עַזְבּוּק (az.buq)
az.buq
Azbuk
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
The name Azbuk appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, in Nehemiah 3:16. It identifies a man who oversaw the repair of a section of Jerusalem’s wall during the post-exilic restoration. The text notes that he was the father of another Nehemiah, distinguishing him from the governor leading the effort.
Linguists often derive Azbuk from roots meaning "strong" or "might" and "devastation." This combination creates a striking contrast, suggesting either resilience against destruction or perhaps a name given in hope of protection. As a personal name, it likely carried significant weight for a family rebuilding their community after years of exile.
His role was practical and local: he repaired the wall opposite his own house, leading workers from the district of Beth Zur. This detail highlights the communal nature of the project, where citizens took responsibility for the sections nearest to them. Azbuk’s brief mention serves as a reminder that the restoration of Jerusalem relied on the specific contributions of many individuals.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Azbuk appears only once in Scripture, nestled within the detailed list of builders restoring Jerusalem’s walls in Nehemiah 3:16. It identifies a man whose son, also named Nehemiah, took charge of repairing the section near the tombs of David. While the text does not record Azbuk’s own words or deeds beyond his lineage, his name carries a weighty meaning often linked to strength and devastation. This contrast suggests a family history marked by resilience, perhaps chosen to reflect hope for protection after years of exile.
For your faith life, this brief mention reminds us that God uses ordinary people in extraordinary times. The rebuilding of Jerusalem was not just the work of leaders like Ezra or Nehemiah the governor, but depended on many individuals taking responsibility for their own neighborhoods. Azbuk’s legacy lives on through his son’s faithful service, showing how families and communities contribute to God’s larger purposes.
When you feel overwhelmed by brokenness in your own life, remember that restoration often begins with small, local steps. Just as the people of Jerusalem repaired walls opposite their own homes, you are invited to engage with the needs around you. Your contributions, however modest they seem, matter deeply to God and to those who see His work through your hands.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Azbuk1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- עַזְבּ֔וּק1×
Key Verses
-
Nehemiah 3:16
After him, Nehemiah the son of Azbuk, the ruler of half the district of Beth Zur, made repairs to the place opposite the tombs of David, and to the pool that was made, and to the house of the mighty men.
This verse identifies Azbuk as the father of Nehemiah the ruler of Beth Zur, highlighting how family lineage played a role in the community’s leadership during restoration.