אֱלִיעֶ֫זֶר (e.li.e.zer)
e.li.e.zer
Eliezer
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 13 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
The name Eliezer, meaning "God is help," appears thirteen times in the Old Testament, primarily within the genealogical records of Chronicles and Ezra. It is not a title or abstract concept, but a proper noun assigned to several distinct individuals across Israel’s history. The most famous bearer is Abraham’s servant in Genesis 15:2, who managed the household before Isaac was born.
Beyond that patriarchal figure, the name belongs to various Levites, priests, and tribal leaders involved in restoring worship after the exile. For instance, one Eliezer helped transport the ark of the covenant, while another served as a priest during the post-exilic reforms. These occurrences highlight how common the name was among those dedicated to religious service.
The consistent use of this theophoric name underscores a recurring theme in biblical narrative: divine assistance in leadership and lineage. Whether serving Abraham or restoring the temple community, each Eliezer represents a person whose role was sustained by God’s provision. The name itself serves as a brief declaration of faith embedded in personal identity.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Eliezer carries a simple but powerful meaning: "God is help." In Genesis, Abraham’s trusted servant bears this name, highlighting that even those who manage great responsibilities rely on divine support rather than their own strength. This reminds us that our roles, whether in leadership or daily service, are sustained by God’s provision.
Throughout Chronicles and Ezra, other men named Eliezer appear as priests, leaders, and descendants of Moses. Their presence in the biblical record shows that ordinary individuals, committed to their duties, play a part in God’s larger story. The name serves as a quiet declaration that help comes from the Lord, anchoring our identity in His faithfulness rather than our own abilities.
When we face challenges or manage complex tasks, this word invites us to remember that we are not alone. Just as these biblical figures served with God’s aid, we too can trust that He provides the strength needed for our daily walk.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 13 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- and/ Eliezer5×
- Eliezer5×
- to/ Eliezer2×
- for/ Eliezer1×
- [was] Eliezer1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- אֱלִיעֶ֖זֶר2×
- לֶֽ/אֱלִיעֶ֑זֶר1×
- לֶ/אֱלִיעֶ֡זֶר1×
- לֶ/אֱלִיעֶ֙זֶר֙1×
- וֶֽ/אֱלִיעֶ֙זֶר֙1×
- וֶֽ/אֱלִיעֶ֔זֶר1×
- וֶ֠/אֱלִיעֶזֶר1×
- וֶ/אֱלִיעֶֽזֶר\׃\ \ס1×
- וֶ/אֱלִיעֶֽזֶר\׃1×
- אֱלִיעֶֽזֶר\׃1×
- אֱלִיעֶ֧זֶר1×
- אֱלִיעֶ֤זֶר1×
Key Verses
-
Genesis 15:2
Abram said, “Lord Yahweh, what will you give me, since I go childless, and he who will inherit my estate is Eliezer of Damascus?”
This verse identifies Eliezer as Abraham’s heir in the absence of children, showing how God’s promise shapes family lineage and inheritance.
-
Exodus 18:4
The name of the other was Eliezer, for he said, “My father’s God was my help and delivered me from Pharaoh’s sword.”
Moses’ son is named Eliezer to commemorate God’s personal help in delivering Moses from Pharaoh, linking divine rescue with familial identity.
-
I Chronicles 23:15
The sons of Moses: Gershom and Eliezer.
This passage lists Eliezer as a son of Moses, preserving the priestly lineage that continued to serve God after the wilderness wanderings.
-
Ezra 10:18
Among the sons of the priests there were found who had married foreign women: of the sons of Jeshua, the son of Jozadak, and his brothers: Maaseiah, Eliezer, Jarib, and Gedaliah.
Here, an Eliezer is among the priests who had married foreign women, illustrating the community’s struggle to maintain covenant faithfulness during restoration.