The Greek word Ezekías, represented by G1478, is a name of Hebrew origin for an Israelite. It appears 2 times across 2 unique verses in the Bible. The name itself means Ezekias, which is equivalent to the Hebrew Hezekiah.
The biblical use of G1478 is confined to the genealogy found in the Gospel of Matthew. Ezekías is presented as a crucial link in a direct line of descent. He is identified as the son of Achaz Matthew 1:9 and the father of Manasses Matthew 1:10. His presence in this record serves exclusively to establish a specific ancestral connection.
Several related words appear alongside Ezekías in his genealogical context:
- G1080 gennáō (to procreate... figuratively, to regenerate): This verb, translated as "begat," establishes the generational links where Ezekías is named (Matthew 1:9, Matthew 1:10). It is also used figuratively to describe being "born of God" 1 John 5:4.
- G881 Acház (Achaz, an Israelite): Named as the father of Ezekías Matthew 1:9.
- G3128 Manassēs (Mannasses... an Israelite): Named as the son of Ezekías Matthew 1:10.
- G2488 Iōátham (Joatham... an Israelite): The father of Achaz and grandfather of Ezekías Matthew 1:9.
- G3604 Ozías (Ozias... an Israelite): The father of Joatham and great-grandfather of Ezekías Matthew 1:9.
- G300 Amṓn (Amon, an Israelite): The son of Manasses and grandson of Ezekías Matthew 1:10.
- G2502 Iōsías (Josias... an Israelite): The son of Amon and great-grandson of Ezekías Matthew 1:10.
The theological weight of G1478 is tied entirely to its role in lineage.
- Genealogical Continuity: The mention of Ezekías serves a single, specific purpose: to affirm an unbroken line of descent. He acts as a connective figure, linking his father, Achaz, to his son, Manasses Matthew 1:9-10.
- The Concept of "Begetting": The verb associated with Ezekías, gennáō G1080, is used in his context for physical procreation. However, the same word is used elsewhere to convey the concept of spiritual birth, as in being "born of God" 1 John 4:7 or "born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh... but of God" John 1:13.
In summary, G1478 Ezekías is a proper name used exclusively within the genealogical records of Matthew's Gospel. He functions as a specific link, securing the line from his father Achaz to his son Manasses. While his role is strictly ancestral, the verb used to describe his place in the lineage, gennáō G1080, carries a dual meaning in scripture, pointing to both physical birth and the profound reality of spiritual rebirth.
TRV