Lexical Summary Zerachyah: Zerachiah Original Word: זְרַחְיָה Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Zerahiah From zerach and Yahh; Jah has risen: Zerachjah, the name of two Israelites -- Zerahiah. see HEBREW zerach see HEBREW Yahh NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom zarach and Yah Definition "Yah has risen," two Isr. NASB Translation Zerahiah (5). Brown-Driver-Briggs זְרַחְיָה proper name, masculine (׳י hath risen, or shined; Sabean דֿרחאל Hal49) — ᵐ5 Ζαραια: — 1 priest 1 Chronicles 5:32 (twice in verse); 1 Chronicles 6:36; Ezra 7:4. 2 head of a family of returned exiles Ezra 8:4 (= 1 ?). Topical Lexicon Meaning and Theological Emphasis The name conveys the idea of Yahweh shining or rising upon His people. The imagery underscores divine initiative, suggesting that every mention of Zerahiah in Scripture carries a reminder that priestly authority and covenant restoration depend on God’s own light breaking forth, not on human merit. Appearances in Scripture • 1 Chronicles 6:6, 6:51 Genealogical and Priestly Significance In 1 Chronicles the name occurs within two parallel priestly genealogies tracing the high-priestly line from Aaron through Eleazar. Zerahiah is placed between Uzzi and Meraioth, marking a stable link during the unsettled era of the Judges. Although no narrative is attached to him, his inclusion demonstrates uninterrupted succession in the Aaronic line, preserving the legitimacy of Temple worship until the monarchy. This same line resurfaces in Ezra 7, where the inspired record carefully repeats the chain through Zerahiah to establish Ezra’s credentials: “son of Zerahiah, son of Uzzi, son of Bukki” (Ezra 7:4). By naming Zerahiah, Scripture proves that the scribe who would reform post-exilic Judah stood firmly within the historic priesthood. The covenant fidelity embodied in Zerahiah’s place in the list authenticates Ezra’s authority to teach the Law and oversee spiritual renewal. Role in the Restoration Era Ezra 8:4 names Eliehoenai “son of Zerahiah” among the leaders who returned with Ezra: “and with him two hundred men”. Whether this Zerahiah is identical to the priest in Ezra 7 or a later descendant bearing the same name, the connection is telling. A family distinguished by priestly heritage also proves willing to forsake Babylonian stability for the costly journey back to a desolate land so that true worship might flourish again. The faithfulness first preserved genealogically now expresses itself missionally. Spiritual Lessons 1. Continuity of Covenant Care. The recurrence of the name across centuries signals God’s preservation of a faithful priestly remnant, ensuring that intercession and instruction never cease. Foreshadowing of Christ’s Priesthood The chronicling of an unbroken priestly line through Zerahiah ultimately directs attention to the perfect High Priest who would arise in the fullness of time. The faithfulness of God in maintaining the line validates the promise that One greater than Aaron would step into the heavenly sanctuary on behalf of His people. Summary Zerahiah himself remains a quiet figure, yet every mention of his name testifies to God’s enduring light upon the priesthood, the safeguarding of redemptive history, and the gracious provision of qualified leaders—from the early tribal period to the Restoration and beyond. Forms and Transliterations וּֽזְרַֽחְיָ֖ה וזרחיה זְרַֽחְיָ֑ה זְרַֽחְיָ֔ה זְרַֽחְיָ֥ה זרחיה ū·zə·raḥ·yāh uzerachYah ūzəraḥyāh zə·raḥ·yāh zerachYah zəraḥyāhLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance 1 Chronicles 6:6 HEB: הוֹלִ֣יד אֶת־ זְרַֽחְיָ֔ה וּֽזְרַֽחְיָ֖ה הוֹלִ֥יד NAS: the father of Zerahiah, and Zerahiah KJV: begat Zerahiah, and Zerahiah INT: and Uzzi became of Zerahiah and Zerahiah the father 1 Chronicles 6:6 1 Chronicles 6:51 Ezra 7:4 Ezra 8:4 5 Occurrences |
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