### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **Zacharías**, represented by `{{G2197}}`, is defined as being of Hebrew origin and is the name of two Israelites. It appears **11 times** across **11 unique verses** in the Bible. The name is most prominently associated with two figures: the `priest` `{{G2409}}` who was the father of John the Baptist, and a `righteous` `{{G1342}}` man who was martyred.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The biblical narrative presents two distinct individuals named Zacharias. The first is a `priest` `{{G2409}}` who, while serving in the `temple` `{{G3485}}`, was visited by an `angel` `{{G32}}` ([[Luke 1:12]], [[Luke 1:21]]). This messenger announced that Zacharias's `prayer` `{{G1162}}` had been `heard` `{{G1522}}` and that his wife, `Elisabeth` `{{G1665}}`, would `bear` `{{G1080}}` a son to be `called` `{{G2564}}` `John` `{{G2491}}` [[Luke 1:13]]. Later, this Zacharias, as the `father` `{{G3962}}` of John, `prophesied` `{{G4395}}` after his son's birth [[Luke 1:67]]. The second figure is Zacharias, son of `Barachias` `{{G914}}`, who was `slew` `{{G5407}}` between the `temple` `{{G3485}}` and the `altar` `{{G2379}}` [[Matthew 23:35]]. His death is cited as an example of `righteous` `{{G1342}}` `blood` `{{G129}}` being shed, like that of `Abel` `{{G6}}` [[Luke 11:51]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help to frame the context of the two men named Zacharias:
* `{{G2409}}` **hiereús** (a priest): This title defines the primary role of John the Baptist's father, who is introduced as "a certain `priest` `{{G2409}}` named Zacharias" [[Luke 1:5]].
* `{{G1665}}` **Elisábet** (Elisabet, an Israelitess): This is the `name` `{{G3686}}` of the `wife` `{{G1135}}` of Zacharias the priest. Her story is intertwined with his, as she is the one who will miraculously `bear` `{{G1080}}` their son [[Luke 1:13]].
* `{{G2491}}` **Iōánnēs** (John): The son promised to Zacharias and Elisabeth. The `word` `{{G4487}}` of God came to "John the son of Zacharias" in the wilderness [[Luke 3:2]].
* `{{G5407}}` **phoneúō** (to be a murderer (of)): This verb describes the fate of the second Zacharias, who was martyred. The scripture states he was one "whom ye `slew` `{{G5407}}` between the `temple` `{{G3485}}` and the `altar` `{{G2379}}`" [[Matthew 23:35]].
### Theological Significance
The accounts of Zacharias carry significant narrative weight:
* **Divine Promise and Fulfillment:** The story of Zacharias the priest demonstrates God's direct intervention in response to faithful `prayer` `{{G1162}}`. The angelic promise and subsequent birth of `John` `{{G2491}}` serve as a prelude to the New Covenant, showing God's plan unfolding through a righteous family [[Luke 1:13]].
* **Priestly Service:** Zacharias's identity as a `priest` `{{G2409}}` is crucial. His vision occurs within the `temple` `{{G3485}}` during his service, linking the coming of John the Baptist to the heart of Israel's worship system. His later prophecy is an act of the Holy Spirit working through him [[Luke 1:67]].
* **Righteous Martyrdom:** The second Zacharias represents the long history of the persecution of God's faithful messengers. His death is mentioned alongside that of `righteous` `{{G1342}}` `Abel` `{{G6}}`, framing a history of righteous `blood` `{{G129}}` shed from the beginning ([[Matthew 23:35]], [[Luke 11:51]]).
### Summary
In summary, the name `{{G2197}}` **Zacharías** identifies two important figures who illustrate key biblical themes. One is the faithful `priest` `{{G2409}}` whose personal story of answered prayer marks the beginning of the gospel narrative. The other is a `righteous` `{{G1342}}` martyr whose fate symbolizes the cost of speaking truth to power. Together, they represent both the fulfillment of God's promises and the solemn reality of suffering for faith.
TRV