עֲזַרְיָ֫הוּ (a.zar.yah)
a.zar.yah
Azariah
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 27 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
The name Azariah, meaning "Yahweh has helped," appears twenty-seven times in the Hebrew Bible as a common personal name rather than a unique title. Its components are straightforward: the verb for help combined with the divine shorthand for God. This etymology reflects a deep cultural confidence that human success relies on divine assistance.
The word identifies nineteen distinct individuals across various social strata, from high priests and kings to Levitical musicians and temple officials. Notable bearers include King Uzziah of Judah, who is sometimes called Azariah in the texts (2 Kings 15:13), and one of Daniel’s companions in Babylon, later renamed Abednego (Daniel 1:7). The name also appears among those who sealed the covenant under Nehemiah (Nehemiah 10:18).
The frequency of the name underscores its popularity during the monarchic and post-exilic periods. It serves as a reminder that ordinary Israelites, like their leaders, viewed their lives through the lens of God’s active support. The variations in spelling reflect normal scribal practices rather than different meanings.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Azariah carries a simple but powerful meaning: "Yahweh has helped." In a world where success often feels like a solo effort, this name reminds us that our strength comes from divine assistance. It appears frequently in Scripture, attached to priests, kings, and ordinary people who trusted God to guide their steps.
When we read about Azariah the priest confronting King Uzziah or Daniel’s friend standing firm in Babylon, we see faith in action. These individuals did not rely on their own power but acknowledged that help comes from the Lord. This truth invites us to look beyond our circumstances and rest in the promise that God is actively involved in our lives.
Whether you are facing a challenge or celebrating a victory, remember that your life is part of a larger story of God’s faithfulness. You are never alone in your struggles, for the same God who helped those in ancient times is with you today.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 27 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Azariah16×
- and/ Azariah10×
- and/ to/ Azariah2×
- to/ Azariah1×
- and/ Azariahu1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- עֲזַרְיָֽה\׃2×
- עֲזַרְיָ֖ה2×
- וַ/עֲזַרְיָֽה\׃2×
- וַ/עֲזַרְיָ֖הוּ2×
- עֲזַרְיָהוּ֮1×
- עֲזַרְיָהוּ֩1×
- עֲזַרְיָהוּ1×
- עֲזַרְיָה֩1×
- עֲזַרְיָ֧הוּ1×
- עֲזַרְיָ֧ה1×
- עֲזַרְיָ֥הוּ1×
- עֲזַרְיָ֤הוּ1×
Key Verses
-
Daniel 1:7
The prince of the eunuchs gave names to them: to Daniel he gave the name Belteshazzar; to Hananiah, Shadrach; to Mishael, Meshach; and to Azariah, Abednego.
This verse shows how Azariah was renamed Abednego in Babylon, highlighting a moment where identity and faith intersected under pressure.
-
II Chronicles 26:20
Azariah the chief priest and all the priests looked at him, and behold, he was leprous in his forehead; and they thrust him out quickly from there. Indeed, he himself also hurried to go out, because Yahweh had struck him.
Here Azariah the chief priest confronts King Uzziah about his pride, demonstrating that spiritual authority holds leaders accountable to God's standards.
-
I Kings 4:2
These were the princes whom he had: Azariah the son of Zadok, the priest;
This entry places an Azariah in a high priestly position during Solomon’s reign, illustrating the name’s association with religious leadership and stability.
-
Nehemiah 3:23
After them, Benjamin and Hasshub made repairs across from their house. After them, Azariah the son of Maaseiah the son of Ananiah made repairs beside his own house.
Azariah repairs his own house beside his neighbors', showing how personal responsibility and community restoration go hand in hand.