אֲבִיעֶ֫זֶר (a.vi.e.zer)
a.vi.e.zer
Abiezer
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 7 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
The name Abiezer, meaning "my father is help," appears seven times in the Hebrew Bible, primarily within genealogical records in Joshua and Judges, with a single mention in 2 Samuel 23:27. It functions as a proper noun identifying specific individuals rather than a theological concept or verb.
Lexical sources distinguish between at least two bearers of this name. One is identified as a warrior from the tribe of Benjamin who served under King David, listed among his mighty men in 2 Samuel 23:27. Another figure appears in the tribal lists of Joshua and Judges, described variously as a son or grandson of Gilead within the clan of Manasseh.
The etymology reflects a common ancient Israelite pattern of embedding faith in personal identity. By naming a child "my father is help," the family acknowledged divine support through their ancestral lineage. The name’s distribution across different tribal contexts highlights how these short, meaningful names were reused to maintain continuity within large clan structures.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Abiezer carries a simple but powerful declaration: "my father is help." In ancient Israel, names were not just labels; they were prayers and confessions of faith woven into daily life. By choosing this name, families acknowledged that their strength did not come from themselves, but from God who supports His people through generations.
When we read about individuals like Abiezer in the lists of warriors or tribal clans, we see ordinary people included in God's larger story. Whether serving under King David or gathering with Gideon to face a great challenge, these names remind us that God uses everyday people. It is comforting to know that our own lives, and the support we receive from those around us, are part of this same divine pattern.
This name invites us to look back at our own spiritual heritage with gratitude. Just as Abiezer's family trusted in their Father's help, we too can find assurance in God's consistent care. It is a gentle reminder that we are never alone in our struggles, for the same God who helped His people then is present with us now.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 7 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Abiezer7×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- אֲבִיעֶ֖זֶר3×
- אֲבִיעֶֽזֶר\׃1×
- אֲבִיעֶ֥זֶר1×
- אֲבִיעֶ֜זֶר1×
- אֲבִיעֶ֙זֶר֙1×
Key Verses
-
Judges 6:34
But Yahweh’s Spirit came on Gideon, and he blew a trumpet; and Abiezer was gathered together to follow him.
This verse shows Abiezer actively responding to God's call by gathering followers for Gideon, illustrating how divine empowerment leads to communal action.
-
Joshua 17:2
So this was for the rest of the children of Manasseh according to their families: for the children of Abiezer, for the children of Helek, for the children of Asriel, for the children of Shechem, for the children of Hepher, and for the children of Shemida. These were the male children of Manasseh the son of Joseph according to their families.
Here Abiezer is listed among the families receiving land, highlighting his role in the tribal structure and inheritance of Manasseh.
-
II Samuel 23:27
Abiezer the Anathothite, Mebunnai the Hushathite,
This mention identifies an Abiezer as a mighty man under David, showing the name's presence in the military leadership of Benjamin.