Brief Overview of Ἐλιέζερ (Strong’s G1663: Eliezer)

Introduction

In Biblical studies, understanding the original languages of the Bible, particularly the Greek and Hebrew names, is essential for gaining deeper insights into the text. The Greek name Ἐλιέζερ (Eliezer) is a significant one, as it appears in various contexts within both the Old and New Testaments. Eliezer, meaning “God is my help” or “God has helped,” reflects a profound theological concept of divine assistance and providence. This name not only connects individuals in the Biblical narrative with their roles and destinies but also underscores a recurring theme of reliance on God’s support. By studying the name Eliezer, we gain a better understanding of how names in the Bible are often rich in meaning and reflective of God’s interaction with His people.

Key Information:

Greek Word:

• Ἐλιέζερ (Eliezer) [el-ee-EH-zer]

Etymology:

• Derived from the Hebrew elements אֵל (El, meaning “God”) and עָזַר (ezer, meaning “help”). The name thus signifies “God is my help” or “God has helped.”

Part of Speech:

• Proper noun (Masculine, indeclinable)

The F.O.G Word Choice:

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Primary Meanings:

• Eliezer, a personal name meaning “God is my help,” used for several figures in the Bible, including Abraham’s trusted servant and a son of Moses.

Similar Words:

• Λάζαρος (Lázaros) [LAH-zah-ros]: A Greek form of the Hebrew name Eleazar, meaning “God has helped.” This name is closely related to Eliezer in meaning and is used for the character Lazarus in the New Testament, who was raised from the dead by Jesus.
• Ἐλεάζαρ (Eleazar) [el-eh-AH-zar]: Another variation of the same name, meaning “God has helped.” Eleazar is a common name in the Old Testament, often associated with priestly figures.

While both Ἐλιέζερ and Ἐλεάζαρ share the meaning of divine help, Ἐλιέζερ is often associated with specific individuals who played pivotal roles in the narrative of Israel’s history, such as Abraham’s servant.

Further Insights:

• Morphology: Ἐλιέζερ is a proper noun that is indeclinable in Greek, meaning it retains the same form regardless of its grammatical case in a sentence. This characteristic is typical of names that have been transliterated directly from Hebrew into Greek, maintaining their original form.

Lexicon Insights:

BDAG:
BDAG describes Ἐλιέζερ as a proper noun meaning “God is my help,” noting its use in the New Testament genealogy of Jesus Christ (Luke 3:29). The lexicon emphasizes the name’s Hebrew origin and the theological significance of divine assistance.

Thayers:
Thayer’s lexicon explains that Ἐλιέζερ means “God of help” or “help of God,” highlighting its use in the Old Testament and its appearance in the genealogy of Jesus in the New Testament. Thayer’s notes that the name reflects a common theme in Biblical names, where the bearer is seen as an instrument or recipient of God’s aid.

Vines:
Vine’s Expository Dictionary discusses Ἐλιέζερ in the context of names that incorporate the element “El,” meaning God, emphasizing how such names were used to express reliance on God’s help and protection in the lives of the individuals who bore them.

LSJ:
The Liddell-Scott-Jones lexicon focuses on classical Greek literature but acknowledges the Hebrew origin of names like Ἐλιέζερ, noting their adaptation into Greek for use in the Septuagint and the New Testament.

Strongs Exhaustive Concordance:
Strong’s Concordance defines Ἐλιέζερ as “God is help,” indicating its Hebrew roots and its application to several Biblical figures who were seen as directly benefiting from God’s intervention or aid.

Scripture References:

• Genesis 15:2 – “But Abram said, ‘O Lord God, what will you give me, for I continue childless, and the heir of my house is Eliezer (Ἐλιέζερ) of Damascus?’”
• Exodus 18:4 – “And the name of the other was Eliezer (Ἐλιέζερ), for he said, ‘The God of my father was my help, and delivered me from the sword of Pharaoh.’”
• Luke 3:29 – “The son of Joshua, the son of Eliezer (Ἐλιέζερ), the son of Jorim, the son of Matthat, the son of Levi.”

Classical Usage:

Given that Ἐλιέζερ is a name of Hebrew origin, it does not appear in classical Greek literature in the same context as native Greek words. However, its adaptation into Greek for the Septuagint and New Testament reflects the broader cultural exchange between Hebrew and Greek traditions.

Summary of Ἐλιέζερ (G1663: Eliezer):

The Greek name Ἐλιέζερ, meaning “God is my help,” is a significant proper noun that appears in both the Old and New Testaments. This name reflects the deep reliance on divine assistance that characterizes much of the Biblical narrative. Eliezer is a key figure in several Biblical stories, most notably as Abraham’s trusted servant and as an ancestor of Jesus Christ. Understanding the significance of Ἐλιέζερ deepens our appreciation for the themes of divine help and providence that run throughout the Bible, connecting the Old Testament with the New Testament in a profound and meaningful way.

Did You Know?

The name Eliezer not only appears in the Bible but also holds a place in Jewish tradition as a symbol of faithful service and divine assistance. Eliezer of Damascus, in particular, is remembered in Jewish tradition as a model of loyalty and trustworthiness, who was entrusted with the great responsibility of finding a wife for Isaac, ensuring the continuation of Abraham’s lineage and God’s covenant with His people.