Original Word: אִיעֶזֵר
Part of Speech: Proper Name Masculine
Transliteration: Iy`ezer
Pronunciation: yah-AY-zer
Phonetic Spelling: (ee-eh'-zer)
KJV: Jeezer
NASB: Iezer
Word Origin: [from H336 (אִי - Island) and H5828 (עֵזֶר - help)]

1. helpless
2. Iezer, an Israelite

Jeezer

From 'iy and ezer; helpless; Iezer, an Israelite -- Jeezer.

see HEBREW 'iy

see HEBREW ezer

Word Origin
from i and ezer
Definition
"region of help," two Isr. (the same as NH0044)
NASB Translation
Iezer (1).

Meaning and Theological Motif of Divine Help

The name Iezer (Strong’s Hebrew 372) contains the Hebrew root עזר, “help,” framing the clan’s identity around the truth that “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in times of trouble” (Psalm 46:1). The census placement of the Iezerites within the redeemed people underlines that divine help is not abstract but covenantal—experienced in the preservation and ordering of the tribes. Iezer thus stands as a narrative reminder that Israel’s survival in the wilderness, and later possession of the land, rested on the LORD’s sustaining aid.

Genealogical Context within Manasseh

• Patriarchal Descent: Joseph → Manasseh → Machir → Gilead → Iezer (Numbers 26:29–30).
• Sibling Clans: Helek, Asriel, Shechem, Shemida, Hepher.

This ancestry places the Iezerites in the half-tribe noted for both warriors (Joshua 17:1) and inheritance on both sides of the Jordan. The clan shared in the heritage of Joseph’s faith (Genesis 50:24) and the mandate to pass that faith to successive generations (Deuteronomy 6:7).

Clanship and Land Allotment

Numbers 26 records the second wilderness census “to apportion the inheritance” (Numbers 26:53). Though the land boundaries are not itemized by clan in Torah, Joshua 17:2 shows a parallel list of Manassite clans receiving territory west of the Jordan. By that stage the name develops into Abiezer (“my father is help”), the group from whom Gideon later emerges (Judges 6:11). The linguistic shift hints that the Iezerite line not only persisted but flourished, supplying leaders for Israel’s future deliverance. Possessing land required the Iezerites to drive out entrenched Canaanite strongholds (Joshua 17:12-13), so the theme of divine help becomes concrete in battle and settlement.

Legacy in Israel’s Story

1. Preservation through Judgment: While the unbelieving generation perished, the Iezerites survived to stand in the plains of Moab. Their presence verifies the reliability of God’s promise—“Not one of them who despised Me will see it” (Numbers 14:23)—and His simultaneous mercy to the faithful remnant.
2. Contribution to the Era of the Judges: Gideon the Abiezrite (Judges 6:34) testifies that the Iezer/Abiezer stock produced deliverers who “saved Israel out of the hand of Midian.” His victory echoed the clan’s name; the LORD Himself fought for Israel (Judges 7:22).
3. Reflection in Worship: Later psalmists repeatedly celebrate God as “Ezri” (“my help,” Psalm 121:2). Every mention of divine help resonates with the memory enshrined in names like Iezer, embedding theology in daily speech.

Ministry Implications

• Identity Rooted in God’s Aid: Believers today, like the Iezerites, derive identity from the LORD’s help, not personal pedigree. This shapes humble dependence in service and intercession.
• Inter-generational Faithfulness: The census stresses counting families, not merely individuals. Churches emulate this by discipling households, ensuring that children learn to call on the same Helper (Acts 2:39).
• Courage for Spiritual Conquest: As the Iezerites faced fortified cities, modern Christians confront spiritual strongholds (2 Corinthians 10:4). Confidence arises from the same covenant promise of help (Hebrews 13:6).

Iezer’s single biblical appearance is brief, yet it threads a vital theme through Scripture: the God who numbers His people also helps, delivers, and secures their inheritance.

אִיעֶ֕זֶר איעזר ’î‘ezer ’î·‘e·zer iEzerInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts