Meaning of the Name Azariah
The name Azariah is usually explained as meaning "the LORD has helped" or "Yah has helped." In Hebrew name formation it joins a divine element with the verb "to help." This etymology is common and well supported.
Origin
The name Azariah is of Hebrew origin.
Who is Azariah in the Bible?
The best-known Azariah is one of the three young men in Daniel; in Babylon he is given the name Abednego. In the fiery furnace narrative he stands out with Hananiah and Mishael as an example of faithfulness. The Old Testament also mentions other people named Azariah.
The story of Azariah in the Bible
Azariah's story begins in the book of Daniel, in the first days of the Babylonian exile. Brought from Jerusalem among the noble youths, he entered palace training with Daniel, Hananiah, and Mishael, and the Babylonian officials renamed him Abednego. He was one of the four who declined the king's table; after the trial period on plain food, they proved healthier and wiser than their peers. In the crisis over Nebuchadnezzar's dream he joined his friends in crying out to the God of heaven, and the prayer was answered. Azariah's name is linked above all to the great test on the plain of Dura: with Hananiah and Mishael he refused the command to worship the golden statue. The enraged king had the furnace heated far beyond its custom and the three thrown in, but the flames had no power over their bodies; seeing the young men walking in the fire, the king marveled and exalted their God. The Old Testament mentions other men called Azariah, yet the name evokes first this young exile who kept faith under threat of death.
Is Azariah mentioned in the Quran?
The name Azariah does not appear in the Quran; his story is found in the book of Daniel in the Old Testament, as one of the three faithful young men of the fiery-furnace account.
Verses where Azariah appears
- Daniel 1:6 —
Now among these were, of the children of Judah, Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah.
- Daniel 1:7 —
The prince of the eunuchs gave names to them: to Daniel he gave the name Belteshazzar; and to Hananiah, Shadrach; and to Mishael, Meshach; and to Azariah, Abednego.
- Daniel 3:12 —
There are certain Jews whom you have appointed over the affairs of the province of Babylon: Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego; these men, O king, have not respected you. They don’t serve your gods, nor worship the golden…