עֶזְרָה

Ezrah, an Israelite

Definition

עֶזְרָה (Ezrah) is a proper noun referring to an individual in the genealogy of Judah. The name appears only once in the Old Testament, identifying Ezrah as a son of Caleb and father of Jether, Mered, Epher, and Jalon (1 Chronicles 4:17). As a proper name, it carries no additional semantic range or differing meanings across biblical passages. It functions solely to identify this specific ancestral figure within the tribal lineage.

Biblical Usage

This word is used exclusively in 1 Chronicles 4:17 within a genealogical list. The context is the chronicling of the descendants of Judah, specifically the lineage stemming from Caleb. There are no patterns of usage elsewhere in the Old Testament, as it occurs only this single time to name an individual in a family record.

Etymology

The name עֶזְרָה (Ezrah) is identical to the Hebrew feminine noun עֶזְרָה (H5833), which means 'help,' 'aid,' or 'assistance.' It derives from the root ע־ז־ר (ʿ-z-r), meaning 'to help' or 'to succor.' As a personal name, 'Ezrah' likely carried the sense of 'help' or '[one who is] helped,' a common thematic element in Hebrew naming conventions, reflecting dependence on or acknowledgment of divine aid.

Semantic Range

In ancient Israelite culture, names were often significant and descriptive. Bearing a name like Ezrah ('help') may have reflected the parents' gratitude for divine assistance surrounding the child's birth or their hope for God's ongoing help in the child's life. As a figure listed only in a genealogy, Ezrah represents the importance of preserving family lineage and tribal identity within the community of Israel.

עֶזְרָה (ʿezerah, H5833) — The common noun meaning 'help' or 'assistance,' from which the proper name is derived. עֵזֶר (ʿezer, H5828) — Another noun meaning 'help,' often used in the context of divine aid (e.g., Psalm 121:1-2).

Word Details

Scripture References