The name Azmaveth is borne by several individuals in the Bible, most of whom are associated with the tribe of Benjamin and the lineage of King Saul, or with important roles in King David’s administration and military.
The name Azmaveth ($\text{‘Azmāweṯ}$) is a Hebrew name that means “Strong unto Death” or “Death is Strong,” reflecting a serious and powerful character.
1. Azmaveth the Mighty Man
One of the most notable men named Azmaveth was a mighty man (a warrior) from the tribe of Benjamin who joined King David’s forces while David was still in exile and hiding at Ziklag. This move demonstrated his loyalty to God’s anointed leader and his courage in the face of political opposition.
He is listed among the valiant men who became part of David’s inner circle of military leaders.
The King James Version records the connection:
Jeiel the chief, and Joseph the second, and Azmaveth the third, and Jahaziel the fourth, and Jerimoth the fifth, (1 Chronicles 12:3)
2. Azmaveth the Treasurer
A different Azmaveth served as a key official during the later years of King David’s reign, managing the royal finances outside of Jerusalem. He was responsible for the storehouses and treasures kept in the outlying fields, villages, and castles.
His administrative role was critical to the economic stability of the kingdom, ensuring the collection and security of the king’s resources.
And over the king’s treasures was Azmaveth the son of Adiel: and over the storehouses in the fields, in the cities, and in the villages, and in the castles, was Jehonathan the son of Uzziah: (1 Chronicles 27:25)
3. Azmaveth the Descendant of Saul
A third Azmaveth appears in the complex genealogies of the tribe of Benjamin, specifically in the line descended from King Saul’s son, Jonathan. This Azmaveth is an ancestor of the families that would return after the Babylonian exile.
And Ahaz begat Jehoadah; and Jehoadah begat Alemeth, and Azmaveth, and Zimri; and Zimri begat Moza, (1 Chronicles 8:36)
Furthermore, the name Beth-azmaveth (House of Azmaveth) is the name of a town in Benjamin settled by the descendants of this family after the exile, highlighting their lasting legacy.
The men of Beth-azmaveth, forty and two. (Nehemiah 7:28)
The Unifying Significance
The presence of multiple individuals named Azmaveth (“Strong unto Death”) across different facets of David’s service—military, administrative, and genealogical—underscores the idea that true strength and nobility were highly valued in the early kingdom. The name carried with it a sense of resolve and dedication, whether applied to a warrior’s resolve in battle or an official’s steadfastness in managing the king’s resources.