Lexical Summary Azaryah: Azariah Original Word: עֲזַרְיָה Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Azariah (Aramaic) corresponding to Azaryah; Azarjah, one of Daniel's companions -- Azariah. see HEBREW Azaryah NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origin(Aramaic) corresponding to Azaryah Definition one of Daniel's companions NASB Translation Azariah (1). Topical Lexicon Identity Azariah is one of the four young Judean exiles featured in the early chapters of Daniel. He is better known by the Babylonian name Abed-Nego, which was assigned to him after his deportation (Daniel 1:7). The single appearance of the Hebrew form in Daniel 2:17 identifies him within the intimate circle of Daniel’s companions: “Then Daniel returned to his house and explained the matter to his friends Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah”. Historical Background Azariah was taken to Babylon during the first deportation under King Nebuchadnezzar in 605 B.C. (Daniel 1:1-3). Trained in the king’s court, he received education in the language and literature of the Chaldeans, preparation intended to assimilate promising Israelites into imperial service. Despite pressure to conform, Azariah resolved—along with Daniel, Hananiah, and Mishael—to remain faithful to the covenant God of Israel. Biblical Narrative 1. Dietary test (Daniel 1:8-20). Azariah’s initial act of faithfulness came when he agreed to partake only of vegetables and water, trusting God’s provision rather than defiling himself with royal delicacies. Spiritual Significance • Faith under pressure: Azariah exemplifies unwavering loyalty to God despite cultural assimilation and mortal peril. Lessons for Faith and Practice 1. Conviction must precede comfort; true discipleship resists compromise regardless of the cost. Relation to New Testament Themes Azariah’s experience resonates with the apostolic call to civil obedience that never compromises worship (Acts 5:29) and with the promise that Christ is present “where two or three gather in My name” (Matthew 18:20). The furnace deliverance foreshadows the ultimate rescue in Christ, who “will rescue us from every evil deed and bring us safely into His heavenly kingdom” (2 Timothy 4:18). Summary Though the Hebrew name Azariah appears only once, the man’s life contributes profoundly to Scripture’s portrayal of covenant fidelity. His steadfastness, reliance on prayer, and witness before a hostile empire encourage believers to entrust themselves to the God who delivers from both impending wrath and present trials. Forms and Transliterations וַעֲזַרְיָ֛ה ועזריה vaazarYah wa‘ăzaryāh wa·‘ă·zar·yāhLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Daniel 2:17 HEB: וְ֠לַחֲנַנְיָה מִֽישָׁאֵ֧ל וַעֲזַרְיָ֛ה חַבְר֖וֹהִי מִלְּתָ֥א NAS: Mishael and Azariah, about the matter, KJV: Mishael, and Azariah, his companions: INT: Hananiah Mishael and Azariah his friends the matter 1 Occurrence |
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