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Introduction
Understanding Greek words in Biblical studies is essential for deeper insights into the Scriptures, especially when studying names that have historical and theological significance. The Greek word Ζοροβαβέλ (Zorobabel) refers to Zerubbabel, an important figure in Jewish history who led the first group of Jews returning from Babylonian exile. His name is often associated with restoration, leadership, and the rebuilding of the Temple in Jerusalem. Thus, it holds substantial relevance for both New Testament interpretation and understanding the cultural and historical contexts of the ancient Jewish people.
Key Information
- The Greek Word: Ζοροβαβέλ (Zorobabel), pronounced [zo-ro-va-BEL].
- Etymology: Likely derived from the Hebrew name זְרֻבָּבֶל (Zerubbabel), meaning “seed of Babylon” or “born in Babylon.”
- Part of Speech: Proper noun, masculine; indeclinable.
- The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.
Primary Meanings
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- Zerubbabel: A Jewish leader and governor of Judah during the period of the return from Babylonian exile. He is noted for his role in rebuilding the Second Temple in Jerusalem and restoring the Jewish community.
Similar Words: Ζοροβαβέλ (Zorobabel) is similar to Ἰησοῦς (Iēsous), meaning “Jesus” or “Joshua,” in that both are names of leaders associated with restoration and salvation. However, Ἰησοῦς is more widely recognized in the context of the New Testament, while Ζοροβαβέλ is specifically tied to the Jewish return from Babylonian captivity.
Further Insights: Ζοροβαβέλ is an indeclinable noun, which means it retains the same form regardless of its grammatical case in sentences. While no declension table is applicable due to its indeclinable nature, understanding the concept of indeclinability can help in reading Greek texts. Click here for a beginners guide to reading Greek.
Lexicon Insights
BDAG: Ζοροβαβέλ is defined as “Zerubbabel,” a descendant of David and a leader who played a critical role in the post-exilic community of Israel by leading the return from Babylonian exile and laying the foundation for the rebuilding of the Second Temple.
Thayers: The entry for Ζοροβαβέλ emphasizes his position as a governor of Judah under the Persian King Cyrus and his role in re-establishing Jewish life and worship in Jerusalem after the Babylonian exile. Thayer connects his leadership with prophetic fulfillment and messianic expectations.
Vines: Ζοροβαβέλ is identified as the name of a post-exilic Jewish leader, directly involved in the rebuilding of the Temple. Vine’s emphasizes Zerubbabel’s heritage as a Davidic descendant, highlighting his importance in the genealogical line leading to Jesus Christ.
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LSJ: The lexicon briefly mentions Ζοροβαβέλ as the Greek rendering of the Hebrew name “Zerubbabel,” a historical figure in Jewish history associated with rebuilding efforts in Jerusalem.
Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Ζοροβαβέλ is defined as “Zerubbabel,” the head of the tribe of Judah during the period of the return from exile. Strong’s highlights his significance in leading the reconstruction of the Temple and his lineage, which connects him to the royal Davidic line.
Related Scripture References
- Matthew 1:12: “After the exile to Babylon: Jeconiah was the father of Shealtiel, and Shealtiel the father of [Zerubbabel (Ζοροβαβέλ)].”
- Luke 3:27: “The son of Joanan, the son of Rhesa, the son of [Zerubbabel (Ζοροβαβέλ)], the son of Shealtiel, the son of Neri.”
Classical Usage
| Author | Name of Work | English Text |
|---|---|---|
| Septuagint | 1 Chronicles 3:19 | “And the sons of [Zerubbabel (Ζοροβαβέλ)]: Meshullam, Hananiah, and Shelomith was their sister.” |
| Septuagint | Haggai 1:1 | “In the second year of Darius the king, in the sixth month, on the first day of the month, the word of the LORD came by Haggai the prophet to [Zerubbabel (Ζοροβαβέλ)], the son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah.” |
| Septuagint | Zechariah 4:6 | “This is the word of the LORD to [Zerubbabel (Ζοροβαβέλ)]: ‘Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,’ says the LORD Almighty.” |
| Josephus | Antiquities of the Jews | “[Zerubbabel (Ζοροβαβέλ)], a descendant of the royal line of David, played a pivotal role in the return from exile.” |
| Eusebius | Ecclesiastical History | “The descendants of [Zerubbabel (Ζοροβαβέλ)] continued to lead the community in post-exilic Israel.” |
Summary of Ζοροβαβέλ (G2216: Zorobabel)
The Greek word Ζοροβαβέλ (Zorobabel), meaning “Zerubbabel,” is significant for understanding the historical and theological contexts of the Jewish return from exile and the rebuilding of the Second Temple in Jerusalem. As a leader from the Davidic line, Zerubbabel’s role in the restoration of Israel’s worship and community life is crucial in both the Old and New Testament narratives. His name appears in genealogies, connecting him to the lineage of Jesus Christ, thereby enhancing his relevance in the broader scope of Biblical prophecy and messianic expectations.
Did You Know?
- The name Ζοροβαβέλ (Zorobabel) is mentioned in the genealogies of both Matthew and Luke, establishing his connection to the line of David and, consequently, to Jesus Christ.
- Ζοροβαβέλ is often considered a type of Christ in Christian theology, symbolizing the rebuilding of spiritual life just as he rebuilt the physical Temple.
- The phrase “Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit” (Zechariah 4:6) was specifically addressed to Ζοροβαβέλ, underlining the divine empowerment behind his leadership and actions in restoring Israel.
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