Pronunciation Guide: ah-ZORE (rhymes with “store”)

Basic Definition

Strong’s G107: Ἀζώρ (Azōr) was a descendant of David and ancestor of Jesus Christ, mentioned in the genealogy of Matthew 1:13. The name likely derives from the Hebrew meaning “helper” or “one who helps,” though some scholars suggest a connection to the Hebrew word for “treasure” or “stored up.”

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Etymology and Morphology

• Proper Noun
• Hebrew origin (possibly from עָזַר, azar – “to help”)
• Usage exclusively in genealogical narrative
• Found only in Matthew’s Gospel

Ἀζώρ Morphology:

• Ἀζώρ (nominative singular) – Azor
• τοῦ Ἀζώρ (genitive singular) – of Azor
• τῷ Ἀζώρ (dative singular) – to/for Azor
• τὸν Ἀζώρ (accusative singular) – Azor (as object)

Origin & History

The name Ἀζώρ appears to be of Hebrew origin, though it is not found in the Old Testament genealogies. This suggests it was a name adopted during the intertestamental period, possibly reflecting the ongoing Jewish practice of giving names with meaningful Hebrew roots even during periods of Greek cultural influence.

The morphological stability of the name in Greek texts indicates it was treated as an indeclinable proper noun, which was common for Hebrew names transliterated into Greek. This treatment is consistent with other Semitic names in Matthew’s genealogy.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• A proper name representing a link in the Messiah’s genealogical line
• A testament to God’s faithfulness in preserving David’s lineage
• A historical marker in the period between the Old and New Testaments

Ἀζώρ Translation Options:

• “Azor” – Standard transliteration preferred by most English translations
• “Helper” – Reflecting possible Hebrew etymology
• “Treasure” – Alternative meaning based on Hebrew root connection

Biblical Usage

Ἀζώρ appears exclusively in Matthew 1:13, where he is mentioned as both a son and a father: “Eliakim was the father of Azor, Azor the father of Zadok.” His placement in the genealogy positions him in the post-exilic period, approximately during the Persian or early Hellenistic period of Jewish history.

This singular appearance makes every detail significant:

• “Eliakim begat Ἀζώρ, and Ἀζώρ begat Zadok” Matthew 1:13

Cultural Insights

The placement of Ἀζώρ in Matthew’s genealogy falls within what Jewish historians call the “Silent Period” – the roughly 400 years between the Old and New Testaments. During this time, many Jewish names began incorporating Greek influences while maintaining Hebrew meanings. This practice reflected the Jewish commitment to preserving their identity while living in a Hellenistic world.

The name’s possible meaning of “helper” would have carried special significance during this challenging period of Jewish history, when the people were looking for God’s help in preserving their faith and identity under foreign rule.

Theological Significance

Ἀζώρ’s presence in the Messiah’s genealogy demonstrates God’s faithfulness in maintaining the Davidic line even through periods of historical obscurity. While Ἀζώρ himself is not mentioned in any historical records outside Matthew’s Gospel, his inclusion testifies to God’s meticulous care in fulfilling His covenant promises.

This name, possibly meaning “helper,” serves as a beautiful reminder that God used seemingly ordinary people as helpers in bringing about His extraordinary plan of salvation through Jesus the Messiah. Even during the “silent years,” God was actively working through generations of faithful individuals to prepare for the Messiah’s coming.

Personal Application

While we may feel like ordinary links in God’s chain of purpose, Ἀζώρ reminds us that every person plays a vital role in God’s grand narrative. Just as God preserved His promises through generations of faithful individuals whose names are barely known to history, He continues to work through ordinary believers today to accomplish His purposes.

Related Words

• βοηθός (boēthos) – helper, assistant (emphasizing active assistance) See G998
• σωτήρ (sōtēr) – savior, deliverer (connecting to the helper theme) See G4990
• διάκονος (diakonos) – servant, minister (relating to helping others) See G1249
• παράκλητος (paraklētos) – helper, comforter (divine assistance) See G3875

Did you Know?

• The name Ἀζώρ appears during a period when many Jewish names were beginning to show Greek influence, yet it maintained its Hebrew roots, demonstrating the cultural bridge between the Old and New Testament periods.
• While Ἀζώρ is mentioned only once in Scripture, his position in Jesus’ genealogy makes him part of the most important family tree in human history, showing how God can use seemingly obscure individuals for His grand purposes.
• The meaning “helper” in Ἀζώρ’s name carries special significance as it appears in Matthew’s Gospel, which was written to show Jesus as the ultimate Helper and Fulfiller of God’s promises to Israel.

Remember This

Every link in God’s chain of purpose matters – from the obscure Ἀζώρ to the present-day believer, each one plays a vital role in God’s unfolding plan of redemption.