Original Word: יַעֲזִיָּהוּ
Part of Speech: Proper Name Masculine
Transliteration: Ya`aziyahuw
Pronunciation: yah-az-ee-YAH-hoo
Phonetic Spelling: (yah-az-ee-yaw'-hoo)
KJV: Jaaziah
NASB: Jaaziah
Word Origin: [from H3267 (יָעַז - fierce) and H3050 (יָהּ - LORD)]

1. emboldened of Jah
2. Jaazijah, an Israelite

Jaaziah

From ya'az and Yahh; emboldened of Jah; Jaazijah, an Israelite -- Jaaziah.

see HEBREW ya'az

see HEBREW Yahh

Word Origin
from azaz and Yah
Definition
a Levite
NASB Translation
Jaaziah (2).

יַעֲזִיָּ֫הוּ proper name, masculine Οζεια(ς), Levite name 1 Chronicles 24:26,27, perhaps for עֻזִּיָּהוּ Gray^{Prop. N. 291}.

Name Meaning and Theological Implication

Yaʿăzîyāhû (Jaaziah) carries the idea “Yahweh comforts/encourages.” The name itself is a quiet testimony that the Lord personally consoles His people and supplies the strength needed for faithful service (compare Isaiah 40:1; 2 Corinthians 1:3-4). Every mention of Jaaziah therefore reminds the reader that divine consolation is more than emotion; it is empowerment for covenantal duty.

Scriptural Occurrences

1 Chronicles 24:26-27 supplies both references to Jaaziah:
• “The sons of Merari were Mahli and Mushi, and the sons of Jaaziah his son” (24:26).
• “The sons of Jaaziah: Beno, Shoham, Zaccur, and Ibri” (24:27).

Genealogical Placement

Jaaziah descends from Merari, the third son of Levi (Genesis 46:11; Numbers 3:17, 33-37). Within the Levitical clans, Merarites were charged with the heaviest portions of tabernacle transport—the frames, pillars, bases, pegs, and cords (Numbers 4:29-33). Jaaziah therefore stands in a lineage accustomed to quiet, weight-bearing service. His four sons (Beno, Shoham, Zaccur, Ibri) extend the line, ensuring Merarite representation in later generations of temple duty.

Role in Davidic Temple Organization

1 Chronicles 24 arranges the priestly and Levitical families for the new temple ministry envisioned by David and later executed under Solomon. While Eleazar and Ithamar produce the twenty-four priestly divisions (24:3-19), the remainder of the chapter briefly catalogs other Levitical families so that no clan is overlooked when temple duties are assigned (24:20-31). Jaaziah appears precisely here, anchoring an otherwise unattested Merarite branch. His inclusion safeguards the completeness of David’s organization, reflecting God’s concern that every calling, however small, is recognized and woven into the corporate worship of Israel (cf. 1 Corinthians 12:18-22).

Historical and Ministry Significance

1. Preservation of Covenant Records

The Chronicler writes after the exile, when genealogies validated priestly and Levitical legitimacy (Ezra 2:61-63). Mentioning Jaaziah decades—or even centuries—after his lifetime affirms the continuity of God’s covenant order and rebukes any attempt to fabricate lineage for personal gain.
2. Assurance for the Post-Exilic Community

Names like Jaaziah reassured returning exiles that the Lord had not forgotten even obscure households. If a minor Merarite branch was preserved in Scripture, then each restored family could trust that their place before God remained secure.
3. Model of Hidden Faithfulness

Unlike more prominent figures, Jaaziah left no recorded exploits. Yet his sons entered the sacred roster, implying that Jaaziah fulfilled his duty well enough to raise sons who were trustworthy for temple service. The narrative thereby honors generational discipleship (Deuteronomy 6:6-7; 2 Timothy 1:5).
4. Foreshadowing of Consolation in Christ

The name’s meaning anticipates the ultimate Consoler, Jesus Christ, who proclaims, “Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28). Just as Jaaziah’s family bore temple burdens, believers cast their heavier, spiritual burdens on the One whose yoke is easy.

Practical Lessons

• God records and values ministries that escape human notice.
• Faithful parenting can extend one’s influence beyond personal lifespan.
• Consolation received from the Lord equips for labor rather than inactivity.
• Accurate genealogical and historical records serve theological purposes, confirming divine faithfulness through the generations.

Key Cross-References for Study

Numbers 4:29-33; 1 Chronicles 23:21-23; Ezra 2:61-63; Isaiah 40:1-2; 2 Corinthians 1:3-4; Hebrews 6:10.

יַעֲזִיָּ֥הֽוּ יעזיהו לְיַֽעֲזִיָּ֣הֽוּ ליעזיהו lə·ya·‘ă·zî·yā·hū ləya‘ăzîyāhū leyaaziYahu ya‘ăzîyāhū ya·‘ă·zî·yā·hū yaaziYahuInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts