Name Old Testament Rare
Ariel
altar; light or lion of God
אֲרִיאֵל a.ri.el
Ariel (Hebrew: אֲרִיאֵל, a.ri.el) means “altar; light or lion of God”, by traditional interpretation. Two men in scripture bear the name; the best attested belongs to the United Monarchy period. In 2025 it was given to 1,384 children in the United States, ranking 355. Use is falling away. Around 100,665 Americans have been given it since 1880. Appears with Benaiah in 1 Chronicles 11.
Which Ariel?
Two men in scripture bear this name. Here is each of them.
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Ariel
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Ariel
Scripture against society
The two measures, side by side
At a glance
- Verses
- 3 across 3 books
- Bearers
- 2 distinct people in scripture
- Testament
- Old
- Era
- United Monarchy
Using it today
Based on 2025 births across the United States.
| Measure | Value | Reading |
|---|---|---|
| Given in 2025 | 1,384 | Falling |
| All-time total | 100,665 | Since records begin in 1880 |
| Peak | 6,077 in 1991 | Its highest year on record |
| Strongest state | CA | Highest share relative to births |
In scripture
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| First appears | 2 Samuel 23:20 |
| Last appears | Ezra 8:16 |
| Cross-references | 57 linked passages |
Names connected to this one
- Eliezer co-occurrence Appears with Eliezer in Ezra 8.
- Shemaiah co-occurrence Appears with Shemaiah in Ezra 8.
- Elnathan co-occurrence Appears with Elnathan in Ezra 8.
- Joiarib co-occurrence Appears with Joiarib in Ezra 8.
- Jarib co-occurrence Appears with Jarib in Ezra 8.
- Meshullam co-occurrence Appears with Meshullam in Ezra 8.
- Jehoiada co-occurrence Appears with Jehoiada in 1 Chronicles 11.
- Benaiah co-occurrence Appears with Benaiah in 1 Chronicles 11.
Origin & meaning
A group living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at 2Sa.23.20
meaning uncertain
1a) (CLBL) possibly lion-like
1b) (BDB) possibly two sons of Ariel of Moab
Ariel refers to two lion-like men of Moab who were killed by Benaiah, one of David's mighty warriors.
The biblical story
In 2Sa.23.20 and 1Ch.11.22, the term "Ariel" is used to describe two warriors from Moab who were killed by Benaiah, one of King David's mighty men. The passage states that Benaiah, the son of Jehoiada, was a valiant fighter from Kabzeel who performed great exploits. Among his notable achievements, he struck down two "Ariel" of Moab.
The term "Ariel" in this context is not a proper name but rather a descriptive term meaning "lion of God" or "lion-like." It is used to emphasize the strength, courage, and ferocity of these Moabite warriors. The fact that Benaiah defeated two of these formidable fighters highlights his exceptional skill and bravery as a warrior in David's army.
Apart from this brief mention, no further details are provided about the identity, background, or specific circumstances surrounding Benaiah's encounter with these Moabite warriors. The passage serves to showcase Benaiah's prowess and loyalty to King David, as well as to illustrate the might of David's elite group of warriors known as "The Thirty."
Key verses
Ariel appears in 2 verses. Here are some of the most notable:
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And Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, the son of a valiant man, of Kabzeel, who had done many acts, he slew two lionlike men of Moab: he went down also and slew a lion in the midst of a pit in time of snow:
2 Samuel 23:20 -
Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, the son of a valiant man of Kabzeel, who had done many acts; he slew two lionlike men of Moab: also he went down and slew a lion in a pit in a snowy day.
1 Chronicles 11:22
Show all 2 references
2 Samuel (1)
- 2 Samuel 23:20
1 Chronicles (1)
- 1 Chronicles 11:22