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אָצֵל (a.tsel)

a.tsel

Azel; Azal

H0682 · Hebrew · Old Testament · 5 verses

N:N-M-P

Quick Reference

Language
Biblical Hebrew
Testament
Old Testament
Occurrences
5 verses
Root
—
Part of speech
N:N-M-P

Word Overview

The name Azel appears in two distinct forms within the Hebrew Bible, serving as both a personal name and a geographical marker. As a man’s name, it belongs to a Benjamite descendant of Saul and Jonathan, listed in the genealogies of 1 Chronicles 8:37. This individual is part of a lineage that traces back through Binea, linking him to the royal house of Israel during the period of the Divided Monarchy.

The second usage identifies Azal as a place near Jerusalem, mentioned in Zechariah 14:5. In this context, it serves as a landmark for the eschatological journey of God’s people. The sources note that its exact location remains unknown today, yet its inclusion in prophetic literature highlights its significance in the topography of divine intervention.

Linguistically, the name is generally understood to mean "reserved" or "he has reserved." This etymology adds a layer of theological weight to both occurrences. For the person Azel, it may reflect a family’s hope for preservation within the tribe of Benjamin. For the place Azal, it suggests a location set apart or kept in reserve for God’s purposes in the final days.

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

What This Word Means for Your Faith

The name Azel carries a quiet promise of preservation. In the genealogies of 1 Chronicles, it marks a man from the tribe of Benjamin, a lineage that traces back to King Saul and Jonathan. This connection reminds us that God keeps careful records of His people. Even when history seems chaotic or lines are broken, He preserves those who belong to Him. The name itself suggests something set apart or reserved for a specific purpose.

In Zechariah’s prophecy, Azal appears as a landmark in the valley of God’s mountains. It serves as a boundary where fleeing ends and divine intervention begins. This image offers comfort: there is a place where safety is found not by human effort, but by God’s action. Whether referring to a person or a place, Azel points to the truth that we are held securely in His hands.

For your faith, this word invites trust in God’s long-term plan. Just as He preserved the line of Benjamin and marked the path in Zechariah’s vision, He reserves space for you in His story. You do not need to fear being lost or forgotten. Your life is part of a larger narrative where God remains faithful to His promises.

How it's translated

How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 5 verses where it appears, by frequency.

  • Azel4×
  • and/ [belonged] to/ Azel2×
  • Azal1×

Forms in the text

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

  • וּ/לְ/אָצֵל֮2×
  • אָצֵ֥ל2×
  • אָצַל֒1×
  • אָצַֽל\׃\ \פ1×
  • אָצַֽל\׃1×

Key Verses

  • I Chronicles 8:37
    Moza became the father of Binea. Raphah was his son, Eleasah his son, and Azel his son.

    This verse establishes Azel as a direct descendant in the royal line of Benjamin, linking him to Saul and Jonathan.

  • I Chronicles 8:38
    Azel had six sons, whose names are these: Azrikam, Bocheru, Ishmael, Sheariah, Obadiah, and Hanan. All these were the sons of Azel.

    It highlights that Azel had six sons, showing the continuation of this reserved lineage through the next generation.

  • Zechariah 14:5
    You shall flee by the valley of my mountains, for the valley of the mountains shall reach to Azel. Yes, you shall flee, just like you fled from before the earthquake in the days of Uzziah king of Judah. Yahweh my God will come, and all the holy ones with you.

    This occurrence identifies Azal as a geographical endpoint in the valley of God's mountains during eschatological deliverance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the name Azel mean?

The name Azel is generally understood to mean "reserved" or "he has reserved." This etymology suggests a sense of being set apart for a specific purpose, whether referring to the person in Chronicles or the place in Zechariah.

Who was Azel in the Bible?

Azel appears as a man in 1 Chronicles 8 and 9, a son of Eleasah and grandson of Binea. He is part of the genealogy of the tribe of Benjamin, connecting him to the royal house of Saul. His six sons are also listed, showing his role in continuing that family line.

Where is Azal located?

Azal is mentioned in Zechariah 14:5 as a landmark in the valley of God’s mountains near Jerusalem. Its exact modern location is unknown, but it serves as a symbolic boundary in the prophetic vision of divine intervention and deliverance.

Why is Azel significant for Christians today?

Azel reminds believers that God preserves His people and keeps records of their lives. Whether through genealogies or prophetic landmarks, it shows that nothing is accidental. This encourages trust in God’s plan, knowing that He reserves a place for those who follow Him.

Every Occurrence (5 verses across 2 books)

I Chronicles 4 verses
I Chronicles 8:37

Moza became the father of Binea. Raphah was his son, Eleasah his son, and Azel his son.

I Chronicles 8:38

Azel had six sons, whose names are these: Azrikam, Bocheru, Ishmael, Sheariah, Obadiah, and Hanan. All these were the…

I Chronicles 9:43

Moza became the father of Binea, Rephaiah his son, Eleasah his son, and Azel his son.

I Chronicles 9:44

Azel had six sons, whose names are Azrikam, Bocheru, Ishmael, Sheariah, Obadiah, and Hanan. These were the sons of Azel.

Zechariah 1 verse