יַעְזֵר (ya.a.zer)
ya.a.zer
Jazer
N:N--LQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 11 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N--L
Word Overview
The name Jazer, or ya’zer in Hebrew, literally means "helped" or "one who helps." It appears eleven times in the Old Testament, primarily in the historical books of Numbers and Joshua, where it marks a significant Levitical city located east of the Jordan River in the territory of Gad. This location was formerly an Amorite stronghold before being assigned to the priests.
While often treated as a simple geographic label, the etymology adds a layer of meaning to the site’s identity. The name suggests divine assistance or support, fitting for a city designated for those who served in the tabernacle and later the temple. Its placement in Gilead highlights the distribution of sacred duties among the tribes that settled on both sides of the Jordan.
References to Jazer also appear in Jeremiah, where the prophet uses the city as part of a broader lament over Israel’s spiritual condition. In these contexts, the name serves as a poignant reminder of God’s provision and help, even when the people themselves have turned away from that very source of aid.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Jazer carries a simple but profound meaning: "helped." In the Old Testament, this word marks a specific place in Gilead, a city assigned to the Levites who served in the tabernacle. Its very identity speaks of divine assistance. For those tasked with spiritual duties, being located in a place named "help" was a constant reminder that their service relied on God’s strength, not their own.
Later prophets like Isaiah and Jeremiah used Jazer as a symbol of loss when Israel turned away from God. Yet the name remains a quiet promise. Even in times of spiritual dryness or judgment, the concept of Jazer points back to the reality that help comes from the Lord. It invites us to look for His support in our own daily walks, trusting that He provides what we need for our specific calling.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 11 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Jazer10×
- at/ Jazer1×
- and/ Jazer1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- יַעְזֵר֙3×
- יַעְזֵ֖ר3×
- יַעְזֵֽר\׃1×
- יַעְזֵ֥ר1×
- יַעְזֵ֤ר1×
- יַעְזֵ֔ר1×
- וְ/יַעְזֵ֣ר1×
- בְּ/יַעְזֵ֥יר1×
Key Verses
-
Numbers 21:32
Moses sent to spy out Jazer. They took its villages, and drove out the Amorites who were there.
This verse records the initial conquest of Jazer, showing God's help in securing territory for His people before they settled.
-
Joshua 21:39
Heshbon with its pasture lands, Jazer with its pasture lands: four cities in all.
Here Jazer is given to the Levites, linking the name 'help' directly to those who served in religious duties.
-
Isaiah 16:9
Therefore I will weep with the weeping of Jazer for the vine of Sibmah. I will water you with my tears, Heshbon, and Elealeh: for on your summer fruits and on your harvest the battle shout has fallen.
The prophet weeps for Jazer, using the city's name as a poignant contrast between God's help and the people's current suffering.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Jazer mean?
Where is Jazer located in the Bible?
Why is Jazer mentioned in Isaiah and Jeremiah?
Every Occurrence (11 verses across 6 books)
Numbers 4 verses
Moses sent to spy out Jazer. They took its villages, and drove out the Amorites who were there.
Numbers 32:1Now the children of Reuben and the children of Gad had a very great multitude of livestock. They saw the land of Jazer,…
Numbers 32:3“Ataroth, Dibon, Jazer, Nimrah, Heshbon, Elealeh, Sebam, Nebo, and Beon,
Numbers 32:35Atroth-shophan, Jazer, Jogbehah,