Brief Overview of Ἐλεάζαρ (Strong’s G1648: Eleázar)

Introduction

In Biblical studies, the exploration of Greek words enriches our understanding of the New Testament and the cultural backdrop of the ancient world. The name Ἐλεάζαρ (Eleázar) is one of profound significance, as it is rooted in the Hebrew tradition and carries deep theological implications. Recognizing its occurrences and meanings in the New Testament allows us to appreciate its historical and spiritual importance. This name, meaning “God has helped,” is particularly relevant for understanding the narrative of divine assistance and faithfulness in both Jewish and Christian contexts.

Key Information:

Greek Word:

• Ἐλεάζαρ (Eleázar) [el-eh-AH-zar]

Etymology:

• Derived from the Hebrew name אֱלְעָזָר (Elʿāzār), which is a compound of אֵל (El, meaning “God”) and עָזַר (ʿāzar, meaning “to help”).

Part of Speech:

• Proper noun (Masculine)

The F.O.G Word Choice:

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Primary Meanings:

• A personal name meaning “God has helped.”
• Used in the New Testament to refer to specific individuals, notably in the genealogy of Jesus.

Similar Words:

• Λάζαρος (Lázaros) [LAH-zah-ros]: Another name derived from Ἐλεάζαρ, primarily used for Lazarus in the New Testament, who was raised from the dead by Jesus.
• Ἐλισαῖος (Elisaíos) [eh-lee-SAH-ee-os]: The Greek form of Elisha, another name with a similar meaning related to God’s assistance, though more commonly associated with the prophet Elisha.

While Λάζαρος is a variant of Ἐλεάζαρ, Ἐλισαῖος (Elisha) is a different name entirely, though with a shared thematic emphasis on divine help and intervention.

Further Insights:

• Proper Noun: As a proper noun, Ἐλεάζαρ is treated differently in Greek grammar, with a specific focus on its function as a name rather than a common noun.
• Notable Feature: The name Ἐλεάζαρ is significant for its theophoric element (“El,” meaning “God”), which was common in Hebrew names to signify divine involvement or attributes. Table: Declension of Ἐλεάζαρ (Eleázar) Case Singular Nominative Ἐλεάζαρ Genitive Ἐλεάζαρ Dative Ἐλεάζαρ Accusative Ἐλεάζαρ Vocative Ἐλεάζαρ

Lexicon Insights:

BDAG:
The BDAG lexicon highlights Ἐλεάζαρ as a proper noun of Hebrew origin, specifically noting its use in the genealogy of Jesus as recorded in the Gospel of Matthew. It emphasizes the meaning “God has helped” and its connection to the heritage of Israel.

Thayers:
Thayer’s lexicon echoes the Hebrew origins of the name, pointing out its role in Jewish history and its significance in the genealogical context of the New Testament.

Vines:
Vine’s Expository Dictionary underscores the meaning of the name as a testimony to divine assistance, linking it to Old Testament figures and its symbolic representation in the New Testament.

LSJ:
The Liddell-Scott-Jones lexicon, while more focused on classical Greek usage, recognizes Ἐλεάζαρ as a transliteration of the Hebrew name, used within the Septuagint and New Testament writings.

Strongs Exhaustive Concordance:
Strong’s Concordance provides a straightforward definition, identifying Ἐλεάζαρ as the Greek form of the Hebrew name Elʿāzār, meaning “God has helped,” and notes its appearances in the genealogies of the New Testament.

Scripture References:

• Matthew 1:15-16 – “And Eliud the father of Eleazar (Ἐλεάζαρ), and Eleazar (Ἐλεάζαρ) the father of Matthan, and Matthan the father of Jacob, and Jacob the father of Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom Jesus was born, who is called Christ.”
• Luke 3:29 – “The son of Joshua, the son of Eliezer (Ἐλεάζαρ), the son of Jorim, the son of Matthat, the son of Levi.”

Classical Usage:

Summary of Ἐλεάζαρ (G1648: Eleázar):

The name Ἐλεάζαρ, meaning “God has helped,” is a significant proper noun in the New Testament, particularly within the genealogical records of Jesus. It reflects a deep connection to the Hebrew tradition, where names often conveyed divine attributes or intervention. Understanding Ἐλεάζαρ enriches our appreciation of the Biblical narrative and its roots in Jewish history. The name also appears in classical literature, underscoring its historical and religious importance across different periods.

Did You Know?

The name Ἐλεάζαρ, though rooted in Hebrew culture, became widely known in the Greek-speaking world through the Septuagint, the Greek translation of the Hebrew Bible. This made it one of the many Hebrew names that carried significant meaning into the early Christian era, where it was preserved in the genealogies and stories of the New Testament. The name’s meaning, “God has helped,” serves as a reminder of the ever-present theme of divine assistance in both Jewish and Christian thought.