Introduction
The study of Greek words in the Bible is essential for a deeper understanding of the text, providing insights that go beyond translations into English. One such word is Ἑζεκίας (Hezekías), a name that appears in the genealogies of Jesus Christ in the New Testament. The name Hezekías is significant because it links the New Testament back to the Old Testament, connecting the line of Christ to the historical figure of King Hezekiah, one of Judah’s most faithful and reformative kings. Understanding the meaning and implications of this name offers valuable context for both biblical studies and the interpretation of ancient Jewish culture.
Key Information
- Greek Word: Ἑζεκίας (Hezekías) [he-zeh-KEE-as]
- Etymology: Derived from the Hebrew name חִזְקִיָּהוּ (Ḥizqiyyáhu), meaning “Yahweh strengthens” or “God is my strength.”
- Part of Speech: Proper noun, masculine (second declension)
- The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon
Primary Meanings
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- Hezekiah: Refers to King Hezekiah, the 13th king of Judah, known for his religious reforms and his efforts to centralize worship in Jerusalem.
- Genealogical Reference: Used in the New Testament genealogies to connect Jesus to the Davidic line through King Hezekiah.
Similar Words:
- Ἰησοῦς (Iēsous) [ee-ay-SOOS]: Jesus, who is also connected to the line of David, as seen in the genealogies.
- Δαυίδ (David) [da-VEED]: King David, from whose line the Messiah was prophesied to come, and to which Hezekiah belongs.
- Σολομῶν (Solomon) [so-lo-MOHN]: King Solomon, David’s son, who, like Hezekiah, was part of the Davidic line leading to Jesus.
Further Insights:
- Morphological Insights:
- Ἑζεκίας follows the second declension pattern in Greek for masculine nouns. Its Hebrew origin reflects the tradition of naming individuals based on their relationship with God, which is crucial in understanding the theological significance of biblical genealogies.
| Case | Singular |
|---|---|
| Nominative | Ἑζεκίας |
| Genitive | Ἑζεκίου |
| Dative | Ἑζεκίᾳ |
| Accusative | Ἑζεκίαν |
Lexicon Insights
BDAG: Hezekías is discussed primarily in the context of the genealogies of Christ, highlighting the name’s significance in tracing the messianic line.
Thayer’s: Thayer’s lexicon notes the Hebrew origin of the name and its meaning, “Yahweh strengthens,” emphasizing Hezekiah’s role as a reformer and a king who restored the worship of Yahweh.
Vine’s: Vine’s Expository Dictionary connects Hezekías to the broader narrative of God’s promises to David, showcasing how the inclusion of Hezekiah in Jesus’ genealogy reinforces the fulfillment of these promises.
LSJ: The Liddell-Scott-Jones lexicon focuses on the name’s usage in classical and Hellenistic Greek literature, noting its prominence in Jewish history and scripture.
Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Strong’s highlights the importance of Hezekías in the New Testament genealogies, emphasizing his connection to the Davidic lineage and the prophetic significance of his name.
Scripture References
- Matthew 1:9-10: “Uzziah the father of Jotham, Jotham the father of Ahaz, Ahaz the father of Hezekiah (Ἑζεκίας), Hezekiah the father of Manasseh…”
- Luke 3:23-27: “the son of Mattathias, the son of Amos, the son of Nahum, the son of Esli, the son of Naggai, the son of Maath, the son of Mattathias, the son of Semein, the son of Josech, the son of Joda…”
Classical Usage
| Text Source | Example |
|---|---|
| Josephus, Antiquities | “Hezekiah (Ἑζεκίας) was a righteous king, who reformed the worship of God in Judah.” |
| Septuagint, 2 Kings | “In the days of Hezekiah (Ἑζεκίας), the people returned to the worship of Yahweh.” |
| Targum Jonathan | “Hezekiah (Ἑζεκίας) stood firm in his faith, trusting in the strength of the Lord.” |
Summary of Ἑζεκίας (G1478: Hezekías)
The name Ἑζεκίας (G1478: Hezekías) holds significant theological and historical importance in the Bible. As the name of one of Judah’s most notable kings, Hezekiah represents a critical link in the lineage of Jesus Christ, reinforcing the fulfillment of God’s covenant with David. The name itself, meaning “Yahweh strengthens,” encapsulates the king’s role in restoring and upholding the worship of God in Judah, making it a powerful symbol of faith and divine support. Understanding Ἑζεκίας in its full biblical and cultural context enhances our appreciation of the genealogies in the New Testament and the broader narrative of God’s faithfulness.
Did You Know?
Did You Know? King Hezekiah, whose name means “Yahweh strengthens,” was known not only for his religious reforms but also for his miraculous recovery from illness, which was granted after he prayed to God. This event is recorded in both 2 Kings and Isaiah, highlighting Hezekiah’s deep faith and God’s direct intervention in his life.
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