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Introduction
In Biblical studies, understanding the original Greek words can shed light on the depth and nuance of the text. The Greek word Ζαχαρίας (Zacharias), transliterated as Zacharias in English, is particularly significant as it refers to multiple important figures in biblical history. This name, borne by both a prophet in the Old Testament and the father of John the Baptist in the New Testament, is laden with cultural and theological relevance. Knowing its meaning and use can provide deeper insights into New Testament interpretation and the understanding of ancient Jewish culture.
Key Information
- The Greek Word: Ζαχαρίας (Zacharias) [zah-khah-REE-as]
- Etymology: Derived from the Hebrew זְכַרְיָה (Zekaryah), which means “Yahweh remembers” or “the Lord has remembered.”
- Part of Speech: Proper noun, masculine; used as a personal name. It does not follow standard declension patterns.
- The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.
Primary Meanings
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- Zacharias: A proper noun referring to several notable figures in the Bible, including:
- Zacharias, the father of John the Baptist, a priest of the division of Abijah.
- Zacharias, a minor prophet in the Old Testament, known for the Book of Zechariah.
Similar Words: Ζαχαρία (Zakharía) [zah-khah-REE-ah], a variant form of the name found in some manuscripts. The two forms are related but differ slightly in pronunciation and usage. Zakharía is a shortened or contracted form.
Further Insights: The name Ζαχαρίας is indeclinable in Greek and retains the same form regardless of its grammatical case, typical for proper nouns in biblical Greek. This characteristic is crucial for beginners in Greek grammar. For a more in-depth exploration of Greek grammar, Click here for a beginners guide to reading Greek.
Lexicon Insights
- BDAG: Defines Ζαχαρίας as “Zacharias,” noting its use for two primary biblical figures: the father of John the Baptist in the New Testament and the minor prophet in the Old Testament.
- Thayer’s: Lists Ζαχαρίας as a transliteration of the Hebrew Zekaryah, meaning “Yahweh remembers.” Thayer’s notes its significance in Jewish and early Christian traditions and its various occurrences in the New Testament.
- Vine’s: Discusses Ζαχαρίας primarily in relation to the father of John the Baptist, emphasizing his role in the Gospel of Luke as a priest and a figure of piety and prophecy.
- LSJ (Liddell-Scott-Jones): Mentions Ζαχαρίας in Hellenistic Jewish literature, acknowledging its commonality as a name without further meanings beyond its biblical usage.
- Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Identifies Ζαχαρίας as Strong’s G2197, highlighting its use in the New Testament for the priestly father of John the Baptist and pointing out its Hebrew origin, which means “Yahweh remembers.”
Related Scripture References
- Luke 1:5 – “In the days of Herod, king of Judea, there was a priest named Zacharias [Ζαχαρίας], of the division of Abijah; and he had a wife from the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth.”
- Luke 1:13 – “But the angel said to him, ‘Do not be afraid, Zacharias [Ζαχαρίας], for your petition has been heard, and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you will give him the name John.'”
- Matthew 23:35 – “So that upon you may fall the guilt of all the righteous blood shed on earth, from the blood of righteous Abel to the blood of Zacharias [Ζαχαρίας], the son of Berechiah, whom you murdered between the temple and the altar.”
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Classical Usage
| Author | Name of Work | English Text |
|---|---|---|
| Septuagint | Zechariah 1:1 | “In the eighth month, in the second year of Darius, the word of the LORD came to Zechariah [Ζαχαρίας], the son of Berechiah, the son of Iddo the prophet, saying:” |
| Septuagint | 2 Chronicles 24:20 | “Then the Spirit of God came on Zechariah [Ζαχαρίας] the son of Jehoiada the priest; and he stood above the people and said to them, ‘Thus God has said, “Why do you transgress the commandments of the LORD and do not prosper?”‘” |
| Josephus | Antiquities of the Jews | “Zacharias [Ζαχαρίας] was a righteous man, and his name is mentioned as one of the last of the prophets before the coming of Christ.” |
Summary of Ζαχαρίας (G2197: Zacharias)
Ζαχαρίας (Zacharias, Strong’s G2197) is a proper noun in the New Testament that refers to multiple important biblical figures, including the father of John the Baptist and a minor prophet. The name is significant for its meaning, “Yahweh remembers,” which reflects the faithfulness of God in biblical narratives. Understanding Ζαχαρίας allows for deeper insights into both the cultural context of the New Testament and the prophetic tradition of the Old Testament, where it is linked with calls for repentance and the anticipation of God’s promises.
Did You Know?
Did you know that the story of Zacharias, the father of John the Baptist, involves a moment of doubt that led to him being struck mute? When the angel Gabriel appeared to him in the temple, announcing that his wife Elizabeth would bear a son, Zacharias doubted due to their old age. As a result, he was rendered silent until the birth of John, demonstrating the power and mystery of divine encounters in the Bible!
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