Original Word: עַזְמָוֶת
Part of Speech: proper name, masculine
Transliteration: `Azmaveth
Pronunciation: az-maw'-veth
Phonetic Spelling: (az-maw'-veth)
KJV: Azmaveth See also H1041
Word Origin: [from H5794 (עַז - strong) and H4194 (מָוֶת - death)]

1. strong one of death
2. Azmaveth, the name of three Israelites and of a place in Israel

Azmaveth

From az and maveth; strong one of death; Azmaveth, the name of three Israelites and of a place in Palestine -- Azmaveth. See also Beyth 'Azmaveth.

see HEBREW az

see HEBREW maveth

see HEBREW Beyth 'Azmaveth

I. עַזְמָ֫וֶת proper name, masculine A ᵐ5^L usually Αζμωθ, Ασμωθ:

1. a. one of David's heroes 2 Samuel 23:31; 1 Chronicles 11:33, B Ασβωθ.

b. father of two of David's men 1 Chronicles 12:3.

c. officer of David 1 Chronicles 27:25.

2 Benjamite name 1 Chronicles 8:36; 1 Chronicles 9:42, B Σαλμω, Γαβαωθ.

Overview

Azmaveth appears eight times in Scripture as the name of several Benjamite individuals tied to the reign of David and to post-exilic restoration, as well as the name of a Benjaminite settlement. The references collectively highlight themes of covenant faithfulness, administrative wisdom, and the Lord’s preservation of His people and their inheritance.

Benjamite Heritage

All identifiable persons named Azmaveth are associated with the tribe of Benjamin, the tribe nearest Jerusalem and the royal seat of David’s kingdom. This recurring tribal link underlines Benjamin’s strategic and spiritual importance in uniting the nation under David and, centuries later, rallying around Jerusalem after the exile.

Azmaveth the Mighty Man

2 Samuel 23:31 lists “Azmaveth the Barhumite” among the Thirty, David’s elite warriors. 1 Chronicles 11:33 repeats the notice. These parallel texts underscore the valor of a Benjamite who, despite historic tensions between Saul’s house and David, willingly aligned with the Lord’s anointed. His inclusion among the Thirty testifies to God’s power to forge unity and loyalty across former tribal rivalries.

Father of Skilled Warriors

1 Chronicles 12:3 names Jeziel and Pelet, “the sons of Azmaveth,” among the Benjamite archers who defected to David at Ziklag: “the chief was Ahiezer, then Joash … Jeziel and Pelet, the sons of Azmaveth”. The text portrays a family of accomplished fighters whose allegiance to David foreshadows the eventual reconciliation of the kingdom. Their readiness illustrates generational commitment to God’s chosen king.

Descendant of Saul

Azmaveth also appears in the genealogies of Saul’s line (1 Chronicles 8:36; 9:42). Though distant from the throne after Saul’s death, the family persists in the record, reflecting the chronicler’s purpose to affirm that every lineage matters in God’s covenant plan. The presence of an Azmaveth here further bridges Saul’s house with David’s reign, signalling continuity rather than extinction.

Royal Treasurer

1 Chronicles 27:25 designates “Azmaveth son of Adiel” as overseer of David’s treasuries: “Azmaveth son of Adiel was in charge of the royal storehouses”. Managing the king’s wealth required integrity, diligence, and trustworthiness. This administrative Azmaveth models the sanctified use of resources for the prosperity of the covenant community and foreshadows later prophetic calls for honest stewardship (for example, Malachi 3:10).

Post-Exilic Clan and Town

Ezra 2:24 and Nehemiah 7:28 list “the men of Azmaveth” among returnees from Babylon, while Nehemiah 12:29 locates singers settled in “Beth-Gilgal and the region of Geba and Azmaveth.” These references point to a town north-east of Jerusalem (modern-day Hizmeh vicinity). The community’s return verifies God’s faithfulness to restore tribal inheritances. The town’s contribution of Temple singers in Nehemiah further links Azmaveth with worship renewal.

Geographic Setting and Archaeological Notes

Situated on the Benjamin-Judah border, Azmaveth controlled an approach to Jerusalem, explaining both its military significance under David and its value in post-exilic times. Pottery from Iron Age II and Persian layers found near modern Hizmeh aligns with the biblical timeline, supporting the site’s continuous occupation from the monarchy through the restoration.

Theological Implications

1. Unity in Diversity: Multiple Benjamites named Azmaveth serve the Judahite king, illustrating how covenant loyalty transcends tribal identity.
2. Faithful Stewardship: From battlefield exploits to treasury oversight, the Azmaveth figures demonstrate that courage and integrity alike advance God’s purposes.
3. Restoration Hope: The post-exilic town bearing the name embodies God’s promise to reclaim not only individuals but also places for His glory.

Ministry Application

Pastors and teachers can draw on Azmaveth to encourage congregations toward:
• Reconciled relationships that honor rightful authority.
• Multi-generational faithfulness in both public service and private devotion.
• Stewardship of resources and talents for kingdom advancement.
• Confidence that God restores both people and locales marred by judgment, inviting His servants to participate in rebuilding worshiping communities.

Azmaveth’s scattered yet cohesive appearances thus weave a narrative of loyalty, stewardship, and restoration that enriches biblical theology and informs contemporary discipleship.

וְעַזְמָ֑וֶת ועזמות עַזְמָ֑וֶת עַזְמָ֖וֶת עַזְמָ֙וֶת֙ עזמות ‘az·mā·weṯ ‘azmāweṯ azMavet veazMavet wə‘azmāweṯ wə·‘az·mā·weṯInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts