Fact-checked by Grok 2 weeks ago

Azriel

Azriel (Hebrew: עזריאל, ʿAzrīʾēl, meaning "God has helped") is a masculine of Hebrew origin that appears in the as the name of three minor figures and is borne by a prominent 13th-century Jewish and Kabbalist. In the , Azriel is first mentioned as a chief of the half-tribe of Manasseh east of the , who was among those carried captive by the king Pul () around 732 BCE. Second, he is identified as the father of Jerimoth, who served as a monthly commander over the during the reign of King . Third, Azriel appears as the father of , a royal official dispatched by King of in the late 7th century BCE to arrest the prophets and after they dictated a critical of the king. These references portray Azriel as an ancestral or paternal figure in tribal and royal contexts, reflecting the name's connotation of divine assistance in ancient Israelite society. The most notable historical bearer of the name is Azriel of Gerona (c. 1160–c. 1238), also known as Azriel ben Menahem ben Solomon or Ezra the Saint, a foundational figure in medieval Jewish mysticism. Born in Gerona, Catalonia (modern-day Spain), he studied under the influential Kabbalist Isaac the Blind in southern France before returning to establish a school of speculative Kabbalah in his hometown, where he taught notable pupils including Naḥmanides (Ramban). Azriel's teachings integrated Neoplatonic philosophy with Jewish esoteric traditions, conceptualizing God as the infinite En Sof (the Endless One) from which the ten Sefirot emanate as structured divine attributes, laying the groundwork for later Kabbalistic developments like the Zohar. His key works include Commentary on the Ten Sefirot (also called Ezrat Adonai), a philosophical exposition of emanation; a commentary on the Song of Songs; and an interpretation of Sefer Yeẓirah (the Book of Creation), emphasizing mystical cosmology over literalism. Some of his writings were later attributed to Naḥmanides due to their stylistic similarities, underscoring Azriel's profound influence on 13th-century Jewish thought in Provence and Catalonia. In Kabbalistic literature, such as the , an angel named Azriel (עזריאל) is mentioned, distinct from , the in Islamic tradition.

Etymology and Meaning

Linguistic Origins

The name Azriel is a theophoric construction derived from two primary Hebrew elements: the verb ʿāzar (עָזַר), which means "to help" or "to support," and ʾēl (אֵל), denoting "." This combination yields a meaning of "God (is my) help" or "help of God," typical of ancient Hebrew names that invoke divine assistance. The root ʿzr underlying ʿāzar traces back to the Proto-Semitic stem ʕaḏar-, signifying aid or support, and appears across ancient , including and forms. The theophoric ʾēl is a common divine element in Northwest Semitic onomastics, reflecting shared linguistic heritage among , Phoenician, and Hebrew-speaking peoples. Azriel itself emerges in Hebrew texts during the (c. 1200–586 BCE), preserved prominently in the , and has endured in subsequent Jewish linguistic and naming traditions without significant alteration. In pronunciation, Azriel is rendered as [azʁiˈel], commonly transliterated phonetically as "az-ree-EL," with stress on the final . A variant form, Ezriel, reflects anglicized or Yiddish-influenced adaptations, often pronounced similarly as "ez-ree-EL."

Cultural Interpretations

The name Azriel, derived from Hebrew elements meaning " is my help" or "Help of ," embodies symbolic themes of divine assistance and dependence on within Jewish , evoking a sense of trust in 's supportive role amid life's challenges. This interpretation aligns with broader scriptural motifs of reliance on , reinforcing piety and spiritual resilience in Jewish thought. In Jewish naming practices, Azriel has long been a favored for boys among both Ashkenazi and Sephardic communities, chosen to express faith and invoke blessings of heavenly aid, much like other theophoric names that integrate divine elements to affirm religious devotion. Its use reflects a cultural tradition of selecting names that carry theological significance, promoting a lifelong connection to core beliefs in God's helpful presence. Etymologically, Azriel connects to related theophoric names such as , which similarly conveys " has helped," highlighting a shared linguistic in Hebrew that emphasizes divine support without altering the core symbolic intent. Beyond traditional contexts, the name's appeal has grown in non-Jewish societies since around 2020, propelled by its prominent role in contemporary media like Sarah J. Maas's A Court of Thorns and Roses series, which has boosted its ranking in U.S. baby name charts to enter the top 1,000 by 2021. As of 2024, it ranked 607th for boys in U.S. births, continuing its rise.

