Introduction
Understanding Greek words is vital in Biblical studies as it provides deeper insight into the cultural, historical, and linguistic contexts of the Scriptures. The Greek word Ζάρα (Zara), transliterated as Zarah in English, is significant because it is a proper noun that refers to a person mentioned in both the Old and New Testaments. Zara is a figure in the genealogy of Jesus Christ, mentioned in the Gospels, making it relevant to understanding the lineage and cultural heritage in biblical narratives.
Key Information
- The Greek Word: Ζάρα (Zara) [ZAH-rah]
- Etymology: Derived from the Hebrew זָרַח (Zarach), meaning “rising” or “dawning.” This name reflects the symbolic importance often attributed to biblical names.
- Part of Speech: Proper noun, masculine; it is a personal name and does not follow typical declension patterns.
- The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.
Primary Meanings
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- Zara: A proper noun referring to Zarah, the son of Judah and Tamar, mentioned in the genealogies in the Gospels of Matthew.
Similar Words: Ζακχαῖος (Zakchaios) [zak-KHAY-os], another proper noun that refers to a New Testament character, Zacchaeus. Both words are names with Hebrew origins and are used to refer to individuals in biblical narratives. However, while Ζακχαῖος is a tax collector who repents after meeting Jesus, Ζάρα is significant for his genealogical connection to the tribe of Judah.
Further Insights: Ζάρα is a proper noun and is thus indeclinable in Greek, remaining the same regardless of its grammatical case. It is important to note that proper nouns like Ζάρα do not change form, unlike common nouns. This insight is crucial for beginners learning Greek grammar. For more information, Click here for a beginners guide to reading Greek.
Lexicon Insights
- BDAG: Defines Ζάρα as “Zara,” the son of Judah and Tamar, emphasizing its use in genealogical contexts in the New Testament. It highlights the importance of this name in the lineage of Jesus Christ.
- Thayer’s: Lists Ζάρα as a transliteration of the Hebrew Zarach, noting its meaning as “rising” or “shining.” Thayer’s emphasizes the genealogical significance of the name in Jewish and Christian traditions.
- Vine’s: Discusses Ζάρα in the context of the genealogies in Matthew 1:3, noting the historical and cultural importance of genealogical records for both Jews and early Christians.
- LSJ (Liddell-Scott-Jones): Mentions Ζάρα in the context of Hellenistic Jewish literature, noting its use as a proper noun without additional meanings beyond its identity as a biblical figure.
- Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Identifies Ζάρα as Strong’s G2196, emphasizing its use in the genealogies of Jesus and the connection to the Hebrew root word meaning “rising” or “dawning.”
Related Scripture References
- Matthew 1:3 – “And Judah the father of Perez and Zerah [Ζάρα] by Tamar, and Perez the father of Hezron, and Hezron the father of Ram.”
- Luke 3:33 – “The son of Amminadab, the son of Admin, the son of Arni, the son of Hezron, the son of Perez, the son of Judah, the son of Zerah [Ζάρα], the son of Perez.”
Classical Usage
| Author | Name of Work | English Text |
|---|---|---|
| Septuagint | Genesis 38:30 | “Afterward his brother came out, the one with the scarlet thread on his hand; and his name was Zerah [Ζάρα].” |
| Septuagint | 1 Chronicles 2:4 | “And Tamar his daughter-in-law bore him Perez and Zerah [Ζάρα].” |
| Josephus | Antiquities of the Jews | “Zara [Ζάρα] was born along with his brother Perez to Judah and Tamar.” |
Summary of Ζάρα (G2196: Zara)
Ζάρα (Zara, Strong’s G2196) is a proper noun in the New Testament that refers to Zarah, the son of Judah and Tamar. The name is significant for its inclusion in the genealogies of Jesus Christ, which appear in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke. Derived from the Hebrew word Zarach, meaning “rising” or “dawning,” it reflects the symbolic importance of biblical names. Understanding Ζάρα provides deeper insights into the genealogical and cultural context of the New Testament, especially regarding the lineage of the Messiah.
Did You Know?
Did you know that Zarah’s story is one of the most intriguing in the Bible? In Genesis 38, during the birth of Judah’s twin sons, Zarah was the first to put out his hand, and a scarlet thread was tied around it to mark him as the firstborn. However, he pulled his hand back, and his brother Perez was born first, creating a fascinating twist in the lineage of the tribe of Judah!
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