What is the meaning of Azariah in the Bible?

As a biblical scholar with a keen interest in the names and their meanings within the text of the Bible, I find the inquiry about the meaning of "Azariah" particularly intriguing. The name "Azariah" is a compound of two Hebrew words: "Azary" (עזרי) and "Yah" (יה). The first part, "Azary," is a form of the verb "to help," and "Yah" is a short form of the Tetragrammaton, the four-letter name of God in Hebrew, "Yahweh" (יהוה). Thus, the name Azariah can be translated to mean "Yah has helped" or "God has helped," signifying a sense of divine assistance or support.
The name Azariah appears in various contexts throughout the Hebrew Bible, and it is associated with several individuals who played significant roles in the religious and historical narratives. Here, I will explore some of these individuals and the contexts in which their names appear.

1. Azariah the High Priest: One of the most notable figures named Azariah is the high priest during the time of King Uzziah. As described in 2 Chronicles 26:17-21, Azariah is depicted as a faithful priest who confronts King Uzziah for his arrogance and for attempting to perform priestly duties that were reserved for the Aaronic priesthood. This act of defiance is significant as it upholds the sanctity of the priestly office and the divine order.

2. Azariah, the Son of King Jehoshaphat: Another individual named Azariah is the son of King Jehoshaphat of Judah. As mentioned in 2 Chronicles 21:2, Azariah is one of the sons born to Jehoshaphat, and he is also known as Ahaziah in some translations. The name Azariah here carries the weight of the divine promise and the hope for a just and faithful reign, which is a common theme in the naming conventions of the time.

3. Azariah in the Book of Daniel: As you've mentioned, the name Azariah is also found in the Book of Daniel. Specifically, in Daniel 1:6-7, Azariah is one of the young men chosen to be trained in the king's service during the Babylonian exile. The name is given to Abednego, who is one of the companions of Daniel, Hananiah, and Mishael. The renaming of these individuals to Babylonian-sounding names is a reflection of the cultural assimilation and the challenges these young men faced in maintaining their faith and identity in a foreign land. The name Azariah, in this context, serves as a reminder of their reliance on God's help amidst the trials they faced.

4. Other Mentions: The name Azariah also appears in other parts of the Hebrew Bible, often in genealogical lists or as part of the lineage of various figures. These mentions serve to connect the individuals to their ancestors and to the broader narrative of the biblical history.
The name Azariah, with its rich theological implications, underscores the theme of divine assistance and the importance of faith in the biblical narratives. It is a reminder that, regardless of the circumstances, God's help is available to those who seek it. The individuals named Azariah in the Bible are often portrayed as figures who rely on this divine support to navigate the challenges they face, and their stories serve as examples of faith and resilience.

Azariah (Hebrew: ??????????? '--zary--h, "Yah has helped") is the name of several people in the Hebrew Bible and Jewish history, including: Abednego, the new name given to Azariah who is the companion of Daniel, Hananiah, and Mishael in the Book of Daniel (Daniel 1:6-7)