Lexical Summary Azbuq: Azbuk Original Word: עַזְבּוּק Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Azbuk From az and the root of buwqah; stern depopulator; Azbuk, an Israelite -- Azbuk. see HEBREW az see HEBREW buwqah NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom az and the root of buqah Definition an Isr. NASB Translation Azbuk (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs עַזְבּוּק proper name, masculine father of one Nehemiah, a wall-builder Nehemiah 3:16, Αζαβουχ, ᵐ5L Εζδουκ. Topical Lexicon Name and Meaning Azbuk is an otherwise unattested Israelite name, preserved for us in Nehemiah 3:16. Though the meaning is debated, the name’s appearance in the rebuilding narrative underscores how God notes even the most obscure servants tied to His redemptive work. Historical Setting Azbuk lived during the fifth century B.C., the Persian period when Governor Nehemiah led the returned exiles in rebuilding Jerusalem’s shattered defenses. The single reference to Azbuk places him one generation before this monumental project, indicating that his household enjoyed local prominence during Judah’s restoration era. Family and Tribal Connections His son is identified as “Nehemiah son of Azbuk, ruler of a half-district of Beth Zur” (Nehemiah 3:16). Beth Zur lay within the hill country of Judah, about twenty miles south-west of Jerusalem. While Scripture does not state Azbuk’s tribe explicitly, the geographical link suggests Judahite affiliation. The family’s civic authority—ruling a half-district—implies that Azbuk belonged to the landed leadership that survived the exile and secured Persian recognition on return. Contribution to the Wall Rebuilding Although the text records the son’s labor, the father’s mention highlights a chain of faithfulness. The younger Nehemiah repaired the section “opposite the tombs of David, as far as the artificial pool and the House of the Mighty” (Nehemiah 3:16). His diligence reflects a heritage likely fostered by Azbuk, who would have nurtured covenant loyalty amid post-exilic challenges. Thus, Azbuk’s greatest recorded contribution is the godly influence that equipped his son for public service. Geographical Considerations: Beth Zur Beth Zur guarded a strategic ascent to Jerusalem. The district ruler’s participation ensured resources and manpower from the southern hills reached the capital. Azbuk’s family therefore played a crucial logistical role in uniting outlying Judean communities with Jerusalem’s restoration, embodying the principle that every locality shared responsibility for the holy city. Spiritual and Ministerial Significance 1. Hidden Faithfulness: Azbuk never appears performing a public deed, yet his name endures in Scripture. God honors those who shape the next generation, even when their service remains unseen. Legacy and Lessons for Today Azbuk stands as a testament that Scripture’s vast narrative treasures even brief, obscure references. His inclusion challenges believers to value quiet faithfulness, invest in emerging leaders, and recognize that the Lord weaves every willing life—however inconspicuous—into His grand design of restoration. Forms and Transliterations עַזְבּ֔וּק עזבוק ‘az·būq ‘azbūq azBukLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Nehemiah 3:16 HEB: נְחֶמְיָ֣ה בֶן־ עַזְבּ֔וּק שַׂ֕ר חֲצִ֖י NAS: the son of Azbuk, official KJV: the son of Azbuk, the ruler INT: Nehemiah the son of Azbuk official of half 1 Occurrence |
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