Bible Dictionary

Azariah

People & Groups • Old Testament

Azariah, meaning “the LORD has helped,” was a common name borne by priests, Levites, kings, prophets, and other biblical persons. One notable Azariah was Daniel’s companion Abed-nego, and another was King Uzziah of Judah.

Definition

Azariah is a Hebrew name meaning “Yahweh has helped” or “whom Jehovah helps.” It was a common name, especially among priestly families, and was borne by priests, Levites, kings, prophets, officials, and other men. The name is nearly identical with and sometimes confused with Ezra, Zerahiah, and Seraiah.

Biblical Usage

Among the notable bearers were a prophet in Asa’s reign, several high priests, King Azariah of Judah, and the royal captive whose name was changed to Abed-nego. Azariah the prophet urged Asa and the people toward national reformation.

Historical Background

The supplied material lists many bearers across Israel’s history, including people connected with Solomon, Asa, Uzziah, Hezekiah, the exile, the rebuilding of Jerusalem, and the dedication of its walls.

Scripture References

1 Chronicles 2:8 1 Chronicles 6:9 1 Kings 4:2 1 Chronicles 6:10 2 Chronicles 6:10 2 Chronicles 6:11 2 Kings 14:21 2 Chronicles 26:17-20 2 Chronicles 31:10-13 1 Chronicles 6:36 Ezra 7:1 1 Chronicles 9:11 Nehemiah 3:23 Daniel 1:6 Daniel 1:7 Daniel 1:11 Daniel 1:16 2 Chronicles 15:1 1 Kings 4:5 2 Kings 15:1 2 Kings 15:6 2 Kings 15:8 2 Kings 15:17 2 Kings 15:23 2 Kings 15:27 1 Chronicles 8:12 1 Chronicles 2:38 1 Chronicles 2:39 2 Chronicles 23:1 1 Chronicles 6:13 1 Chronicles 6:14 2 Chronicles 21:2 2 Chronicles 22:6 2 Chronicles 28:12 2 Chronicles 29:12 2 Chronicles 31:10 2 Chronicles 31:13 Nehemiah 3:24 Nehemiah 7:7 Nehemiah 8:7 Nehemiah 10:2 Nehemiah 12:33 Jeremiah 13:2 Daniel 1:19

Related Figures

Historical Bible Dictionaries

Easton's Bible Dictionary

Whom Jehovah helps. (1.) Son of Ethan, of the tribe of Judah (1 Chr. 2:8). (2.) Son of Ahimaaz, who succeeded his grandfather Zadok as high priest (1 Chr. 6:9; 1 Kings 4:2) in the days of Solomon. He officiated at the consecration of the temple (1 Chr. 6:10). (3.) The son of Johanan, high priest in the reign of Abijah and Asa (2 Chr. 6:10, 11). (4.) High priest in the reign of Uzziah, king of Judah (2 Kings 14:21; 2 Chr. 26:17-20). He was contemporary with the prophets Isaiah, Amos, and Joel. (5.) High priest in the days of Hezekiah (2 Chr. 31:10-13). Of the house of Zadok. (6.) Several other priests and Levites of this name are mentioned (1 Chr. 6:36; Ezra 7:1; 1 Chr. 9:11; Neh. 3:23, etc.). (7.) The original name of Abed-nego (Dan. 1:6, 7, 11, 16). He was of the royal family of Judah, and with his other two companions remarkable for his personal beauty and his intelligence as well as piety. (8.) The son of Oded, a remarkable prophet in the days of Asa (2 Chr. 15:1). He stirred up the king and the people to a great national reformation.

Smith's Bible Dictionary

(whom the Lord helps) a common name in Hebrew, and especially in the families of the priests of the line of Eleazar, whose name has precisely the same meaning as Azariah. It is nearly identical, and is often confounded, with Ezra as well as with Zerahiah and Seraiah. The principal persons who bore this name were—

International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)

az-a-ri'-a `azaryahu and `azaryah, ("Yahweh has helped"):(1) King of Judah. See UZZIAH.(2) A Judahite of the house of Ethan the Wise (1Ch 2:8).(3) The son of Jehu, descended from an Egyptian through the daughter of Sheshan (1Ch 2:38).(4) A son of Ahimaaz and grandson of Zadok (1Ch 6:9).(5) A son of Zadok the high priest and an official of Solomon (1Ki 4:2).(6) A high priest and son of Johanan (1Ch 6:10).(7) A Levite, ancestor of Samuel, and Heman the singer (1Ch 6:36).(8) A son of Nathan and captain of Solomon's tax collectors (1Ki 4:5).(9) A prophet in the reign of King Asa; his father's name was Oded (2Ch 15:1-8).(10 and 11) Two sons of Jehoshaphat, king of Judah (2Ch 21:2).(12) King of Judah (2Ch 22:6, called Ahaziah in 2Ch 22:1).(13) A son of Jeroham, who helped to overthrow Athaliah, and place Joash on the throne (2Ch 23:1).(14) A son of Johanan and a leading man of Ephraim, mentioned in connection with the emancipated captives taken by Pekah (2Ch 28:12).(15) A Levite of the family of Merari, who took part in cleansing the temple in the days of Hezekiah (2Ch 29:12).(16) A high priest who rebuked King Uzziah for arrogating to himself priestly functions (2Ch 26:16-20).(17) The father of Seraiah and son of Hilkiah (1Ch 6:13f).(18) A son of Hoshaiah, and a bitter enemy of Jeremiah (Jer 43:2ff).(19) One of the royal captives taken to Babylon, whose name was changed to Abed-nego (Da 1:7).(20) The son of Maaseiah, who helped repair the walls of Jerusalem (Ne 3:23f).(21) A Levite who assisted Ezra to expound the Law (Ne 8:7).(22) A priest who sealed the covenant (Ne 10:2).(23) A prince of Judah mentioned in connection with the dedication of the walls of Jerusalem (Ne 12:32f).W. W. Davies

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