Religious Contexts

Biblical Figures

In the Hebrew Bible, the name Azriel appears in reference to several distinct individuals, each associated with tribal lineages and minor roles in administrative, military, or royal contexts during key periods of ancient Israelite history. These figures underscore the name's prevalence among the tribes of , particularly in genealogical records compiled in the post-exilic period. One Azriel served as a head of a father's house within the half-tribe of Manasseh settled east of the . Listed among other prominent leaders such as Epher, , Eliel, , Hodaviah, and Jahdiel, he was described as a mighty man of valor and renown, indicating a position of influence in tribal governance and warfare. This Azriel and his kin faced captivity when the Assyrian king Pul, also known as , deported the Reubenites, Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh to regions in Halah, Habor, Hara, and the river of Gozan, an event tied to the around 732 BCE. Another Azriel is identified as the father of Jerimoth, who was appointed as the chief officer over the during the reign of King David around 1000 BCE. In this administrative role, Jerimoth oversaw contributions to the stores, reflecting Azriel's connection to a family involved in David's organizational reforms for the united monarchy, including the allocation of resources for religious and national purposes. A third Azriel was the father of , a royal chamberlain under King of circa 605 BCE. , along with Jerahmeel (a son of the king) and Shelemiah son of Abdeel, was commanded by to seize the prophet and his scribe after the king burned a containing 's prophecies; however, the hid the two men. This incident highlights Azriel's familial tie to the Judahite court during a time of prophetic opposition and impending Babylonian influence. These Azriels illustrate the name's integration into the tribal and royal structures of ancient , with roles ranging from local leadership in transjordanian territories to oversight of sacred provisions and enforcement in the Judean palace, as preserved in the Chronicler's genealogies and prophetic narratives. Their mentions emphasize familial lineages that supported the community's continuity amid conquest and reform.

Angelic References in Jewish Tradition

In Kabbalistic literature, particularly the 13th-century , Azriel (עזריאל) emerges as an angelic figure linked to . The portrays Azriel as a chief supervisor among the angels, commanding 60 myriads of legions—described as winged, eyed, and eared—and stationed on the northern side of , where he receives the prayers of the faithful. This positioning aligns with attributes of and , emphasizing Azriel's role in overseeing destructive forces tempered by divine justice. Azriel also appears in medieval Jewish esoteric texts, such as the Book of Raziel the Angel, where he is enumerated among protective angels invoked in amulets for and warding off , highlighting a mediatory function between divine realms and human concerns. In these grimoires and related traditions, Azriel aids in the transmission of mystical knowledge and serves under higher angels like Kemuel or Simkiel as part of the malache habbalah, or angels of destruction, responsible for separating souls from bodies at —sometimes extending to curing ailments like stupidity through invocation. Unlike the more destructive connotations in some lore, Azriel's guardianship extends to souls, facilitating their transition rather than mere termination. , building on earlier traditions, incorporates such angelic hierarchies into broader cosmic repair (), though Azriel's specific mediation between divine and human realms remains inferred through enduring symbolism of balanced severity. Distinct from Azrael (עזראל), the prominent in Islamic tradition who records deeds and escorts souls without a strong Jewish canonical basis, Azriel functions as a variant or separate entity in , emphasizing protection, judgment, and esoteric aid over outright destruction. This differentiation is evident in texts like the , which avoids the full destructive finality associated with Azrael, instead framing Azriel within Kabbalistic emanations. Historical confusion between the names persists in non-Jewish sources, often merging them due to phonetic similarity and shared death motifs, but Jewish lore maintains Azriel's ties to protective severity. Modern scholarship, exemplified by Scholem's analyses of Kabbalistic angelology, interprets Azriel's position within the angelic as an emanation of divine attributes, particularly in cosmic balance and soul guardianship. Scholem highlights such figures in amuletic traditions and , underscoring their evolution from earlier gnostic influences into structured Kabbalistic intermediaries, distinct from folkloric death angels. This view reinforces Azriel's association with judgment and mystical transmission.

