Meaning & History
Elazar is a modern Hebrew transcription of Eleazar, a theophoric name derived from the Biblical Hebrew ʾElʿazar, meaning "God has helped." The name elements are ʾel ("God") and ʿazar ("to help"). In contemporary Israel, Elazar (אֶלְעָזָר) is a common given name, reflecting a trend of reviving Biblical names with clear meanings evocative of divine assistance.
Etymology
The name Elazar shares its roots with several related forms across languages. Its Biblical Hebrew form 'El'azar appears in the Old Testament as the name of Aaron's third son. The Greek New Testament preserves the variant Eleazar, which appears in Matthew's genealogy of Jesus. Cognates include Armenian Ghazar, Greek Lazaros, and Latin-derived Lazarus (often used in African Christian communities). Another close Biblical Hebrew form is Eliezer, meaning "God is my help."
Biblical Context
In the Hebrew Bible, Elazar (Eleazar) was a prominent priest, the third son of Aaron and Elisheba. According to the Book of Numbers, after the deaths of his elder brothers Nadab and Abihu for offering unauthorized fire, Elazar and his brother Ithamar were ordained to serve as priests. Leviticus 10 records Moses's displeasure with Elazar and Ithamar for failing to eat a sin offering inside the Tabernacle, a violation of priestly procedure. Elazar later succeeded Aaron as the second High Priest of Israel, a role he held during the conquest of Canaan. His son Phinehas succeeded him.
Cultural Significance
The name Elazar is associated with steadfastness and divine help. In Jewish tradition, it embodies the hope for God's support in times of need. The modern revival of Elazar in Israel reflects a broader cultural movement to adopt ancient Hebrew names, bridging historical identity and contemporary use.
Notable Bearers
While Elazar itself is a modern form, its root Eleazar is borne by several historical figures, including the High Priest of the Bible and a second-century Jewish martyr. In modern times, Elazar is common among Israeli public figures and scholars.
- Meaning: "God has helped"
- Origin: Hebrew
- Type: Given name
- Usage: Biblical, Jewish, Israeli
Related Names
Sources: Wikipedia — Eleazar