Ἐλεάζαρ

Eleazar

Definition

Ἐλεάζαρ (Eleazar) is a proper masculine name meaning 'God has helped.' In the New Testament, it refers specifically to Eleazar, son of Eliud and father of Matthan, who appears only in the genealogy of Jesus Christ in Matthew 1:15. This Eleazar is one of the listed ancestors in the line from Abraham to Joseph, the husband of Mary. The name itself does not carry multiple distinct meanings in the NT; its significance is tied entirely to this individual's role in the messianic lineage.

Biblical Usage

This name is used only once in the New Testament, in Matthew 1:15, within the context of the genealogy that opens the Gospel. It functions solely as a proper name identifying a specific ancestor in the line of Jesus Christ. There are no patterns of usage across different books or contexts, as it is a unique reference to this particular figure in Matthew's record.

Etymology

The name Ἐλεάζαρ is a Greek transliteration of the Hebrew name אֶלְעָזָר (Elʿazar), which is a compound of אֵל (El, meaning 'God') and עָזַר (ʿazar, meaning 'to help'). Thus, it literally means 'God has helped' or 'whom God helps.' It was a common Jewish name in the Second Temple period, borne by several important figures in the Hebrew Bible, such as Aaron's son Eleazar, who succeeded him as high priest (Numbers 20:25-28).

Semantic Range

While the name Eleazar itself is not theologically loaded in its single New Testament occurrence, its placement in Matthew's genealogy is significant. It connects Jesus to the history of Israel, affirming His Davidic and Abrahamic lineage as the promised Messiah (Matthew 1:1). The name's meaning, 'God has helped,' subtly echoes the theme of divine providence and faithfulness in preserving the messianic line throughout generations.

In first-century Jewish culture, names were often meaningful and carried familial or religious significance. 'Eleazar' was a respected name with priestly and historical associations from the Hebrew Scriptures, evoking God's faithfulness. Its use in a genealogy would signal continuity with Israel's past. Modern readers might see it merely as a list entry, but original audiences would recognize it as a link to their sacred history and God's covenant promises.

There are no direct synonyms for this proper name. Other names in the same genealogy, such as Ἀβραάμ (Abraam, G11) or Δαυίδ (Dauid, G1138), refer to different ancestral figures but share the function of establishing Jesus's lineage.

Word Details

Scripture References