עַזְגָּד (az.gad)
az.gad
Azgad
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 3 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
The name Azgad means "Gad is mighty," referring to two distinct individuals in the post-exilic records of Ezra and Nehemiah. One was an ancestor of a family that returned from Babylonian exile under Zerubbabel, listed among the laymen who rebuilt the community (Ezra 2:12). The other Azgad appears later as one of the leaders who affixed his seal to the covenant renewal under Nehemiah (Nehemiah 10:15).
Though these figures appear only in genealogical lists and administrative records, their inclusion highlights the importance of family lineage and communal responsibility in restoring Israel. The repetition of the name suggests it was common among returning exiles, yet each mention marks a specific moment of faithfulness—whether in the initial return or in the later commitment to uphold God’s law.
The sources do not provide further biographical details about these men, but their names serve as reminders that ordinary families played vital roles in rebuilding both the physical city and the spiritual life of Judah. Their stories are preserved not for personal glory, but as part of a larger narrative of restoration and covenant faithfulness.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Azgad means "Gad is mighty," appearing in the records of those who returned from exile to rebuild their community. You will find this name attached to families listed in Ezra and Nehemiah, showing that ordinary people played a vital role in restoring Israel. These genealogies are not just dry lists; they remind us that God values the faithful participation of every family in His work.
When you read about the children of Azgad returning with their households, it highlights the importance of communal responsibility. Whether in the initial return under Zerubbabel or later when leaders sealed a covenant renewal, these names mark moments of faithfulness. Their stories are preserved not for personal glory, but as part of a larger narrative of restoration and covenant faithfulness.
Even though we know little about the individuals behind these names, their inclusion encourages us. It shows that God remembers those who step forward to help rebuild spiritual life. Your own contributions, however small they may seem, are part of this ongoing story of restoration.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Azgad3×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- עַזְגָּ֔ד3×
Key Verses
-
Ezra 2:12
The children of Azgad, one thousand two hundred twenty-two.
This verse lists the children of Azgad as a distinct family unit returning from exile, establishing their presence in the initial rebuilding effort.
-
Ezra 8:12
Of the sons of Azgad, Johanan the son of Hakkatan; and with him one hundred ten males.
Here, Johanan son of Hakkatan is identified specifically as being from the sons of Azgad, highlighting individual leadership within the broader family group.
-
Nehemiah 7:17
The children of Azgad: two thousand three hundred twenty-two.
This parallel record in Nehemiah confirms the size and continuity of the Azgad family during the later phase of restoration under Nehemiah's leadership.