עַזְמָ֫וֶת (az.ma.vet)
az.ma.vet
Azmaveth
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 8 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
The name Azmaveth, meaning "strong unto death," appears eight times in the Hebrew Bible, primarily within the records of David’s reign and the post-exilic restoration. It functions as a proper noun for several distinct individuals rather than a common descriptive term. In 2 Samuel 23:31, it identifies one of King David’s elite warriors, linking the bearer to military valor and loyalty during the United Monarchy.
Later texts expand the usage of this name across different social roles. Nehemiah lists an Azmaveth among those who returned from exile, while 1 Chronicles mentions a descendant of Mephibosheth bearing the same title. Another instance identifies him as the overseer of David’s royal treasures, suggesting administrative authority alongside physical strength. The name also marks a location in Benjamin, known as Beth-Azmaveth.
Etymologically, the components עַז (strong) and מָוֶת (death) create a striking compound. This linguistic structure implies a resilience that persists even in the face of mortality. By attaching this weighty meaning to various figures—warriors, administrators, and exiles—the biblical text consistently associates the name with enduring fortitude across different spheres of Israelite life.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Azmaveth carries a weight that feels almost too heavy for a single person to bear. Meaning "strong unto death," it appears in the Bible attached to warriors, administrators, and exiles who returned from Babylon. It reminds us that true strength is not just about physical power or administrative skill, but about a resilience that endures even when circumstances seem overwhelming.
When we look at the men who carried this name, we see a pattern of faithful service in difficult times. From David’s elite warriors to those rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem, these individuals did not shrink from their duties. Their lives show us that God uses ordinary people with extraordinary commitment to carry out His work.
Perhaps your own life feels like a heavy burden right now. You might be facing challenges that seem too great to overcome alone. The story of Azmaveth invites you to find strength not in your own abilities, but in the One who sustains us through every trial. There is hope and endurance available to those who trust in God’s faithfulness.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 8 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Azmaveth7×
- and/ Azmaveth1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- עַזְמָ֖וֶת5×
- עַזְמָ֙וֶת֙1×
- עַזְמָ֑וֶת1×
- וְ/עַזְמָ֑וֶת1×
Key Verses
-
II Samuel 23:31
Abialbon the Arbathite, Azmaveth the Barhumite,
This verse identifies Azmaveth as one of David's mighty warriors, linking the name directly to military valor and loyalty during a turbulent period in Israel's history.
-
I Chronicles 27:25
Over the king’s treasures was Azmaveth the son of Adiel. Over the treasures in the fields, in the cities, in the villages, and in the towers was Jonathan the son of Uzziah;
Here Azmaveth serves as an overseer of the king’s treasures, showing that the name is also associated with administrative authority and trustworthiness in managing royal resources.
-
Ezra 2:24
The children of Azmaveth, forty-two.
This reference lists "the children of Azmaveth" among those returning from exile, suggesting the name became a family identifier for a group of faithful exiles rebuilding their community.