יַעֲזֵיר
𐤉𐤏𐤆𐤉𐤓
Yaazeyr
H3270 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
Yaʻăzêr is a toponym denoting a location east of the Jordan River, with the primary sense being 'Yaʻăzêr' or 'Jazer,' understood as 'God helps' or 'He helps.' The name likely derives from the root meaning 'help' and functions as a proper place name in biblical texts. It refers specifically to a city or region known for its fertile land and vineyards.
Semantic Range
proper place name east of the Jordan; associated region or city held by Gad; region noted for vineyards and agricultural fertility; symbol in prophetic poetry
Root / Etymology
From the Hebrew root ע-ז-ר ('to help') with an uncertain affix or formative element; likely signifying 'He helps' or possibly 'May [God] help.' The precise original morphological construction is not fully clear, but the core idea involves help or assistance.
Historical & Contextual Notes
Yaʻăzêr or Jazer appears predominantly as a geographic name in biblical narratives, particularly in descriptions of territorial allotments east of the Jordan (Numbers 21:32, 32:1, 3, 35; Joshua 13:25). It was a significant city allotted to the tribe of Gad after the defeat of the Amorites and became associated with both the pastoral and agricultural wealth of the Transjordan. Over time, the site is mentioned as notable for its vineyards (Isaiah 16:8–9; Jeremiah 48:32), often in poetic or lament contexts referring to its loss or destruction. While English translations often use the slightly archaic 'Jaazer' or 'Jazer,' the actual Hebrew carries a nuance of divine or personal assistance. This is distinct from other Transjordanian place names formed from roots denoting people groups or topographical features. The identity of Yaʻăzêr with physical sites has been debated in historical geography. The word is strictly a proper noun; there is no evidence it ever denoted a common noun or concept beyond the specific place.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
lemma יַעֲזִיִר third vowel, corrected to יַעֲזֵיר; or יַעְזֵר; from עָזַר; helpful; Jaazer or Jazer, a place East of the Jordan; Jaazer, Jazer.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
עזר (ʿ-z-r) — to help, to assist, to aid
| Strong's | Lemma | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|
| H3134 | יוֹעֶזֶר | and YHWH-is-help |
| H373 | אִיעֶזְרִי | the Iezerite clansman |
| H461 | אֱלִיעֶזֶר | God is help |
| H5809 | עַזּוּר | Azzur |
| H5826 | עָזַר | he helped me |
Word Forms
4 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H3270-03 |
יַעְזֵ֔ר | yaezer | HNp |
Jazer | He-Helps | 10 |
H3270-02 |
וְ/יַעְזֵ֣ר | veyaezer | HC/Np |
and Jazer | and He-Helps | 1 |
H3270-01 |
בְּ/יַעְזֵ֥יר | beyaezeyr | HR/Np |
in Jazer | in He-helps | 1 |
H3270-04 |
יַעְזֵ֖יר | yaezeyr | HNp |
Jazer | He-Helps | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
13 total occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H3270-03 |
Numbers 21:32 | יַעְזֵ֔ר | yaezer | HNp |
Jazer | He-Helps |
H3270-03 |
Numbers 32:1 | יַעְזֵר֙ | yaezer | HNp |
Jazer | He-Helps |
H3270-02 |
Numbers 32:3 | וְ/יַעְזֵ֣ר | veyaezer | HC/Np |
and Jazer | and He-Helps |
H3270-03 |
Numbers 32:35 | יַעְזֵ֖ר | yaezer | HNp |
Jazer | He-Helps |
H3270-03 |
Joshua 13:25 | יַעְזֵר֙ | yaezer | HNp |
Jazer | He-Helps |
H3270-03 |
Joshua 21:39 | יַעְזֵ֖ר | yaezer | HNp |
Jazer | He-Helps |
H3270-03 |
2 Samuel 24:5 | יַעְזֵֽר | yaezer | HNp |
Jazer | He-Helps |
H3270-03 |
Isaiah 16:8 | יַעְזֵ֥ר | yaezer | HNp |
Jazer | He-Helps |
H3270-03 |
Isaiah 16:9 | יַעְזֵר֙ | yaezer | HNp |
Jazer | He-Helps |
H3270-03 |
Jeremiah 48:32 | יַעְזֵ֤ר | yaezer | HNp |
Jazer | He-Helps |