ازر

Core meaning

To strengthen what already exists: a contribution that props up a strength or a growth already begun, without creating it.

Uses

1. أَزْر → "resolve" : the inner strength one asks to see reinforced.

   • «ٱشْدُدْ بِهِۦٓ أَزْرِى» — "Strengthen through him my resolve" (20:31)

2. آزَرَ → "to strengthen" : to prop up the shoot already come out, so that it holds.

   • «أَخْرَجَ شَطْـَٔهُۥ فَـَٔازَرَهُۥ» — "that puts forth its shoot, strengthens it" (48:29)

Evidence from the text

Both uses presuppose a core already present. Moussa has received his mission; he asks that Harun, his brother, strengthen his resolve and share his task (20:29-32). In 48:29 the shoot has come out when the seed strengthens it; only then "it thickens and stands straight upon its stalk". Reinforcement does not bring into being: it makes firm what has begun.

Distinctions

• عون — the help brought to one who lacks it, whereas ازر makes firm a strength already there
• شدد — strength raised to its highest degree: in 20:31 it is the act requested, and أَزْر what receives it

See also

وزر (the assistant, requested in the same invocation (20:29)) · شطء (the shoot)