Fictional Characters

In Modern Fantasy Literature

In Sarah J. Maas's A Court of Thorns and Roses (ACOTAR) series, which began in 2015 and continues as of 2025, Azriel is depicted as an shadowsinger and the of the . He is portrayed as a sworn brother to Cassian and High Lord Rhysand, forming part of their inner circle alongside these figures from his traumatic childhood. Azriel's backstory involves severe abuse by his sadistic half-brothers, who imprisoned him in a cell during his youth and burned his hands as punishment for his cries, leaving him with lasting physical and emotional scars. His mastery of shadow magic emerged from this hardship, enabling him to harness darkness for and combat, while his for Morrigan (Mor) and subtle romantic tensions with Elain Archeron add layers of emotional complexity. Throughout the series, Azriel plays pivotal roles in major battles across the faerie land of Prythian, demonstrating unwavering loyalty to Rhysand by gathering intelligence, executing covert operations, and fighting against threats like the invading forces in A Court of Wings and Ruin. Azriel's development emphasizes his physical traits and abilities, underscoring themes of , , and quiet strength. He is described as possessing eyes, scarred hands from his childhood burns, and large bat-like wings that symbolize both his vulnerability and power. His powers as a shadowsinger allow him to himself in for near-invisibility, winnow (teleport) through , and sense truths via his enchanted Truth-Teller, which reveals deceptions when wielded. These abilities, combined with his warrior physique, make him a formidable yet reserved figure, whose internal struggles with self-worth from past abuse contrast his external role as a protector. The narrative explores his quiet strength through moments of selfless sacrifice, such as shielding allies in , while his to the highlights themes of found family amid personal . Azriel has significantly contributed to the ACOTAR series' popularity, with fans on platforms like praising his brooding allure and romantic potential, fueling speculation about his central role in the anticipated sixth book, whose first draft was completed in July 2025 with a release expected in 2026. His character drives fan culture through widespread art, , and discussions that emphasize his emotional depth, helping propel the series to millions of copies sold and a dedicated . The character's prominence has influenced cultural trends, notably boosting the name Azriel's use in the United States; according to data, it rose from #921 in 2021 to #735 in 2022 and #657 in 2023, and by 2024 to #606, attributed in part to ACOTAR's romantasy appeal. Nameberry identified the series as the top pop culture baby name influence of 2023, with Azriel exemplifying this surge among parents drawn to its strong, mystical connotations.

In Other Literary Works

In Anne Rice's 1996 horror novel Servant of the Bones, Azriel is depicted as a 3,000-year-old spirit originating from ancient Babylon around 539 BCE, during the Hebrew captivity under Cyrus the Great. Born a Hebrew boy to a family of temple workers, Azriel bears a striking resemblance to the statue of the Babylonian god Marduk, leading him to be selected for a sacrificial ritual intended to create a living embodiment of the deity and secure the freedom of his people from exile. However, he is betrayed by a cunning magician and necromancer who boils his body and coats his bones in molten gold, transforming him into a powerful, bound entity—a golem-like servant compelled to obey whoever possesses those bones. This origin curses Azriel to an existence of immortality marked by vengeance and reluctant servitude, as he grapples with his liminal nature between ghost, genie, demon, and angel. Azriel's abilities in the novel include shape-shifting to alter his appearance, telekinetic powers to dispatch threats instantaneously, and an of ancient accumulated over of wandering the spirit world. These powers enable him to materialize in human form, teleport across vast distances, and interact with both mortal and realms, though he remains tethered to his golden bones and the commands of his summoners. In the story's modern setting in 20th-century , Azriel is summoned by the Kabbalist scholar Jonathan Ben Isaac, who unwittingly releases him during a ; Azriel then witnesses the ritualistic of Esther , daughter of the charismatic leader Gregory . Bound to serve yet driven by moral outrage, Azriel engages in conflicts with Belkin's occult-influenced followers, including elements tied to Nazi-era , as he seeks to thwart the cult's apocalyptic plot to unleash a deadly on the world. His interactions highlight themes of immortality's burden, , and ethical ambiguity, as Azriel aids Esther's grieving mother while questioning his own divine purpose. Critics have analyzed Rice's portrayal of Azriel as a deliberate of with Jewish esoteric traditions, drawing on Kabbalistic concepts of golems, bound spirits, and angelic intermediaries to explore the nature of amid historical pogroms and . While the novel's metaphysical depth and vivid evocation of Babylonian rituals earned praise for enriching with authentic mystical undertones, reviewers noted inconsistencies in pacing and an overreliance on , particularly in Azriel's redemptive arc against modern cultists. This depiction avoids extending into serialized adaptations, standing as a standalone examination of without direct ties to Rice's broader fantasy universes.

