Learn more about Eliezer

Introduction to Eliezer

The name “Eliezer” is of Hebrew origin and means “God is help” or “My God is help” (’Ēlīʿezer, אֱלִיעֶזֶר). It is a theophoric name—one that incorporates the divine name "El" (God)—emphasizing divine assistance and faith in God's providence. Several individuals named Eliezer appear in the Bible, each associated with different historical and spiritual contexts. The name underscores the biblical theme of God's help in times of need and divine involvement in human affairs.

Eliezer Pronunciation

“Eliezer” is pronounced as el-ee-AY-zer or el-ee-EH-zer, with some variation depending on the speaker’s tradition or linguistic background.

Eliezer in the Bible

Multiple figures named Eliezer appear throughout the Bible. Here are the most significant:

• Eliezer of Damascus (Genesis 15:2): This Eliezer is described as a servant or steward in Abraham’s household. When Abraham expressed concern to God about having no biological heir, he mentioned Eliezer of Damascus as a possible inheritor. Though not much is said about him directly, rabbinic tradition often associates him with the servant sent to find a wife for Isaac in Genesis 24, though that servant is unnamed in the biblical text.
• Eliezer, son of Moses (Exodus 18:4): The second son of Moses and Zipporah. His name, explicitly explained in the text, reflects Moses’ recognition of God's help: “The name of the other was Eliezer, for he said, ‘My father’s God was my helper; he saved me from the sword of Pharaoh.’” This reinforces the theological significance of the name as a declaration of divine aid.
• Eliezer the prophet (2 Chronicles 20:37): This Eliezer, son of Dodavahu of Mareshah, prophesied against King Jehoshaphat of Judah for forming a maritime alliance with Ahaziah, king of Israel. As a result of this alliance, Eliezer declared the Lord would destroy the ships, which indeed were wrecked, fulfilling the prophecy.
• Other Eliezers in genealogical lists: The name also appears in several genealogies, indicating its common use among Israelites:
  • One of the priests who returned from Babylonian exile with Zerubbabel (Ezra 8:16).
  • A Levite during David’s time who helped bring the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem (1 Chronicles 15:24).
  • A member of the family of Parosh who married a foreign wife and later put her away as part of the reform led by Ezra (Ezra 10:18).

Related Themes and Meanings to Eliezer

The recurring theme in the name and identity of Eliezer is divine help and faithfulness. Whether it is Moses recognizing God’s protection, Abraham depending on his trusted servant, or a prophet denouncing ungodly alliances, the figures named Eliezer all emphasize a relationship with God's providence and justice.

Related terms and concepts include:

• Providence: God’s ongoing involvement in and guidance over human affairs.
• Faithfulness: The idea of remaining loyal to God, often mirrored by the trusted nature of Eliezer the servant.
• Judgment: As seen in Eliezer the prophet's pronouncement against Jehoshaphat’s alliance.

Trivia and Interesting Facts about Eliezer

• The servant in Genesis 24 is never named, but Jewish tradition identifies him with Eliezer of Damascus, emphasizing his loyalty and faith, particularly when he prayed for God to show him the right wife for Isaac.
• Eliezer, son of Moses, is often overlooked in contrast to his brother Gershom, but his name contains deeper theological reflection on Moses’ life in exile and deliverance.
• The prophecy of Eliezer the son of Dodavahu is one of the rare times in the Bible where a prophet condemns a king's foreign trade alliance, illustrating the seriousness of spiritual compromise in leadership.
• The name Eliezer remains in use in Jewish communities to this day, reflecting its enduring spiritual meaning of “God is my help.”