אֲרִיאֵל (a.ri.el)
a.ri.el
Ariel
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 4 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
The name Ariel carries the weight of a lion, combining the Hebrew word for lion with the divine name El to mean "lion of God" or "lioness of God." In the book of Isaiah, this title is applied poetically to Jerusalem itself (Isaiah 29:1-2). The imagery suggests a city that is both formidable and sacred, protected by divine power yet facing intense siege. It transforms the capital from a mere political center into a spiritual altar where God’s presence is central.
Outside of Isaiah, the name appears in Ezra as a proper noun for a human leader among the exiles returning to Judah (Ezra 8:16). This Ariel was a chief man who helped gather the people. The repetition of the name highlights how biblical authors often reused significant titles for individuals, connecting their identity back to God’s strength and protection.
The dual usage shows the name's flexibility. As a title for Jerusalem, it emphasizes God’s guardianship over His holy city. As a personal name, it reflects the hope that those who return will embody the strength and faithfulness of their Lord. The sources confirm this meaning without ambiguity, grounding the name in both divine power and human leadership.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Ariel weaves together two powerful images: the lion and God. It means "lion of God," suggesting strength that is rooted in divine presence rather than human power. When Isaiah uses this title for Jerusalem, he paints a picture of a city that is both sacred and fortified. It stands as an altar hearth, a place where God’s holiness meets the realities of history. This reminds us that our spiritual lives are not abstract ideas but grounded in the reality of who God is.
In Ezra, we see the name given to a human leader among the exiles. This Ariel was a chief man tasked with gathering the people back to their home. The reuse of this significant title connects individual leadership to the broader story of God’s protection over His people. It shows that strength in faith is not just about grand symbols but also about faithful individuals doing the hard work of restoration.
Whether viewed as a city under siege or a leader rebuilding community, Ariel points to reliance on God. The imagery invites us to see our own lives and communities as places where divine strength is at work. It offers comfort that even in times of distress, we are held by the same power that defines this name.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 4 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Ariel3×
- to/ Ariel1×
- like/ Ariel1×
- for/ Ariel1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- לַֽ/אֲרִיאֵ֑ל1×
- לַ/אֲרִיאֵ֡ל1×
- כַּ/אֲרִיאֵֽל\׃1×
- אֲרִיאֵ֣ל1×
- אֲרִיאֵ֔ל1×
- אֲרִיאֵ֑ל1×
Key Verses
-
Isaiah 29:1
Woe to Ariel! Ariel, the city where David encamped! Add year to year; let the feasts come around;
This verse establishes Ariel as a poetic title for Jerusalem, linking the city's identity directly to David's encampment and God's presence.
-
Isaiah 29:2
then I will distress Ariel, and there will be mourning and lamentation. She shall be to me as an altar hearth.
Here the word takes on a somber tone, describing how God will distress the city, turning it into an altar hearth where judgment and mourning occur.
-
Ezra 8:16
Then I sent for Eliezer, for Ariel, for Shemaiah, for Elnathan, for Jarib, for Elnathan, for Nathan, for Zechariah, and for Meshullam, chief men; also for Joiarib and for Elnathan, who were teachers.
This occurrence shifts from poetic title to personal name, identifying Ariel as a chief man who helped gather the returning exiles.