Other Uses

Geographical Locations

Azri'el is a religious moshav located in the Sharon plain of central , approximately 5 kilometers east of and under the jurisdiction of the Lev HaSharon Regional Council. Established in 1951 by immigrants primarily from , it exemplifies the early state-building initiatives following 's in 1948, aimed at reclaiming and cultivating marshy lands while integrating new arrivals into agricultural communities. The name Azri'el derives from the Hebrew "עזריאל," meaning " is my help," and honors Rabbi Azriel Hildesheimer (1820–1899), a pioneering leader in who founded rabbinical seminaries in and to blend traditional scholarship with secular education. The moshav's economy centers on , leveraging the fertile, sandy hamra soils of the for orchards, such as oranges and grapefruits, alongside and production—key sectors that have sustained many moshavim since the mid-20th century. As of 2023, Azri'el had a of 1,035 residents. As of 2021, nearly all residents were Jewish (99.2%), with a demographic profile featuring 28.9% under age 15, 61% working-age adults, and 10.1% over 65, reflecting a stable, family-oriented community. In line with its religious character, Azri'el hosts community events tied to , including synagogue-centered observances and agricultural festivals celebrating the harvest, which foster social cohesion among residents descended from Yemenite traditions. These efforts contributed to post-1948 by promoting self-sufficiency and cultural preservation amid mass immigration. The biblical namesake, Azriel—a chief of the mentioned in 1 Chronicles 5:24—underlies the toponym's significance in Jewish heritage. Beyond the , the name Azriel appears in minor geographical features within , such as streets in and , often commemorating the biblical figure or notable rabbis like Hildesheimer, and occasionally in communities like named avenues in U.S. cities with significant Jewish populations, symbolizing enduring ties to Hebrew .

In Music and Arts

In music, the name Azriel, often rendered as , has been invoked in compositions drawing on angelic and mystical themes. The British band released "Azrael (Angel of Death)" in 1967 as the B-side to their debut single "." This prog-rock track features brooding lyrics and orchestral instrumentation, including Emerson's distinctive organ work, evoking the solemnity of the from Jewish tradition. A follow-up piece, "Azrael Revisited," appeared in The Nice's repertoire during their 1968 BBC sessions and was later included on their 1969 self-titled album Nice. This instrumental track expands on the original's motifs with extended improvisational elements, reflecting the band's evolving sound under Emerson's leadership during their formative era from 1967 to 1969. In , Azriel appears symbolically in Kabbalistic manuscripts through textual and diagrammatic representations of angelic hierarchies, as seen in medieval works exploring , though figurative illustrations remain rare due to traditional . Modern artistic interpretations, including digital illustrations and inspired by mystical and literary angelic figures, continue to depict Azriel as a harbinger of transition and . By 2025, minor roles referencing Azriel/Azrael have emerged in media, such as the titular character in the 2024 horror film , directed by , where the name evokes apocalyptic and sacrificial themes loosely tied to the angel's lore. In video games, appears as the of Death, an imprisoned ally and narrator, in the 2010 action-adventure title , set in a post-apocalyptic world.

