reliance on divine support, a theme that resonates throughout Scripture. Understanding this background helps us see how personal identity and faith intersect in the lives of biblical figures.

This connection to lineage and heritage shows that our past does not define our future but can be used by God for His purposes. Just as Gideon’s clan was known for their reliance on help, we too can find strength in knowing that God is our ultimate source of aid and peace.

How it's translated

How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.

of [the] Abi-2×
<the>/ -ezrite[s]2×
[the] Abi-1×
<the>/ -ezrite1×

Forms in the text

The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.

אֲבִ֥י2×
הָֽ/עֶזְרִֽי\׃\ \פ1×
הָֽ/עֶזְרִ֑י1×
הָ/עֶזְרִֽי\׃\ \פ1×
אֲבִ֣י1×

Key Verses

Judges 6:11
Yahweh’s angel came and sat under the oak which was in Ophrah, that belonged to Joash the Abiezrite. His son Gideon was beating out wheat in the wine press, to hide it from the Midianites.

This verse identifies Gideon as an Abiezrite while describing his hidden act of threshing wheat, highlighting how God meets him in his obscure daily life.
Judges 6:24
Then Gideon built an altar there to Yahweh, and called it “Yahweh is Peace.” To this day it is still in Ophrah of the Abiezrites.

Gideon builds an altar named "Yahweh is Peace" in Ophrah of the Abiezrites, marking a pivotal moment where he acknowledges God's provision after being called.
Judges 8:32
Gideon the son of Joash died in a good old age, and was buried in the tomb of Joash his father, in Ophrah of the Abiezrites.

This verse records Gideon’s burial in Ophrah of the Abiezrites, closing the narrative arc of his leadership and returning him to his ancestral home.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Abiezrite mean?

Abiezrite is a gentilic term meaning "member of the clan of Abiezer." It identifies people from a specific family group within the tribe of Manasseh, named after their ancestor Abiezer, whose name means "my father is help."

Where does the word Abiezrite appear in the Bible?

The term appears only three times, all in the book of Judges: Judges 6:11, Judges 6:24, and Judges 8:32. These verses connect the clan to Gideon’s life and leadership.

Why is Gideon called an Abiezrite?

Gideon is called an Abiezrite because he belonged to this specific clan within Manasseh. This identification grounds his story in a real family and place, showing how God used his heritage in His plan.

Every Occurrence (3 verses across 1 books)

Judges 3 verses

Judges 6:11

Yahweh’s angel came and sat under the oak which was in Ophrah, that belonged to Joash the Abiezrite. His son Gideon was…

Judges 6:24

Then Gideon built an altar there to Yahweh, and called it “Yahweh is Peace.” To this day it is still in Ophrah of the…

Judges 8:32

Gideon the son of Joash died in a good old age, and was buried in the tomb of Joash his father, in Ophrah of the…