עַזְרִיקָם (az.ri.qam)
az.ri.qam
Azrikam
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 6 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
The name Azrikam, meaning "help against the enemy," appears six times in the Hebrew Bible, primarily within genealogical records in Chronicles and Nehemiah. It identifies four distinct individuals spanning different tribes and eras, reflecting a common practice of reusing significant names across generations.
One bearer was a Judahite descendant of Zerubbabel, listed among the royal line (1 Chronicles 3:23). Another was a Benjaminite, described as the eldest son of Azel and a descendant of King Saul (1 Chronicles 8:38). A third served as a Levite and ancestor of Shemaiah during the post-exilic period (1 Chronicles 9:14; Nehemiah 12:33).
The fourth figure stands out for his narrative role rather than his lineage. He served as governor of King Ahaz’s palace but was murdered by Zichri, an incident recorded in 2 Chronicles 28:7 as part of the political turmoil that led to Judah’s defeat and captivity.
Though brief, these mentions highlight how names like Azrikam connected personal identity to communal history. They appear in contexts where lineage, service, and conflict intersect, offering a glimpse into the lives of those recorded in Israel’s annals.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Azrikam carries a meaning that resonates deeply with the human experience: "help against the enemy." While this word appears only in genealogical lists, it reminds us that our identity is often tied to those who came before us. In ancient Israel, names were not just labels but declarations of faith and history. To be called Azrikam was to acknowledge that survival and strength come from a source greater than oneself.
These brief mentions in Chronicles and Nehemiah show us ordinary people woven into the grand narrative of God’s people. Some served in royal courts, others in temple duties, and some simply held their place in a family line. Their stories remind us that we are part of a larger story. Even when life feels chaotic or uncertain, being connected to a lineage of faith provides a sense of grounding and purpose.
Whether you are tracing your own roots or seeking comfort in the vastness of biblical history, these names invite you to see yourself as part of something enduring. The God who preserved these records also knows your name. In times of conflict or confusion, remember that help is available. You are held within a community of believers that stretches back through generations and forward into eternity.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 6 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Azrikam5×
- and/ Azrikam1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- עַזְרִיקָ֥ם\׀2×
- עַזְרִיקָ֥ם2×
- עַזְרִיקָ֖ם1×
- וְ/עַזְרִיקָ֖ם1×
Key Verses
-
II Chronicles 28:7
Zichri, a mighty man of Ephraim, killed Maaseiah the king’s son, Azrikam the ruler of the house, and Elkanah who was next to the king.
This verse highlights Azrikam's role as a palace official whose death illustrates the political instability and divine judgment during King Ahaz’s reign.
-
I Chronicles 3:23
The sons of Neariah: Elioenai, Hizkiah, and Azrikam, three.
As a descendant of Zerubbabel, this Azrikam connects the post-exilic community to the royal Davidic line, emphasizing continuity after the exile.
-
I Chronicles 8:38
Azel had six sons, whose names are these: Azrikam, Bocheru, Ishmael, Sheariah, Obadiah, and Hanan. All these were the sons of Azel.
Listing Azrikam as a son of Azel and descendant of Saul, this entry links the tribe of Benjamin to its royal heritage before the monarchy fell.
-
Nehemiah 11:15
Of the Levites: Shemaiah the son of Hasshub, the son of Azrikam, the son of Hashabiah, the son of Bunni;
This occurrence places Azrikam in the Levitical line serving in Jerusalem after the return from Babylon, showing his family's ongoing religious service.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Azrikam mean?
How many people named Azrikam are in the Bible?
Why is Azrikam mentioned in Chronicles?
What happened to Azrikam in 2 Chronicles?
Every Occurrence (6 verses across 3 books)
I Chronicles 4 verses
The sons of Neariah: Elioenai, Hizkiah, and Azrikam, three.
I Chronicles 8:38Azel had six sons, whose names are these: Azrikam, Bocheru, Ishmael, Sheariah, Obadiah, and Hanan. All these were the…
I Chronicles 9:14Of the Levites: Shemaiah the son of Hasshub, the son of Azrikam, the son of Hashabiah, of the sons of Merari;
I Chronicles 9:44Azel had six sons, whose names are Azrikam, Bocheru, Ishmael, Sheariah, Obadiah, and Hanan. These were the sons of Azel.