אֶלְעָזָר (el.a.zar)
el.a.zar
Eleazar
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 65 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
The name Eleazar, meaning "God has helped," appears sixty-five times in Scripture, carried by several distinct figures across Israel’s history. The most prominent is the son of Aaron, who succeeded his father as high priest and stood alongside Moses during the wilderness wanderings (Numbers 20:25). His lineage continued through Phinehas, preserving the priestly line that would serve in the tabernacle and later the temple.
Other men bore this name, each reflecting a different facet of Israel’s life. One Eleazar guarded the ark of the covenant at Kiriath Jearim (1 Samuel 7:1), while another was counted among David’s mighty warriors (1 Chronicles 11:12). In the post-exilic period, an Eleazar helped rebuild Jerusalem’s walls under Ezra’s leadership (Ezra 8:33), showing how the name remained associated with faithful service across generations.
Its etymology combines El ("God") and azar ("to help"), a theme echoed in the later Greek form Lazarus. The recurrence of this name underscores a consistent biblical emphasis: divine assistance is not limited to one era or office, but spans priests, warriors, and builders alike.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Eleazar means "God has helped," a truth woven into the lives of several men in Scripture. It first appears as one of Aaron’s sons, who stepped into the high priesthood after his brothers’ tragic deaths. This transition shows that God provides leaders for His people even when circumstances are difficult or unexpected.
Throughout Israel’s history, others carried this name, each reflecting divine assistance in different roles. Phinehas, Eleazar’s grandson, stood against idolatry to save the nation. Later, builders and warriors bore the name, reminding us that God helps those who serve in every station of life. The recurring theme is not about human strength but about relying on God’s steady support.
When you face challenges, remember that help comes from the Lord. Whether in leadership, service, or daily obedience, God remains faithful to assist His people. This name invites trust in His provision and presence.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 65 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Eleazar50×
- and/ Eleazar12×
- to/ Eleazar2×
- for/ Eleazar1×
- and/ to/ Eleazar1×
- [was] Eleazar1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- אֶלְעָזָ֣ר11×
- אֶלְעָזָ֖ר9×
- אֶלְעָזָ֥ר6×
- אֶלְעָזָ֤ר6×
- אֶלְעָזָ֔ר5×
- וְ/אֶלְעָזָ֧ר4×
- וְ/אֶלְעָזָ֖ר3×
- אֶלְעָזָר֙3×
- אֶלְעָזָ֨ר3×
- אֶלְעָזָ֜ר2×
- לְ/אֶלְעָזָ֥ר1×
- לְ/אֶלְעָזָ֖ר1×
Key Verses
-
Numbers 20:26
and strip Aaron of his garments, and put them on Eleazar his son. Aaron shall be gathered, and shall die there.”
This verse marks the formal transfer of the high priesthood from Aaron to Eleazar, showing God’s provision of leadership during a critical transition.
-
Exodus 6:23
Aaron took Elisheba, the daughter of Amminadab, the sister of Nahshon, as his wife; and she bore him Nadab and Abihu, Eleazar and Ithamar.
Eleazar is introduced here as one of Aaron’s sons, establishing his lineage and role in the priestly ministry from the beginning.
-
Numbers 27:21
He shall stand before Eleazar the priest, who shall inquire for him by the judgment of the Urim before Yahweh. At his word they shall go out, and at his word they shall come in, both he and all the children of Israel with him, even all the congregation.”
Eleazar is described as the one who inquires for Joshua before God using the Urim, highlighting his role in seeking divine guidance for national decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Eleazar mean?
Who was Eleazar in the Bible?
Why is Eleazar important in Numbers?
Every Occurrence (65 verses across 11 books)
Exodus 3 verses
Aaron took Elisheba, the daughter of Amminadab, the sister of Nahshon, as his wife; and she bore him Nadab and Abihu,…
Exodus 6:25Eleazar Aaron’s son took one of the daughters of Putiel as his wife; and she bore him Phinehas. These are the heads of…
Exodus 28:1“Bring Aaron your brother, and his sons with him, near to you from among the children of Israel, that he may minister…