Lexical Summary Azór: Azor Original Word: Ἀζώρ Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Azorigin Of Hebrew origin (compare Azzuwr); Azor, an Israelite -- Azorigin see HEBREW Azzuwr NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originof Hebrew origin, cf. Azzur Definition Azor, an Isr. NASB Translation Azor (2). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 107: ἈζώρἈζώρ, Azor, the indecl, proper name of one of the ancestors of Christ: Matthew 1:13f. Topical Lexicon Occurrences in Scripture Azor appears twice in the New Testament, both times in the genealogy of Jesus Christ recorded by Matthew (Matthew 1:13-14). In both verses Azor is presented as a link in the royal line from King David through Zerubbabel down to Joseph, the legal father of Jesus. Historical Background Azor’s life falls in the post-exilic period that followed Judah’s return from Babylon (late fifth to early fourth century B.C.). While no Old Testament narrative records his deeds, his placement between Eliakim and Zadok situates him several generations after Zerubbabel, governor of Judah under Persian rule (Haggai 2:2). The years after the exile were marked by rebuilding—of temple, walls, and national identity—setting the stage for the messianic hopes that Matthew later affirms. Placement in the Matthean Genealogy Matthew structures the ancestry of Jesus into three symmetrical sets of fourteen generations (Matthew 1:17). Azor occupies the second group, spanning the exile to the birth of Christ. This arrangement highlights: • Covenant continuity: the promises to David (2 Samuel 7:12-16) remain intact despite exile. Theological Significance 1. Fulfillment of Prophecy. By tracing an unbroken line to David, Matthew demonstrates that the Messiah fulfills prophetic expectation (Isaiah 11:1; Jeremiah 23:5). Related Old Testament Context Post-exilic books such as 1 Chronicles, Ezra, and Nehemiah are saturated with genealogies that safeguarded tribal identity, land rights, and priestly succession. Matthew mirrors that practice to authenticate Jesus as the climax of Israel’s history. The name “Azor” (“helper”) echoes Old Testament themes of God’s help (Psalm 121:2) and signals the Helper who would come in Christ and later the Holy Spirit (John 14:16). Lessons for Ministry and Discipleship • Value the Whole Counsel of God. Genealogies preach the gospel account of promise kept. Conclusion Though mentioned only twice, Azor anchors one vital link in the chain leading to the birth of Jesus Christ. His quiet place in history demonstrates God’s unfailing commitment to His promises, the importance of every generation in His redemptive plan, and the certainty that He works through both renowned leaders and unknown helpers to accomplish His purposes. Forms and Transliterations Αζωρ Ἀζώρ Ἀζὼρ Azor Azōr Azṓr AzṑrLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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