References

  1. [1]
    Azriel - Meaning & Verses | Bible Encyclopedia - Bible Study Tools
    (1) One of the leading men of the half-tribe of Manasseh, East of the Jordan, who with others of his tribe was carried captive by the king of Assyria.
  2. [2]
    AZRIEL (EZRA) BEN MENAHEM (BEN SOLOMON)
    Founder of the speculative Cabala, and called "The Saint"; born at Gerona in 1160; died in 1238. As to the identity of Azriel and Ezra, taken for two brothers.
  3. [3]
    Sandalphon and Azrael are the same archangels who gave the ...
    Apr 24, 2023 · Azrael (عزرائيل - עזראל) is another name for the angel of death in Islam. It is not the same angel as 'Azriel (עזריאל) mentioned in the Zohar ...Etymology of the name Azriel? - Mi Yodeya - Stack ExchangeWhat class of entity are Wisdom and Death? - Mi YodeyaMore results from judaism.stackexchange.com
  4. [4]
    The amazing name Azriel: meaning and etymology
    May 31, 2011 · Meaning: Help Of God; Etymology: From (1) the verb עזר (azar), to help, and (2) the word אל ('el), God. Related names: • Via עזר (azar): ...
  5. [5]
    Meaning, origin and history of the name Azriel
    Means "my help is God" in Hebrew, derived from עֶזְרָה (ʿezra) meaning "help" and אֵל (ʾel) meaning "God". This is the name of three minor characters in the Old ...
  6. [6]
    Appendix II - Semitic Roots - American Heritage Dictionary
    Central Semitic, to help. Ezra, from Hebrew ʿezrāʾ, hypocoristic form of a name such as ʿazrîʾēl, God (is) my help, from ʿazr‑, ʿezr‑, presuffixal form of ...
  7. [7]
  8. [8]
    Meaning of the name Azriel
    Oct 17, 2025 · Azriel is a Hebrew name meaning 'God is my help' or 'My help is God.' It is derived from the Hebrew elements 'Azar' (help) and 'El' (God).Missing: etymology | Show results with:etymology
  9. [9]
    Strong's Hebrew: 5837. עַזְרִיאֵל (Azriel) - Bible Hub
    Pronunciation: ahz-ree-EL Phonetic Spelling: (az-ree-ale') KJV: Azriel ... From ezer and 'el; help of God; Azriel, the name of three Israelites -- Azriel.
  10. [10]
    Popular Jewish (Hebrew) Boy Names - Chabad.org
    This is one of the amuletic names. Often given to a newborn after another child in the family died at a young age. The name symbolizes a prayer for longevity.
  11. [11]
    Hebrew & Jewish Boy Names And Their Meanings - Aish.com
    Azriel is the name of an angel, meaning "helper of God." The name Azriel also appears in the Bible as the father of a leader of the tribe of Naftali (1- ...
  12. [12]
    Azriel ⋆ ASH - Abrahamic Study Hall
    Mar 23, 2021 · Means “my help is GOD”, derived from Hebrew עָזַר ('azar) meaning “help” and אֵל ('el) meaning “GOD”. This was the name of three minor characters ...
  13. [13]
    Would you name your baby after a sexy fairy? It's happening thanks ...
    Jun 13, 2024 · The ACOTAR series by Sarah J. Maas has inspired baby names like Cassian and Rhys ... The names Rhys, Cassian, Azriel and Morrigan appear to the ...
  14. [14]
    Popularity for the name Azriel - Behind the Name
    Azriel (masculine) ; Year, Rank, Percent Used ; 2024, #606, 0.025 ; 2023, #657, 0.023 ; 2022, #735, 0.019.
  15. [15]
  16. [16]
  17. [17]
  18. [18]
  19. [19]
  20. [20]
  21. [21]
  22. [22]
  23. [23]
    None
    Below is a merged summary of Azriel/Azrael in Jewish tradition from "A Dictionary of Angels" by Gustav Davidson, consolidating all information from the provided segments into a comprehensive response. To maximize detail and clarity, I will use a table format in CSV style for key attributes, roles, and references, followed by a narrative summary to tie it all together. This ensures all information is retained while maintaining readability.
  24. [24]
    A Court of Mist and Fury: Character List | SparkNotes
    An Illyrian warrior, member of Rhysand's Inner Circle, spymaster. Azriel is in love with Mor. He has scars on his hands from being burned by his sadistic ...<|separator|>
  25. [25]
    Sarah J. Maas ACOTAR Character Breakdown - Brit + Co
    Mar 20, 2025 · Azriel was childhood friends with Rhysand and Cassian, and is also now a member of the Night Court. He serves as Rhys' shadowsinger and is a ...
  26. [26]
    'A Court of Thorns and Roses' Character Breakdown
