הֲדַרְעֶ֫זֶר (ha.dar.e.zer)
ha.dar.e.zer
Hadarezer
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 10 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
Ha.dar.e.zer is a proper name appearing ten times in the Hebrew Bible, primarily within the historical narratives of 2 Samuel and 1 Chronicles. The term identifies a specific Aramean king who served as a significant military opponent to King David. Lexical sources note that this form is an alternative spelling for Hadadezer (H1909), referring to the same historical figure whose territories were conquered by Israelite forces.
The name itself carries a theological weight typical of ancient Near Eastern royal titles, translating roughly to "Hadad is help" or "splendor of strength." This invocation of Hadad, the storm god, underscores the political and religious context of the era. The biblical text records David’s victories over this ruler in passages such as 2 Samuel 8:3-4 and 1 Chronicles 18:3-4, where the capture of horses and chariots marks a decisive shift in regional power.
While the name appears frequently in these accounts, it functions primarily as a historical marker rather than a theological concept. Its presence highlights the expansion of David’s kingdom and the subjugation of neighboring states. The variation between Ha.dar.e.zer and Hadadezer reflects scribal traditions or textual transmission differences but points to the same individual central to the narrative of Israel’s early monarchy.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Hadarezer appears in the historical records of King David’s reign, marking a time when Israel’s borders expanded and its influence grew across the region. This Aramean king is mentioned as a significant military opponent, yet his defeat becomes part of a larger story about God’s faithfulness to His chosen people. The biblical account does not dwell on Hadarezer himself but uses his name to highlight the shift in power that favored Israel.
For readers today, these verses offer a glimpse into how God works through history and human events. They remind us that even when nations rise and fall, or when leaders oppose God’s people, there is a sovereign hand guiding the outcome. The capture of resources like bronze and gold from Hadarezer’s cities later helped build the Temple, showing how God can use even the tools of war for holy purposes.
While the name itself means "Hadad is help," the narrative shows that true strength comes from the Lord. These passages invite us to trust in God’s timing and provision, knowing that He establishes justice and protects His people according to His will.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 10 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Hadadezer10×
- against/ Hadadezer1×
- <to>/ Hadadezer1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- הֲדַדְעֶ֗זֶר3×
- הֲדַדְעָ֑זֶר2×
- הֲדַדְעֶ֥זֶר2×
- הֲדַדְעֶ֖זֶר2×
- לַ/הֲדַדְעֶ֖זֶר1×
- הֲדַדְעֶ֔זֶר1×
- בַּ/הֲדַדְעֶ֙זֶר֙1×
Key Verses
-
I Chronicles 18:3
David defeated Hadadezer king of Zobah, toward Hamath, as he went to establish his dominion by the river Euphrates.
This verse introduces Hadarezer as a king who sought to extend his power to the Euphrates, setting the stage for David’s decisive victory.
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II Samuel 10:19
When all the kings who were servants to Hadadezer saw that they were defeated before Israel, they made peace with Israel and served them. So the Syrians were afraid to help the children of Ammon any more.
Here, the defeat of Hadarezer’s allies leads them to make peace, showing how God’s intervention can bring stability without further conflict.
-
I Chronicles 18:8
From Tibhath and from Cun, cities of Hadadezer, David took very much bronze, with which Solomon made the bronze sea, the pillars, and the vessels of bronze.
The bronze taken from Hadarezer’s cities was later used for the Temple, illustrating how God repurposes worldly resources for sacred ends.
-
I Chronicles 19:16
When the Syrians saw that they were defeated by Israel, they sent messengers and called out the Syrians who were beyond the River, with Shophach the captain of the army of Hadadezer leading them.
This parallel account in Chronicles reinforces the completeness of Israel’s victory and the end of Hadarezer’s threat to the region.