Lexical Summary Zia: Trembling, shaking Original Word: זִיעַ Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Zia From zuwa'; agitation; Zia, an Israelite -- Zia. see HEBREW zuwa' NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom zua Definition a Gadite NASB Translation Zia (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs זִיעַ proper name, masculine a Gadite, 1 Chronicles 5:13, ᵐ5 Ζουε, Ζεα. Topical Lexicon Textual Occurrence The personal name זִיעַ (Zia) appears a single time in the Old Testament, within the tribal register of Gad recorded in 1 Chronicles 5:13. The verse reads: “Their relatives by families were Michael, Meshullam, Sheba, Jorai, Jacan, Zia, and Eber—seven in all” (Berean Standard Bible). Place in the Genealogy of Gad 1 Chronicles 5 catalogues the descendants of the Reubenites, the Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh—those tribes that had settled east of the Jordan River. Zia is listed with six other clan heads of Gad. Verse 17 dates the census to the reigns of “Jotham king of Judah and Jeroboam king of Israel,” situating Zia’s family line in the eighth century BC. The placement confirms that Gad’s tribal structure endured well into the monarchic period, despite geographic distance from Jerusalem and frequent border conflicts. Historical Setting The Gadites occupied territory stretching from the Arnon Gorge northward through Gilead to the lands opposite the Jordan Valley. In 1 Chronicles 5:18-22 they are portrayed as valiant warriors who, empowered by God, struck down the Hagrites and their allies, capturing vast livestock and territory. Although Zia is not individually named in that battle account, as a contemporary clan chief his leadership would have contributed to Gad’s military cohesion and defense of the covenant land east of the Jordan. Theological Themes 1. Divine Faithfulness to Every Generation Genealogies testify that the Lord preserves each family and records every name (Psalm 87:6). Even a briefly mentioned figure such as Zia is remembered in Scripture, underscoring that no servant of God is overlooked. 2. Covenant Identity and Land Inheritance Gad’s east-bank inheritance could have tempted separation from the central worship in Jerusalem (Joshua 22). The chronicler’s inclusion of Zia’s clan affirms Gad’s full covenant membership and continuity with the wider people of God. 3. Accountability of Leadership Clan heads like Zia were responsible for leading men into battle and for maintaining obedience to the Law. Their faith or failure affected the well-being of thousands (compare Numbers 1:4; 1 Chronicles 5:25-26). Ministry and Discipleship Applications • Value of the Unseen Worker Many believers serve without public acclaim. Zia’s solitary mention encourages contemporary servants who labor faithfully in obscurity (Colossians 3:23-24). • Importance of Spiritual Lineage Just as Gad counted its families, churches today must nurture sound generational discipleship, passing on truth “to your children and their children after them” (Deuteronomy 4:9). • Vigilance Amid Prosperity Gad grew strong and wealthy (1 Chronicles 5:21). Yet subsequent verses warn that when the Transjordan tribes became unfaithful, God “stirred the spirit of Pul king of Assyria” against them (1 Chronicles 5:26). Prosperity calls for heightened devotion. Christological Reflection Lists such as 1 Chronicles 5 ultimately advance the redemptive narrative leading to the Messiah, whose own genealogies (Matthew 1; Luke 3) ground His incarnation in real history. The recording of every tribe and clan—including Zia’s—anticipates the final muster of “a great multitude…from every nation, tribe, people, and tongue” around the throne of the Lamb (Revelation 7:9). Summary Though mentioned only once, Zia represents a recognized clan leader of Gad during the reigns of Jotham and Jeroboam II. His inclusion in inspired Scripture highlights God’s meticulous care for His covenant people, the enduring importance of faithful leadership, and the certainty that no life lived for the Lord is insignificant in His eternal record. Forms and Transliterations וְזִ֥יעַ וזיע veZia wə·zî·a‘ wəzîa‘Links Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance 1 Chronicles 5:13 HEB: וְיוֹרַ֧י וְיַעְכָּ֛ן וְזִ֥יעַ וָעֵ֖בֶר שִׁבְעָֽה׃ NAS: Jorai, Jacan, Zia and Eber, seven. KJV: and Jachan, and Zia, and Heber, INT: Jorai Jacan Zia and Eber seven 1 Occurrence |
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