Meaning & History
Eliezer is a biblical name of Hebrew origin, derived from the elements ʾel meaning "God" and ʿezer meaning "help", thus translating to "my God is help". The name appears in the Hebrew Bible for multiple individuals, most notably in the context of the patriarch Abraham and Moses.
Etymology
The name comes from the Hebrew אֱלִיעֶזֶר (ʾEliʿezer), composed of ʾel and ʿezer. In the Bible, the name is sometimes given as Eliezer of Damascus (referring to both his origin and his role) in the account of Abraham. According to Abraham's servant, Eliezer is also identified in Jewish tradition as the son of Nimrod (as per Targum Jonathan).
Biblical Figures
Eliezer of Damascus is mentioned in Genesis 15:2 as the steward of Abraham's household. At a time when Abraham was without an heir, Eliezer was considered his potential heir. Another notable bearer is the son of Moses named Eliezer, whose birth signified Moses' deliverance from Pharaoh, as explained in Exodus 18:4. The name also appears in the New Testament in the genealogy of Jesus in the Gospel of Luke. Related names include Lazarus, a Greek form of the same root, and various forms in other languages.
Cultural Significance
The name symbolizes divine assistance and has been used among Jewish, Christian, and other communities. It carries the weight of faith and provision as exemplified by its biblical histories.
- Meaning: "My God is help"
- Origin: Hebrew
- Type: Biblical name
- Usage: Hebrew, English Bible, Greek Bible, Latin Bible
Related Names
Sources: Wikipedia — Eliezer