אֵ֫צֶר (e.tser)
e.tser
Ezer
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 5 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
The name Ezer, meaning "treasure" or possibly "covenant," identifies a specific leader among the Horites, the people who inhabited Seir before the Edomites settled there. He appears in Genesis 36:21 as the son of Seir and is listed among the prominent chiefs of this region. His family line is detailed extensively, noting his brothers Lotan, Shobal, Zibeon, Anah, Dishon, Dishan, and Timna, as well as his own sons Bilhan, Zaavan, and Akan.
This genealogical record serves to establish the social structure of the land prior to Israel's arrival. The name itself, derived from a root suggesting value or wealth, highlights the status of this chieftain within his community. His mention in both Genesis and 1 Chronicles underscores the continuity of these tribal histories across different biblical periods.
While Ezer does not play an active narrative role, his inclusion preserves the memory of the Horite leaders who once ruled Seir. The text uses his name to map out the inheritance and lineage of the area, providing a clear picture of the political landscape that existed before the Edomites took control.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Ezer appears in genealogical records as a chief among the Horites, people who lived in the land of Seir before the Edomites settled there. His listing alongside brothers like Lotan and Shobal shows how ancient writers carefully preserved family lines to map out the social structure of the region. This attention to detail highlights the value placed on lineage and heritage in biblical history.
For readers today, these names remind us that God’s story includes many peoples and places beyond the immediate focus of Israel. The preservation of Ezer’s name suggests that every community has a place in the broader narrative of Scripture. We can trust that God remembers all His creation, even those mentioned only in passing.
When we study these lists, we see a world rich with relationships and history. This invites us to appreciate the depth of biblical texts and to recognize the care taken in recording human connections. Such records offer a window into the past while affirming the enduring nature of God’s word.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 5 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Ezer3×
- and/ Ezer2×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- וְ/אֵ֖צֶר2×
- אֵ֖צֶר1×
- אֵ֔צֶר1×
- אֵ֑צֶר1×
Key Verses
-
Genesis 36:21
Dishon, Ezer, and Dishan. These are the chiefs who came of the Horites, the children of Seir in the land of Edom.
This verse introduces Ezer as a chief among the Horites, establishing his role in the pre-Edomite social structure of Seir.
-
Genesis 36:27
These are the children of Ezer: Bilhan, Zaavan, and Akan.
Here, Ezer’s sons are listed, showing how genealogies were used to track family lines and inheritance across generations.
-
I Chronicles 1:38
The sons of Seir: Lotan, Shobal, Zibeon, Anah, Dishon, Ezer, and Dishan.
This parallel account in Chronicles reaffirms the continuity of Horite leadership records, linking earlier traditions with later historical writings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Ezer in the Bible?
What does the name Ezer mean?
Why is Ezer mentioned in both Genesis and 1 Chronicles?
Every Occurrence (5 verses across 2 books)
Genesis 3 verses
Dishon, Ezer, and Dishan. These are the chiefs who came of the Horites, the children of Seir in the land of Edom.
Genesis 36:27These are the children of Ezer: Bilhan, Zaavan, and Akan.
Genesis 36:30chief Dishon, chief Ezer, and chief Dishan. These are the chiefs who came of the Horites, according to their chiefs in…