עַזּוּר (az.zur)
az.zur
Azzur
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 Azur, or Azzur, appears in Scripture as a personal identifier for men active during the turbulent periods of Judah’s decline and subsequent return from exile. The lexicon sources indicate that the name carries the meaning "he that assists," a semantic weight that contrasts sharply with the actions of the individuals who bear it.
One prominent figure by this name is the father of Hananiah, the false prophet who challenged Jeremiah in Jerusalem (Jeremiah 28:1). Another Azur is recorded as the father of Jaazaniah, a prince among those against whom Ezekiel directed his prophecies (Ezekiel 11:1). A third instance lists an Azur among the leaders who signed the covenant after the return from Babylon (Nehemiah 10:17).
These references highlight a recurring biblical theme where names reflecting divine support or human aid are attached to figures involved in spiritual failure or political resistance. The sources do not suggest these men were allies of God’s prophets; rather, they stand as examples of leadership that opposed the prophetic word during critical moments in Israel’s history.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Azur appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, attached to a man named Hananiah who stood in the temple courts and delivered a message of immediate peace to King Zedekiah. This historical moment captures the tension between human optimism and divine timing. While the name suggests assistance or strength, the context reveals a different reality: true help does not always look like the victory we expect.
For your faith today, this entry reminds us that spiritual clarity often comes through difficult seasons rather than easy promises. When circumstances seem to offer quick relief, it is wise to pause and seek God’s longer perspective. The story encourages believers to anchor their hope in God’s faithful character rather than in the immediate outcomes of political or social events.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Azzur1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- עַזּ֨וּר1×
Key Verses
-
Jeremiah 28:1
That same year, in the beginning of the reign of Zedekiah king of Judah, in the fourth year, in the fifth month, Hananiah the son of Azzur, the prophet, who was of Gibeon, spoke to me in Yahweh’s house, in the presence of the priests and of all the people, saying,
This verse identifies Azur as the father of Hananiah, establishing the family background of a prophet who challenged Jeremiah’s message of exile.