יוֹעֶזֶר
𐤉𐤅𐤏𐤆𐤓
Yoezer
H3134 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
Personal name meaning 'YHWH is help.' Refers specifically to an individual named Yo'ezer, identified as an Israelite in the genealogical and military contexts of the Hebrew Bible. The name is constructed theophorically, with the divine name יהוה (YHWH) incorporated as a prefix, expressing relationship (help provided by YHWH) rather than simply being an identifier. In the biblical narrative, the only attested Yo'ezer is presented as one of the officers in David's military organization.
Semantic Range
personal name denoting 'YHWH is help,' proper name of an Israelite; does not appear as a common noun; invokes divine aid as part of individual identity
Root / Etymology
Derived from the theophoric element יוֹ (a contraction of יְהֹוָה, YHWH) indicating the Israelite deity, combined with עֵזֶר ('ēzer), meaning 'help, support.' The root of עֵזֶר is ע-ז-ר, meaning 'to help, assist.' The etymological construction conveys 'YHWH is help' or 'help of YHWH.'
Historical & Contextual Notes
In biblical usage, יוֹעֶזֶר appears only as a personal name, specifically among the 'mighty men' or officers of David (1 Chronicles 12:7). As a theophoric name, it reflects common Israelite practice of invoking the divine name in personal and familial identities during the monarchic period. The element עֵזֶר highlights the theme of divine assistance, recurring in other biblical names as well. English translations render the name as 'Joezer' or occasionally 'Jo-ezer,' which obscure the direct reference to YHWH found in the original Hebrew. The name is not used to denote a type or class, but exclusively as a proper name marking individual identity, and does not carry the broader semantic or religious connotations that the later English term 'Jew' does; its usage is confined to the narrative context of pre-exilic Israel.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from יְהֹוָה and עֵזֶר; Jehovah (is his) help; Joezer, an Israelite; Joezer.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
עזר (ʿ-z-r) — help, assist, support
| Strong's | Lemma | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|
| H3270 | יַעֲזֵיר | in He-helps |
| H373 | אִיעֶזְרִי | the Iezerite clansman |
| H461 | אֱלִיעֶזֶר | God is help |
| H5809 | עַזּוּר | Azzur |
| H5826 | עָזַר | he helped me |
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H3134-01 |
וְ/יוֹעֶ֛זֶר | veyoezer | HC/Np |
and-Jo ezer | and YHWH-is-help | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 total occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H3134-01 |
1 Chronicles 12:7 | וְ/יוֹעֶ֛זֶר | veyoezer | HC/Np |
and-Jo ezer | and YHWH-is-help |