    Jan 9, 2024 · Azriel is a shadow singer and is physically powerful due to his Illyrian background. He also carries a magical knife that he calls Truth-teller ...
  27. [27]
    Azriel's Impact in ACOTAR: A Closer Look - Lemon8-app
    Jan 18, 2025 · Azriel is known for his mysterious demeanor, incredible abilities as a Spymaster, and deep loyalty to his friends. His complex past and ...
  28. [28]
    Why ACOTAR Fans Think Elain & Azriel Will Be the Leads in Next ...
    Dec 13, 2024 · A Court of Thorns and Roses author Sarah J. Maas shared an easter egg-filled Spotify Wrapped message that had fans convinced Elain and Azriel's love story will ...
  29. [29]
    Exploring Azriel: The Iconic Character of ACOTAR - Lemon8-app
    Dec 22, 2024 · Fans often celebrate his character through fan art, literature discussions, and cosplay. Art inspired by Azriel highlights his mysterious and ...
  30. [30]
    Popular Baby Names | SSA - Social Security
    Popular Names by Birth Year. Enter the Year and Popularity for a List of the Most Popular Names. Birth Year: Any year after 1879.Popular Names by State · Decade · Change in Popularity · Top 5 names
  31. [31]
    Pop Culture Influences Rising Baby Names - Nameberry
    May 15, 2025 · In a year where we consumed more media than ever before, pop-culture inspired names ruled for baby girls and boys.
  32. [32]
    SERVANT OF THE BONES - Kirkus Reviews
    Young Azriel, a Jew who works for the Babylonian priests and whose best friend is the god Marduk, is murdered by a magician who coats Azriel's bones with heavy ...
  33. [33]
    Servant of the Bones - The New York Times Web Archive
    Here Azriel finds redemption by foiling the evil design of a deranged renegade billionaire Hasid named Gregory Belkin.Missing: summary | Show results with:summary
  34. [34]
    Servant of the Bones by Anne Rice
    ### Summary of "Servant of the Bones" Review
  35. [35]
    Esoteric and Theosophical Themes in Anne Rice's New Orleans ...
    Servant of the Bones is not a New Orleans story, but a cabalistic tale about a young Jew, Azriel, who is able to speak with the lesser god Marduk during the ...
  36. [36]
    HILDESHEIMER, ISRAEL (AZRIEL) - JewishEncyclopedia.com
    German rabbi, and leader of Orthodox Judaism; born at Halberstadt May 20, 1820; died at Berlin July 12, 1899; son of R. Löb Glee Hildesheimer.
  37. [37]
    Azri'el (Sharon, Central District, Israel) - Population Statistics, Charts ...
    Azri'el. 872 Population [2021] – Estimate.Missing: history | Show results with:history
  38. [38]
    The Plain of Sharon - Christians for Israel International
    Apr 13, 2021 · It's red sandy soil, called Hamra, made it suitable for agriculture, particularly citrus groves. Thus the swamps were drained, and cultivation ...
  39. [39]
    Popular Israel Street Names - Anglo-List
    Whether it's Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, Ashdod, Ashkelon or Haifa; many cities and towns in Israel have the same street names.
  40. [40]
    Azrael - The Nice | AllMusic
    Explore Azrael by The Nice. Get track information, read reviews, listen to it streaming, and more at AllMusic.
  41. [41]
  42. [42]
    Azrael Revisited - The Nice | AllMusic
    Explore Azrael Revisited by The Nice. Get track information, read reviews, listen to it streaming, and more at AllMusic.
  43. [43]
    The Nice Discography - Progrography
    Oct 6, 2025 · It was The Nice while it lasted (1967 to 1969), after which ... The Thoughts of Emerlist Davjack / Azrael (Angel of Death) / America ...
  44. [44]
    Azrael, Angel of Death — Angelarium: The Encyclopedia of Angels
    Azrael, Angel of Death. I have watched you since you were born. I wrote your name in my book as you came into this world. I have had an eye watching your ...
  45. [45]
    Fugger's Third Miscellany on Kabbalah, Venice, c.1549
    Tishbi, "Writings of the Kabbalists R. Ezra and R. Azriel of Gerona", Sinai 16 (1945):159-178. Documenter. Ilona Steimann | 2008, 2015. Author of description.
  46. [46]
    Azrael (2024) - IMDb
    Rating 5.3/10 (13,376) A devout female hunts down a young woman who has escaped her imprisonment. Recaptured by its ruthless leaders, Azrael is due to be sacrificed to pacify an ...