of Hebrew origin (חִזְקִיָּה); Ezekias (i.e. Hezekeiah), an Israelite:--Ezekias.
Transliteration:Ezekías
Pronunciation:ed-zek-ee'-as
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek lemma Ἐζεκίας (Ezekías), transliterated as Ezekias, is a proper noun derived directly from the Hebrew name חִזְקִיָּה (Hizqiyyah), Strong's `{{H2396}}`. This Hebrew name is a theophoric compound, meaning "Yahweh strengthens" or "My strength is Yahweh." The first part of the name, חִזְקִי (Hizqi), comes from the root חָזַק (chazaq), Strong's `{{H2388}}`, meaning "to be strong, firm, bold, alert." The suffix "-yah" is an abbreviated form of the divine name Yahweh. Thus, the name itself carries a profound theological statement about the source of strength being God Himself. In its biblical usage, Ezekias refers exclusively to King Hezekiah of Judah, a significant monarch in the lineage of David.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The Greek form Ἐζεκίας (Ezekías) appears exclusively in the New Testament, specifically within the genealogies of Jesus Christ. It is found in the Gospel of Matthew:
* [[Matthew 1:9]]: "Jotham begot Ahaz, Ahaz begot Hezekiah."
* [[Matthew 1:10]]: "Hezekiah begot Manasseh."
These two occurrences place Hezekiah squarely within the royal lineage of Judah, connecting him as the son of Ahaz and the father of Manasseh. The inclusion of Hezekiah in this genealogy is crucial for establishing Jesus' legitimate claim to the Davidic throne, fulfilling Old Testament prophecies regarding the Messiah's ancestry. While the New Testament mentions him only in this genealogical context, the figure of King Hezekiah is extensively detailed in the Old Testament historical books (e.g., 2 Kings 18-20, 2 Chronicles 29-32, Isaiah 36-39), where his reign is depicted as one of significant religious reform and miraculous divine intervention, particularly during the Assyrian siege and his personal illness.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is the Hebrew original, חִזְקִיָּה (Hizqiyyah), Strong's `{{H2396}}`, from which Ἐζεκίας (Ezekías) is transliterated. The root of this name, חָזַק (chazaq), Strong's `{{H2388}}`, meaning "to be strong," underscores the theological underpinnings of the name. Concepts related to Ezekias include:
* **Davidic Covenant:** Hezekiah's place in the genealogy highlights God's faithfulness to His covenant with David, promising an eternal dynasty.
* **Messianic Lineage:** As a king in the line of David, Hezekiah is a vital link in the ancestry leading to the Messiah, Jesus Christ.
* **Divine Strength/Providence:** The meaning of his name, "Yahweh strengthens," resonates with the historical accounts of his reign, where God miraculously strengthened him and Judah against their enemies (e.g., the Assyrians) and preserved his life.
* **Kingship:** Hezekiah represents the monarchical period of Judah, a time of both spiritual decline and revival, often dependent on the spiritual posture of the king.
### Theological Significance
The inclusion of Ezekias in the New Testament genealogies carries profound theological weight. First and foremost, it affirms the historical continuity of God's redemptive plan, linking the Old Covenant to the New. Hezekiah's presence validates Jesus' credentials as the promised Messiah, demonstrating His direct descent from the royal house of David, a requirement for the Messiah ([[2 Samuel 7:12-16]], [[Jeremiah 23:5]]).
Furthermore, the very meaning of the name "Yahweh strengthens" serves as a subtle yet powerful theological statement. King Hezekiah's reign, as recorded in the Old Testament, was marked by significant challenges and miraculous divine deliverance. His reliance on Yahweh for strength in the face of the Assyrian threat and his personal illness exemplifies the truth embedded in his name. His inclusion in the genealogy thus implicitly points to God's sovereign power to sustain His chosen line, to overcome obstacles, and to bring His purposes to fruition, even through imperfect human agents. It highlights that the strength for the Messianic lineage, and ultimately for salvation, comes from God alone.
### Summary
Ἐζεκίας (Ezekías), transliterated from the Hebrew חִזְקִיָּה (Hizqiyyah), Strong's `{{H2396}}`, means "Yahweh strengthens." This proper noun refers exclusively to King Hezekiah of Judah. In the New Testament, its occurrences are limited to the genealogies of Jesus Christ in [[Matthew 1:9-10]], where Hezekiah is presented as a crucial link in the Davidic line. Theologically, his inclusion underscores the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies regarding the Messiah's royal ancestry and implicitly affirms God's unwavering faithfulness and sovereign strength in preserving the Messianic lineage, demonstrating that true strength originates from Yahweh alone.
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